Project week in Romania – Green Horizons: Navigating Sustainability through Experiential Learning and Emotional Intelligence

Recap EmpowerED Project Week in Romania: The Connection Between Sustainability, Finance and Emotions

written by Yvonne Liu

How do we make sustainable decisions? What role do emotions play in consumption? And how can we manage money and resources more responsibly? These were the questions explored by 30 young people from Germany, Romania, Portugal, Cyprus and Estonia during the EmpowerED Project Week, which took place from 9 to 15 June 2026 in Bunești, a small village surrounded by the Romanian countryside.

The international youth exchange took place as part of the Erasmus+ EmpowerED project and brought together three topics that may seem very different at first glance, but are closely connected: sustainability, finance and emotions.

The Connection Between Sustainability, Finance and Emotions

From the very beginning of the week, it became clear that sustainable action encompasses many different aspects. Through various workshops, participants explored how emotions influence our behaviour and the role they play in everyday decisions, such as consumption, money management and sustainable lifestyles.

One of the workshops focused on personal belongings. Each participant presented an object they were particularly proud of, one they had owned for the longest time, and something unique. The discussions showed that many possessions have a value that goes far beyond their material worth. At the same time, the exercise encouraged participants to reflect on their own consumption habits and the conscious use of their possessions. Together, they reflected on how emotions influence purchasing decisions and how important it is to carefully consider purchases beforehand.

Emotional well-being also played an important role. Working in groups, the participants created „emotional emergency kits“ containing personal objects that could provide strength during difficult moments. Another particularly impressive and emotional activity was a guided meditation in which everyone was invited to imagine their 80th birthday. The exercise demonstrated how strongly emotions can influence our thinking and highlighted the importance of taking time for reflection and relaxation.

The topic of finance was also explored in a practical way. Through group work and various everyday scenarios, participants practised budgeting and discussed how financial decisions can be made more sustainably in the long term. It also became clear that sustainable consumption does not necessarily cost more money, but often means using one’s own resources more consciously.

Another special experience was planting trees together. Despite the summer heat, the activity showed how much work lies behind even a single environmental measure and that long-term sustainable change can only be achieved by working together.

Sustainability on Site

Outside the workshops, the region also offered many opportunities to connect with the project’s themes. During a cycling tour to Viscri, the participants learned about an example of sustainable tourism. In conversation with a local entrepreneur, it became clear how sustainable ideas can create new opportunities and that career paths do not always have to follow a straight line.

In addition, the participants gained insights into the history of the region. During a visit to the church in Bunești, the local pastor spoke about the history of the Transylvanian Saxons and the development of the village. A visit to Saschiz also demonstrated how historical cultural heritage can be preserved while being used for sustainable tourism.

Learning Together

Alongside the workshops, intercultural exchange played a central role. During the cultural evenings, participants introduced their countries through traditional food, drinks and activities. This created many opportunities for personal conversations and new friendships.

The project week demonstrated that sustainability, finance and emotions are closely interconnected. Sustainable decisions are not based on knowledge alone, but are also influenced by emotions and by the way we manage our own resources. The participants returned home with many new perspectives and inspiring ideas.

Program Information

As part ofEmpowerED an exciting project week entitled “Green Horizons: Navigating Sustainability through Experiential Learning and Emotional Intelligence” will take place in Viscri, Romania, from July 9 to 15, 2026.

Participants from Romania, Estonia, Portugal, and Germany will come together and spend five days intensively discussing current and important topics. The project week is aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 30, as well as trainers and staff working in the field of youth work. Together, they will explore and discuss a wide range of topics, strengthen their knowledge and skills, and learn more about working together in a European team.

Topics of the project week

The project week in Romania consists of various modules and formats in which participants engage with a wide range of topics in a practical way. The focus is on the following topics:

• Ecological sustainability in everyday life (e.g., “Planting a better future – sustainable habits”)
• Emotional skills and personal development, even in challenging times (e.g., “Emotional first aid kit”)
• Dealing with personal finances and budgeting (e.g., “Slow living budget challenge”)

All topics are implemented using interactive and engaging methods. Participants can and should contribute their own ideas and thoughts, exchange views with each other, and learn about new perspectives.

Here you can get a concrete insight into the current schedule:

How to participate

The project is aimed at young people (aged 18-30) and people working in youth work (no age limit). You are suitable for the project week if you:

• are a young person between the ages of 18 and 30 or work in youth work
• currently live in Germany
• are interested in the above topics and are motivated to participate in all modules and share your perspective with other participants

• are able and willing to actively participate in an English-language program
• have time to participate in the entire program

The costs for travel, accommodation, and meals during the program are covered in full by the Erasmus+ program. You only have to pay for additional leisure activities.

Interested? Then apply now!

If you would like to participate in the project week in Romania, we look forward to receiving your application by April 1, 2026.

Please send us a short letter of motivation (max. 1 page) describing why you would like to participate (we welcome personal texts without AI). Please also let us know if you have already participated in other Erasmus+ projects.

GERMAN participants: Please send your application directly to Ute (Ute Böhr, ub@eab-berlin.eu)

CYPRIOT participants: Please send your application to Anastasia (Anastasia Eleftheriou, eleftheriouanastasia@gmail.com) 

We look forward to receiving your applications and are happy to answer any questions you may have!