Stichting yEUth is proud to announce its participation in the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “RE-thinking Fashion”, hosted by Association Alfa Albona in Rijeka, Croatia, from March 31 to April 6, 2025. This inspiring exchange aimed to raise awareness among young people about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, while equipping them with practical skills in sustainable fashion and upcycling techniques.

Rethinking Fashion for a Sustainable Future

The RE-thinking Fashion youth exchange brought together young people from six countries—Latvia, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, and the Netherlands—to explore sustainable alternatives to fast fashion. Participants delved into critical issues such as textile waste, resource overconsumption, and ethical production through dynamic workshops, group discussions, and hands-on activities.

Workshops covered everything from the environmental footprint of the fashion industry to practical upcycling and recycling methods, including creative sessions like transforming plastic bags into reusable items and designing a collaborative eco-friendly coloring book. These activities promoted creativity, personal development, and environmental awareness.

An Immersive Learning Experience in Rijeka

Set against the cultural backdrop of Rijeka, a coastal city known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, participants engaged in non-formal educational activities that blended learning with intercultural exchange. The program featured team-building exercises, cultural nights, campaign creation against fast fashion, and participation in the local Veseljak Buvljak bazaar, where they sold second-hand items and distributed their co-created coloring book to the local community.

Each day began with energizing group sessions and continued with interactive workshops facilitated by national teams. Evening reflections and spontaneous social gatherings encouraged participants to connect across cultures and reflect on their experiences.

A Participant’s Voice

“I joined the RE-thinking fashion project in Rijeka, Croatia from 31st of March to 6th of april. I enjoyed it a lot! The most I enjoyed the creative sessions, like the upcycling of plastic bags workshop and the traditional Croatian cooking class. We also had a fun cultural evening with food, dances and games from the different countries. I also enjoyed the workshops and discussiond about how to tackle fast fashion and implement slow fashion and upcycling. It gave me more inspiration for the future.”
— Suzan, representing Stichting yEUth

Looking Ahead

Stichting yEUth is honored to have contributed to this impactful project and extends heartfelt thanks to Association Alfa Albona for their thoughtful coordination and hospitality. This youth exchange exemplifies our mission to inspire young people through sustainability, collaboration, and intercultural learning.

Stay tuned for more stories and future opportunities to engage in projects that empower and connect youth across Europe.

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