"S.A.V.E.":
Erasmus+ Project of the European Union
for Emergency Preparedness
and Ecology
N. Anchialos, Greece 2-12.11.2025. ''S.A.V.E.'' (Sports,
Action, Values, Environment) was an Erasmus+ KA152-YOU Youth Mobility project
that brought together 42 young people and youth leaders from 6 European
countries—Greece, Serbia, North Macedonia, Portugal, Poland, and Bulgaria. The
central activity was a 9-day youth exchange a coastal town chosen for its
natural learning environment and access to lifesaving training facilities.
Participants aged 18 to 26 explored the intersection of lifesaving sports,
environmental resilience, and community engagement, transforming physical
activity into a tool for civic protection and ecological awareness.
Connecting Everyday Actions to Environmental
Impact
Participants explored how human behavior contributes
to natural disasters and environmental degradation. Through workshops, beach
clean-ups, and marine pollution analysis, they learned to identify local
environmental risks and design practical solutions. Activities emphasized how
small, consistent actions, like monitoring coastal ecosystems or reducing
waste, can lead to lasting change.
Empowering Youth as Community Responders
A key aim was to prepare young people to lead
environmental emergency responses in their communities. Participants created
action plans, practiced civic engagement strategies, and learned how to
mobilize peers during floods, fires, and other crises, fostering leadership and
real-world problem-solving.
Strengthening European Cooperation and
Intercultural Dialogue
The exchange fostered collaboration across cultures
through mixed-nationality teams, cultural evenings, and joint reflection
sessions. Participants shared diverse approaches to environmental challenges,
built lasting friendships, and developed intercultural communication skills
essential for European youth work.
Creating Lasting Educational Resources
Participants co-created a digital guidebook featuring the project's information, various first aid and disaster preparedness techniques, various tested environmental practices from across Europe, and messages from participants. Furthermore, the participants created other digital resources, such as educational videos, posters, and a project website, which featured even more information about first aid, disaster preparation, and the ecological impact of humans on the environment. These outputs were designed to be accessible, and youth-friendly, extending the project’s impact beyond the exchange.
Promoting Non-Formal Learning and Erasmus+
Accessibility
The project showcased the power of non-formal
education, especially for young people facing barriers to participation.
Through experiential learning, peer-to-peer teaching, and Youthpass
certification, participants gained transferable skills, boosted their
confidence, and discovered new pathways for civic involvement and personal
growth
Organizers and Participants
The S.A.V.E. Erasmus+ youth exchange was hosted by the
Greek Lifesaving Sports Association (GLSA), led by Dr. Stathis Avramidis and
his expert team, whose deep experience in lifesaving sport and disaster
preparedness shaped the project’s foundation. The exchange was strongly
supported by Sportsko-edukativno udruzenje "Edusphera" from Serbia,
known for its innovative approach to civic engagement and youth empowerment,
with strong local support from City of Nis Basketball Association (CNBA),
represented by Bojan Golubović MTM. Together, they orchestrated a
transformative experience that blended physical training, environmental
education, and intercultural learning.
Six countries participated - Greece, Serbia, Poland,
North Macedonia, Portugal, and Bulgaria - each represented by dynamic youth
organizations with expertise ranging from environmental advocacy and sports
education to cultural heritage and community development. The learning journey
was guided by two experienced youth workers: Mladen Stojinović (Serbia),
specializing in sports methodology and civic action, and Efraim Chalkias
(Greece), an expert in lifesaving techniques and emergency response.
Project Objectives
The project introduced participants to lifesaving
sport as a form of experiential education. Through daily team-based simulations
and water safety games, young people developed essential first aid and disaster
preparedness skills. These activities promoted physical fitness, teamwork, and
a sense of responsibility, equipping participants to act confidently in
environmental emergencies.
Activities
The S.A.V.E. Erasmus+ project offered a transformative
learning experience by blending non-formal education, physical training, and
environmental action. Participants engaged in a dynamic syllabus that included
first aid (bleeding control, spinal injury management, CPR, defibrillation,
oxygen use), lifesaving sport, personal survival at sea, fire awareness,
triage, and casualty handling. These sessions were led by expert facilitators
from Greece and Serbia, supported by partner organizations with strong backgrounds
in sports education, environmental advocacy, and youth empowerment.
Hands-on workshops and simulations were complemented
by beach clean-ups, marine pollution analysis, and digital storytelling,
ensuring that participants not only gained practical skills but also developed
a deep understanding of their role in environmental protection and community
resilience.
Summary
The S.A.V.E. project left a lasting impression on all
participants, who praised its quality, relevance, and organization. Feedback
highlighted deep appreciation for the facilitators and the support of the
European Union. More than a project, it was a transformative journey,
empowering young people, expanding perspectives, and inspiring lifelong
engagement. In short, it didn’t just teach skills, it opened minds and sparked
change.
Special Appreciation
Special thanks should be given to some entities for their substantial support. Mr. Dimitris Makris from AL-MA Safety company, provide the liferaft that was used for the survival lesson. Mr. Lampros Liaros from Lifeguard Volos school made the sea survival lesson richer with his power boat. Lastly, the Volos Fire Department, provided expertise and awareness on fire emergencies.
More
Local Survey Results of the Erasmus+ project “S.A.V.E.” of the European Union
Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Photos: GLSA, Edusphera.
