From Empathy to Action: Strengthening Climate Justice Through Youth Work

Urban Inequality is an Erasmus+ KA153 – Mobility of Youth Workers project (Project No: 2025-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000373499) organized by KUFF Refugees and Minorities Solidarity Association. The project took place in Madrid, Spain, between 12–18 April 2026, bringing together participants from Spain (KUFF Refugees and Minorities Solidarity Association), Türkiye (İsrafla Mücadele Platformu), the Republic of North Macedonia (OOU Vlado Tasevski), Hungary (Phoenix Rising Youth), Azerbaijan (Modern Youth Public Union), and Bulgaria (I am you peace global). Through non-formal education methods, the mobility strengthened youth workers' competencies in addressing the urban heat island effect, environmental justice, and urban inequality while encouraging intercultural cooperation and active participation in building more sustainable and inclusive communities.

Participants deepened their understanding of environmental justice through interactive activities that encouraged empathy, creativity, and critical reflection. Experiential exercises invited them to examine urban environments from different perspectives, helping them recognize the importance of green infrastructure, accessible public spaces, and sustainable city planning. By connecting environmental challenges with everyday experiences, participants developed a stronger awareness of how climate change affects communities in different ways.

The programme also highlighted the important role of youth workers in promoting climate awareness through non-formal education. Practical workshops introduced participatory methods such as community observation, local mapping, and advocacy techniques that can be adapted to youth work in different countries. Participants exchanged good practices and explored how they could motivate young people to become active contributors to environmental protection and local decision-making processes.

Forum theatre and collaborative discussions enabled participants to examine real-life situations related to unequal access to cooler and healthier urban spaces. By proposing alternative solutions and reflecting on different perspectives, they strengthened their communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These activities reinforced the idea that environmental challenges require inclusive, community-driven solutions that consider the needs of vulnerable groups while promoting equal opportunities for all citizens.

Reflective storytelling and evaluation activities helped participants consolidate their learning by connecting climate justice with personal experiences and social responsibility. Through creative narratives and group reflections, they recognized how non-formal education can inspire positive environmental action and strengthen community engagement. The learning experience was further enriched by the cultural evening hosted by participants from the Republic of North Macedonia and Azerbaijan, where traditional food, music, dances, and cultural present