Between 20–24 November 2024, the city of Drobeta Turnu Severin hosted the European youth mobility “Together for Climate”, part of the Green YOUth Changemakers project. The event gathered 20 young participants and decision-makers from Romania and Bulgaria for five days of workshops, field visits, and advocacy training, all centered on addressing climate change and strengthening youth civic engagement.
The first day of activities was dedicated to arrivals and the official opening session. After welcoming remarks, participants engaged in interactive “getting to know each other” activities and team-building exercises. These were designed to create trust, cooperation, and a strong group dynamic for the days ahead.
A session on fears and expectations allowed participants to express their concerns and hopes for the mobility, ensuring that the programme responded to their needs. The day ended with social time, offering informal opportunities to build connections across cultures.
The second day began with an interactive workshop on „Understanding climate change”. Participants explored the scientific basis of climate change, its local and global consequences, and the roles of different actors in addressing it. The session “Who’s Who in Climate Change?” introduced institutions, decision-makers, and stakeholders, clarifying responsibilities at local, national, and European levels.
In the afternoon, an „Environmental education workshop” provided practical activities on sustainable practices, waste reduction, and climate-friendly behaviors. This was followed by case study analysis, where small groups examined real examples of environmental initiatives and discussed their relevance to their own communities.
The day closed with an intercultural evening, where Romanian and Bulgarian participants presented elements of their culture, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across borders.
Day three combined fieldwork with advocacy capacity building.
In the morning, participants took part in a field trip, visiting local institutions involved in environmental protection and waste management. A highlight was the visit to the mechanical-biological treatment plant in Malovăț, operated by Brantner Servicii Ecologice. Guided by representatives of the Mehedinți County Council, participants learned about sorting, recycling processes, and sustainable waste management infrastructure.
The afternoon featured the first „advocacy workshop”, where participants explored what advocacy means, why it is important, and how youth can use it to influence decision-making. In the “Keys for the Change” session, they practiced defining messages, understanding audiences, and identifying leverage points for change.
The fourth day deepened the focus on advocacy. During „advocacy workshop II”, participants worked in teams to create concrete proposals addressing environmental issues identified during the week. They designed messages, selected communication channels, and drafted strategies for engaging citizens and policymakers.
The session “Make Your Message Heard” allowed each group to present their advocacy ideas, receiving constructive feedback from peers and facilitators. In the afternoon, the groups further developed their work into „advocacy action plans”, outlining clear steps for implementation in their local communities after the mobility.
The final day was dedicated to reflection and future opportunities. Participants took part in a YouthPass and Erasmus+ workshop, learning how to document and validate their new competences and how to access future European opportunities for education, mobility, and civic engagement.
The event closed with a final evaluation session, where participants reflected on their personal growth, shared highlights of the week, and assessed the overall impact of the mobility. Certificates were awarded, recognizing the skills and experiences acquired. Departures followed in the afternoon.
The Together for Climate mobility in Drobeta Turnu Severin provided young people with a comprehensive platform to learn, act, and collaborate on climate issues. By combining theoretical workshops, practical field visits, and hands-on advocacy training, participants developed both knowledge and practical tools to become changemakers in their communities.
The exchange between Romanian and Bulgarian youth highlighted that environmental challenges transcend borders and that solutions must be built on collaboration, civic engagement, and sustained commitment. The legacy of this mobility lies in the advocacy action plans and in the empowered voices of young people ready to promote a greener and more sustainable future.