When: 30 May - 7 June 2014

Where: Stepanavan, Armenia

Who: Stepanavan Youth Center (Armenia) and Youth and Environment Europe (Czech Republic)

Project description:

The youth exchange Eco Photo connected 35 young people from 4 European Union (United Kingdom, Italy, Hungary and Czech Republic) and 3 EECA (Armenia, Georgia and Belarus) countries from 30 May to 7 June in Stepanavan, Armenia.
The tool of the YE was photography. It promoteed creativity among participants, created an encouraging space for youth to freely express, share opinions and learn from each other. Environment being universal was the platform for promoting peace building and active citizenship. Participants shared experience, developed knowledge and skills on environment, water and sustainable development issues. The project engaged and empowered them to advocate and participate in solving local environmental issues. Methods used included taking photos in communities, creative presentations, simulation, discussions, workshops on quality in photography, street photography, developing skills in eco-campaigns, event management, etc.
The project culminated with outdoor exhibition in Yerevan where selected photos were shared with larger public - through photos transferring concern and the message of participants to locals. As a follow up, participants created a website to share pictures and will organise local photo exhibitions and online exhibitions. Check EcoPhoto 2014 website here

Aims and objectives:

The aim of the YE was to provide space to discuss global environmental challenges, their local impact and work together to create tools for raising awareness on those issues in their communities.

The objectives of the YE were:

• to share opinions, approaches, experience and exchange information on environmental situation and issues in Europe
• to promote positive impact on youth work at local level and youth active participation in the addressing environmental issues
• to develop skills in photography and video making, giving tools and developing skills to demonstrate concerns and issues
• to develop creative solutions in voicing opinions, concerns and increase effectiveness of young people to address issues
• to establish contacts and strengthen cooperation between European young people
• to promote better understanding of cultural diversity, to provide a chance to experience cultural diversity
• to develop and promote friendship, mutual understanding and harmony among European young people

Participating organisations:

• Stepanavan Youth Center (Armenia)
• Youth and Environment Europe (Czech Republic)
• TE IS Foundation (Hungary)
• SIQA (Georgia)
• Green Rope (Italy)
• Education without Borders (Belarus)
• Look East Wild Earth (United Kingdom)

Contact person: If you want to know more about this project, please contact Natalia: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funders:

With the support of the Youth in Action programme of the European Union