At Zoran Mitrović Consulting, we are committed to helping organizations create, manage, and coordinate successful Erasmus+ projects. In this case study, we’ll show how we guided the environmental association, O2 por la Vida, through their first Erasmus+ project, “Green Gen.” This youth exchange initiative focused on promoting non-formal education in the Canary Islands community, emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection.
About O2 por la Vida and their mission
O2 por la Vida is a non-profit environmental association that specializes in sustainable and educational activities aimed at children and youth. Their work centers around topics such as environmental protection, sustainability, and animal welfare. Through workshops, sports, and nature-based activities, the organization promotes a healthy, sustainable lifestyle in the local community of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
The "Green Gen" Erasmus+ Project: A successful collaboration
From June 5th to 14th, 2024, O2 por la Vida hosted their first Erasmus+ KA1 Youth Exchange project, titled “Green Gen.” This project brought together participants from Spain, Belgium, Serbia, and Macedonia, all united by a passion for sustainability and inclusive education. Through workshops, cultural exchanges, and hands-on learning activities, “Green Gen” aimed to foster creativity, positive initiatives, and cooperation in non-formal education.
What was our role in this project?
Writing and submission
Management and Coordination
Partnership building
Communucation
Zoran Mitrović Consulting played a pivotal role in helping O2 por la Vida successfully plan and execute their first Erasmus+ project. Here’s how we provided support at each stage of the process:
Proposal Writing and Submission
We collaborated with O2 por la Vida to write a compelling project proposal, aligned with Erasmus+ objectives and European Commission guidelines. This included outlining the project’s goals, methodology, and expected outcomes.Project Management and Development
From the initial concept to project implementation, we handled all aspects of project management, ensuring smooth coordination between partners and participants.Partnership Building
Leveraging our strong alliances with NGOs like Eko Fun Kamp and NGO United Youth, we helped O2 por la Vida form partnerships with organizations whose missions aligned with the goals of “Green Gen.” This ensured a diverse group of participants and a broad range of perspectives.Communication and Dissemination
We took care of the communication strategy, ensuring effective dissemination of the project’s objectives and results, both locally and internationally. Our team managed all promotional activities to increase visibility and ensure the project’s impact extended beyond its immediate participants.Project Coordination
We provided guidance on coordinating workshops, cultural evenings, and team-building activities that enriched the experience for participants. These interactions fostered collaboration and ensured that participants developed valuable skills through non-formal education methods.
The key objectives of "Green Gen"
The “Green Gen” project set out to achieve several impactful goals, including:
Promoting Non-Formal and Informal Learning
Highlighting the importance of non-formal education within the community, offering alternative ways of gaining practical knowledge and skills outside of traditional educational institutions.Fostering Cooperation and Mobility
Encouraging international cooperation through the mobility of youth groups, which promotes cultural exchange and the sharing of best practices in sustainability.Cultivating Creativity and Innovation
Providing a space for creativity and innovation in education, where participants learned new approaches to sustainable development and environmental protection.Supporting Digital Transformation
Helping participants and educators gain essential digital skills, contributing to the digital transformation of education in their home countries.Encouraging Youth Participation
Actively engaging young people in environmental and educational initiatives, giving them a platform to share their perspectives and contribute to positive change.
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Structuring the project
Given that “Green Gen” was O2 por la Vida’s first Erasmus+ project, we recommended a KA1 Youth Exchange as an ideal starting point. This project type is perfect for promoting cultural exchange and skill development through international collaboration.
- Duration: The project spanned 9 days, packed with educational workshops, cultural exchanges, and outdoor activities.
- Budget: The Erasmus+ grant covered key expenses, including participant travel, accommodation, materials for workshops, and exceptional costs related to project execution.
Once the project structure and goals were finalized, we ensured that O2 por la Vida was properly registered on the EU Login platform. We then submitted the proposal, adhering to all standards set by the European Commission. After three months, the project was approved, and the team was ready to bring “Green Gen” to life!
Conclusion
The “Green Gen” project was a huge success, achieving its goals of promoting non-formal education, fostering international cooperation, and encouraging sustainable practices in the Canary Islands community. It was a win-win:
- O2 por la Vida completed their first Erasmus+ project, gaining valuable experience, visibility, and knowledge to continue their mission.
- Participants left with new skills, friendships, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and non-formal education.
If you’re looking to start your own Erasmus+ project or need help navigating the complexities of EU funding, Zoran Mitrović Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way. We specialize in helping organizations like yours achieve long-term success through strategic planning, project management, and partnerships.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of Erasmus+ opportunities!
