Representatives of the Youth Development Centre – Mutual Aid had the opportunity to participate in the youth exchange project “Green Business Initiative”, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, which took place from 30 May to 5 June 2026 in Kaluža, Slovakia.

The project was implemented by the non-governmental organisation STEP, chaired by Rastislav Zaremba, and brought together young people from Slovakia, Bulgaria, Spain, Greece, Romania, and Hungary. The main objective was to learn more about sustainable entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and the opportunities for developing green business initiatives.

From the very first day, we were welcomed in a friendly atmosphere. Through different ice-breaker activities and team-building games, we quickly made new friends and became part of the group. We got familiar with the project programme, created common rules to follow and learned more about the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme.

During the week, we took part in various workshops and interactive activities focused on sustainable development and green entrepreneurship. We presented eco-friendly business practices from our countries, discussed the impact of human activities on nature and explored topics such as greenwashing, sustainable consumption and environmental solutions to modern challenges. Through practical activities, we developed skills in planning, teamwork, time management and creating our own ideas for green business projects.

We especially enjoyed the activities related to finding innovative solutions to environmental problems, as well as the upcycling workshop, where we learned how waste materials can be given a new life through creative ideas. We also had the opportunity to visit a local vineyard and an animal shelter, where we learned about good practices in sustainability and social responsibility.

The project also helped us improve our communication skills through preparing presentations, presenting the results of our work and speaking in front of an audience. We created ideas for environmental campaigns that we can implement in our local communities after returning home, and we also developed ideas for future projects connected to the Erasmus+ programme.

The evenings were full of cultural diversity. During the intercultural evenings, we had the opportunity to present the traditions, food, music and customs of our countries. These moments helped us learn more about different cultures and build friendships that will last long after the project ended.

Taking part in the “Green Business Initiative” was an inspiring and valuable experience. The project showed us that through cooperation, creativity and a responsible attitude towards nature, young people can become a driving force for positive change.

– The Bulgarian participants of the project