Under the Erasmus+ initiative Get on the Action Train (G.O.A.T.), young people across Europe were encouraged to transform creative ideas into meaningful actions for their communities. From Greece, two outstanding teams stood out for their innovation, inclusivity, and passion for positive change. Both projects show how environmental awareness, creativity, and storytelling can empower youth and unite generations — proving that local action can shape a sustainable European future.
➢ Green Out of the Box Challenge
By a Young Team from Kozani
Implemented across the Kozani region, the Green Out of the Box Challenge inspired over 500 young people and 50 educators to take on hands-on environmental challenges. Using a “green box” filled with creative sustainability tasks and resources, participants from schools, scout groups, and inclusive centers learned to think globally while acting locally.
Through gamified workshops and community activities, from tree planting and upcycling art to vegetable nurseries made from recycled materials, students discovered the power of teamwork, environmental responsibility, and peer education. The initiative connected schools like the Secondary School of Eani and 2nd Vocational School of Kozani, as well as the Scout Groups of Kozani and the KDAP-MEA PROTYPO Center for Children with Disabilities, fostering a truly inclusive approach to sustainability.
The highlight came during the final community event at the Koventareios Municipal Library of Kozani, which gathered over 200 students and teachers to showcase their projects and celebrate youth-driven environmental action.
By blending education, creativity, and inclusion, Green Out of the Box demonstrated that sustainability education can be fun, accessible, and impactful for all. The project continues through the creation of “green teams” in schools and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that its legacy grows far beyond the challenge.
➢ Rural Narratives
By the Youth Team from Serres and Drama
Through the power of film and storytelling, Rural Narratives shed light on the realities of life in Greece’s rural communities. The youth-led team embarked on a six-month creative journey across Serres and Drama, exploring the phenomenon of village abandonment, intergenerational dialogue, and the dreams of young people who wish to keep rural life alive.
The result was a moving two-part participatory documentary capturing the voices of both elderly residents and young locals. Through interviews, filming, and community engagement, the project bridged generations — preserving traditions, fostering understanding, and sparking discussions about the future of Greece’s countryside.
The documentary premiered on 27 September 2025 in Ano Vrontou (Astropili) and on 29 September 2025 at the Municipal Theatre “Asteria” in Serres, attracting enthusiastic audiences. Beyond the screenings, the project reached thousands online and gained media attention, proving the power of youth-led storytelling in driving awareness and change.
Supported by HIGGS, Cecropia Hub, and local cultural associations such as the Cultural & Environmental Association “Krousovitis”, the initiative combined artistic expression with civic engagement. It also offered eight young participants practical experience in filming, interviewing, and community organizing, skills they plan to expand in future projects.
Rural Narratives has already inspired plans for follow-up documentaries and educational use in schools, keeping alive the stories, voices, and hopes of Greece’s rural communities.
Inspiring Change, One Idea at a Time
Both Green Out of the Box and Rural Narratives capture the essence of Erasmus+: creativity, collaboration, and community impact. Whether greening local environments or documenting rural lives, these Greek youth teams remind us that when young people are given space, trust, and tools, they can lead transformative change.
Through empathy, innovation, and storytelling, they are shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected Europe, one project at a time.
