Future Education: Outdoor Learning and Green Skills
▶Summary
Our project had 3 main objectives: -equipping 36 adults in 6 small communities from Romania and Bulgaria with the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow them to become agents of change in ...
▶Objectives
Our project had 3 main objectives: -equipping 36 adults in 6 small communities from Romania and Bulgaria with the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow them to become agents of change in their communities in terms of sustainable practices and environmental protection, by developing 8 non-formal learning opportunities using outdoor experiential learning. -promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for adults of any age and fostering a socially inclusive learning environment in which 36 learners from various backgrounds will come together in order to increase their competencies regarding the use of Outdoor Experiential Learning within their work, during the activities undertaken within the 12 months of the project. -integrating 36 adults with their proximity natural environment and developing a sense of responsibility for the environmental protection, by creating a set of best practices that can be used at European, national and regional levels showcasing the benefits of adult education through Outdoor Experiential Learning, and helping to build efficient and effective outreach methods, during the 12 months of the project.
▶Activities
Within our project we included a carefully designed flow of activities to address the target group’s needs and achieve the expected results. Development of the Outdoor Experiential Learning Programme: We created a comprehensive methodology outlining target group profiles, non-formal methods, tools and workshop objectives. This toolkit contains more useful items and instruments to be freely shared between organisations. Learning mobility in Sinaia: We hosted a transnational learning activity in Sinaia where 36 adult learners engaged in outdoor experiential learning, exchanging ideas and practices across cultural boundaries. Project management tasks: We ensured smooth coordination through regular communication between partners, financial oversight, result assessment and risk management strategies. We include here 2 transnational meetings and several ZOOM and in-person meetings. Local workshops: We conducted 8 non-formal workshops in Romania and in Bulgaria as part of the specific local activities in the 2 partner countries. These workshops applied the methodology to enhance participants’ skills in sustainability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
▶Impact
Key outputs included: -8 Local workshops: Conducted in Romania and Bulgaria, these workshops engaged diverse adult learners, fostering skill development and environmental awareness. -One learning mobility in Sinaia: This transnational activity provided 36 participants with practical outdoor learning experiences and opportunities to exchange ideas across cultures. -36 Adult participants with improved skills: Participants enhanced competencies in sustainability, teamwork, critical thinking, and outdoor experiential learning, empowering them as community change agents. -One Communication Strategy: A unified strategy improved outreach and collaboration between the two partner organizations. -One Risk Management Strategy: Ensured effective mitigation of potential challenges, reinforcing the project's long-term sustainability. -One Outdoor Learning Strategy (Toolkit): A comprehensive guide developed by the 2 organisations to support future initiatives in outdoor experiential education. This toolkit contains a brochure, educational videos, testimonials and more. These results collectively advanced the project's objectives and created lasting impacts for the participants and communities involved.