EcoMinds Youth Exchange in Giovinazzo, Italy (May 2025): A Collective Journey Towards Sustainability and Wellbeing
In May 2025, young people from France, Serbia, Italy, and Sweden gathered in the picturesque coastal town of Giovinazzo, Italy, to participate in "EcoMinds," an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange coordinated by InCo-Molfetta. Hosted in the seaside monastery of Seminario Serafico dei Frati Cappuccini, this intercultural exchange combined environmental action, mental health awareness, and community building through creative and participatory workshops.
Giovinazzo is a charming coastal town in southern Italy, located near Bari in the Puglia region. Known for its picturesque old town, medieval walls, and vibrant fishing harbor, it offers a perfect blend of history, seaside beauty, and authentic Italian life. Visitors love strolling through its narrow stone streets and enjoying fresh seafood by the Adriatic Sea
THE AIMS OF THE YOUTH EXCHANGE & ACTIVITIES ARE...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
The Vision of EcoMinds
EcoMinds was more than just a youth exchange—it was a response to the urgent need to re-balance our digital and real lives. The program aimed to explore the connection between ecology and mental wellbeing, and to create space for reflection, creativity, and shared responsibility. The objectives included:
- Raising awareness about environmental challenges and solutions
- Encouraging youth participation in sustainable and inclusive actions
- Supporting personal development and self-care practices
- Promoting cultural understanding and European identity
The Role of Unity Echo (France)
Representing France, Unity Echo brought a team of five young participants and one group leader. The French team took an active role throughout the exchange: designing workshops, performing during the intercultural night, and facilitating discussions around self-care, creativity, and ecological values. Pre-departure training sessions were held in February and April 2025, both online and in-person, to prepare participants for the experience. Sessions covered project orientation, intercultural preparation, team-building, and workshop planning.
Highlights of the Program
Beach Clean-Up with NGO 2Hands:
One of the most impactful activities was the collective cleanup of Giovinazzo’s stone beach, where participants worked with local NGO 2Hands to collect and sort waste. It was a tangible expression of cross-border environmental solidarity.
Creative and Mindful Workshops
The French team coordinated mini-group activities where each participant led a creative or ecological task—ranging from eco-art therapy and nature mandalas to sensory walks and upcycled crafts. These workshops not only encouraged mindfulness and eco-awareness but also boosted leadership and group cohesion
Intercultural Night:
A highlight of cultural expression, the French team performed a humorous yet thoughtful theatre sketch about French stereotypes, language quirks, and protest culture. Their performance included a fashion show, fake political protest, and interactive phrases in French—blending theatre, language, and comedy.
A Lasting Impact
EcoMinds left behind more than just memories—it planted seeds of sustainability, creativity, and transnational friendship. Participants returned not only with souvenirs but also with stronger self-awareness, deeper empathy, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through small actions like cleaning a beach or flipping a crêpe, the exchange reminded everyone that collective care—for self, others, and the planet—is at the heart of being European today.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
