Rebirth: Climate Crisis and Migration – Learning Through Environmental Awareness, Creativity, and International Cooperation

The "Rebirth: Climate Crisis and Migration" Mobility of Youth Workers project was organized by KUFF Refugees and Minorities Solidarity Association and took place in Madrid/Alcobendas, Spain, between 29 April and 5 May 2025. The project brought together youth workers from Spain (KUFF Refugees and Minorities Solidarity Association), Turkey (Aydinlik Yarinlar Toplulugu), North Macedonia (Association for International Youth Cooperation INTERAKTIV Bitola), Estonia (Artemis Women's Power MTÜ), Italy (Community of Natural Life), Romania (BD CLOUD SYSTEMS SRL), and Hungary (Vihar Lovasai Egyesület). Through international cooperation, participants explored the connections between climate change, environmental degradation, war, and migration while exchanging professional practices and developing innovative methods for youth work.

The activities encouraged participants to strengthen their emotional awareness and connection with nature through music and movement. Inspired by Charles Camille Saint-Saëns' composition The Carnival of the Animals, youth workers expressed natural elements and wildlife through body language, creativity, and imagination. This experiential approach improved communication, teamwork, self-expression, and non-formal learning skills while demonstrating how artistic methods can be integrated into environmental education and youth work.

The educational sessions focused on the environmental consequences of armed conflicts, particularly deforestation, soil degradation, and radioactive pollution. Through visual presentations, discussions, and collaborative learning, participants examined how wars destroy ecosystems, contaminate natural resources, and create long-lasting environmental and humanitarian challenges. By sharing examples from their own countries, youth workers broadened their understanding of global environmental issues and gained practical knowledge that can be transferred into future educational activities with young people.

Participants also developed creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills through an interactive activity that explored how societies, technology, education, agriculture, and the environment might have evolved in a world without wars. Working in international teams, they researched historical conflicts, created theatrical scenarios, prepared performances, and presented their ideas to local audiences. This process strengthened research abilities, digital competencies, creativity, teamwork, and public speaking while encouraging participants to reflect on peace as a key element of sustainable development.

The project concluded with reflection, evaluation, and intercultural exchange, allowing participants to assess their learning outcomes and share feedback through interactive evaluation methods. Cultural presentations introduced traditions, languages, music, dances, and cuisine from each participating country, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and intercultural dialogue. By combining environmental education, creative methodologies, critical reflection, and cultural interaction, the project equipped youth workers with practical tools to promote sustainability, peace, and active citizenship within their local communities and future international initiatives.