Celebrating Sustainable Food, Culture, and Learning

The Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project “Legacy of the Soil: Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food” (Project No: 2024-3-ES02-KA153-YOU-000260774), organized by Stowarzyszenia Polish Healthy Life Association, took place in Gijón, Spain, from 28 April to 5 May 2025. Bringing together participants from Türkiye, Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Iceland, the project aimed to promote sustainable agriculture, safe food systems, healthy lifestyles, and environmental awareness. Throughout the project, youth workers exchanged experiences, explored innovative educational methods, and developed practical tools to raise awareness about food sustainability and climate-related challenges within their communities.

One of the most engaging activities was the “Taste Trails” experience, which connected participants with the local culture and food traditions of Asturias. Through visits to cafés, bakeries, local markets, and public spaces in Gijón, participants explored regional breakfast products while discussing topics such as organic food, food safety, healthy nutrition, and sustainable consumption. The activity also created opportunities to interact with local residents and visitors, helping participants strengthen their intercultural communication skills while disseminating the project’s key messages to a broader audience.

The project also focused on personal and professional development through the “Language Enhancement: Cultivating Linguistic Skills” activity. Participants reflected on their communication experiences throughout the mobility, evaluating how interactions with international peers and local communities contributed to the improvement of their English language abilities. This self-assessment process encouraged participants to recognize their progress, build confidence in intercultural communication, and better understand the importance of language skills in international cooperation and youth work.

Another important component of the program was the “City Trek: Exploring Urban Sustainability” activity. Participants visited several cultural and historical landmarks of Gijón, including Cimavilla, Isabel la Católica Park, Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, and the Roman Thermae. These visits provided valuable insights into the relationship between urban development, cultural heritage, environmental protection, and sustainable living. By observing local sustainability practices and meeting project stakeholders, participants gained a broader perspective on how communities can balance cultural preservation with environmental responsibility.

The project concluded with a comprehensive evaluation session where participants reflected on their experiences, learning outcomes, and future applications of the knowledge gained. Through structured assessment methods, they analyzed the strengths of the project and discussed how sustainable agriculture, safe food practices, and environmental awareness can be promoted more effectively among young people. As a result, participants left the project with increased knowledge, stronger intercultural competencies, improved communication skills, and practical ideas for supporting sustainable food systems and healthier communities across Europe.