Day 4 of the I Care About Kids Project: A Sustainable Future and Intercultural Exchange

The fourth day of the "I Care About Kids" Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Project, coordinated by Caspian Research Center and implemented in Saint-Mandé, France under the Erasmus+ programme (Project No: 2023-1-FR02-KA152-YOU-000145811), focused on environmental awareness, sustainability, and intercultural learning through a variety of interactive activities.

The day began with a city tour organized by the French group, giving participants the opportunity to explore Saint-Mandé and become more familiar with the local culture and environment. The main activity of the day, “A Sustainable Future for Children,” took place at Lac de Saint-Mandé, where participants gathered in a natural setting to discuss environmental challenges and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.

Coordinated by the Portuguese team, the activity enabled each national group to present research prepared before the exchange. Participants shared information about environmental issues in their countries, the current state of natural resources, and potential future challenges related to sustainability. The discussions encouraged young people to think critically about their individual and collective responsibility in creating a greener and more sustainable future. Participants also learned about eco-friendly practices and practical actions that can be applied in everyday life to support environmental protection.

Following the outdoor activities, participants took part in an evaluation session where they reflected on their experiences, learning outcomes, and personal development. The session provided an opportunity to consolidate newly acquired knowledge and exchange feedback with fellow participants. In the evening, project leaders met to review participants’ feedback and discuss ways to further improve the quality and impact of the project activities.

The day concluded with a Cultural Night organized by the Hungarian group. Participants introduced their countries through traditional food, music, dances, customs, and language expressions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of intercultural dialogue and mutual learning. Through these exchanges, young people gained a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity, strengthened their communication skills, and built stronger international friendships.

The activities of the fourth day demonstrated the close connection between sustainability, active citizenship, and intercultural cooperation. By sharing experiences from different countries and exploring common environmental challenges, participants increased their awareness of sustainable development while reinforcing the values of solidarity, mutual respect, and international cooperation promoted by the Erasmus+ programme.