Welcome to Planetwise
NURTURING RESILIENT CAREERS IN ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES
Who are we
The Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute is an organization of civil society, established to help individuals, communities and institutions to develop their skills, improve their performance and share knowledge to be able to meet the challenges of society and thus contribute actively to the development of a European area of skills and qualifications.
The Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute is working to bring about social change for the benefit of citizens in the context of development of local, regional and European society. It focuses on the promotion of equal learning opportunities, in promoting human rights, cultivating the spirit of entrepreneurship and the development of people’s abilities, promotes intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange and European awareness with the active participation of young people and adults in projects relating to mobility, entrepreneurship education, professional and personal development.
About Us
PLANETWISE
PLANETWISE was a 14-day initiative in Thessaloniki, complemented by 4 days of outdoor activities in Kozani, focused on youth development within the framework of Erasmus+ Youth Accreditation. Targeting young people, particularly those facing unemployment and fewer opportunities, the project blended educational workshops with hands-on experiences to enhance skills in employability, sustainability, and active citizenship. The outdoor component in Kozani added an experiential layer, fostering environmental awareness and practical learning, while encouraging leadership and community engagement.
Objectives
Enhancing Valued Youth Employability & Entrepreneurship (OB1): PLANETWISE emerged as a resounding success, achieving multifaceted outcomes aligned with its core objectives. The project aimed to foster a transformative hub for youth workers, focusing on resilience, humanitarianism, and eco-friendly careers. The participants gained insights into strategies for enhancing youth employability and cultivating entrepreneurial skills. Success stories and real-world examples provided tangible pathways for participants to bolster their professional standing
Investing in Competences Development & Youth Empowerment (OB2): Kozani’s segment of the project focused on outdoor activities as an educational tool, fostering personal development and empowerment. Participants acquired competencies in utilizing nature-based learning approaches, equipping them to empower the youth in their communities.
Promoting Digitalisation of Youth Work & Digital Competences of Youth (OB3): The dedicated Digital Competence Workshops equipped participants with essential skills for navigating the digital landscape. This digital- savvy approach aimed to enhance their capacity to engage with youth in a technologically evolving world.
Fostering Social Inclusion & Equality (OB4): The project actively addressed social inclusion and equality through role-playing exercises, simulations, and intercultural exchange activities. Participants gained a deeper understanding of societal prejudices and learned to champion inclusivity in their youth work.
Encouraging Environmental Protection & Sustainability (OB5): The outdoor activities in Kozani, coupled with workshops on environmental responsibility, instilled a sense of environmental awareness among participants. They grasped the significance of eco-friendly practices, aligning with the project’s commitment to sustainability.
e-Good Practice Handbook
Nurturing Resilient Careers in eco-friendly Practices: This Good Practice Handbook serves as a testament to the success of the PLANETWISE project, encapsulating its achievements and offering a wealth of insights. With a laser focus on youth resilience, eco-friendly career paths, and collaborative initiatives, the handbook aims to equip youth workers, educators, and policymakers with practical resources. Through a structured exploration of various domains, the handbook endeavors to inspire and guide the next generation toward resilient, environmentally conscious careers. As we delve into the following sections, the richness of the PLANETWISE project unfolds, providing a blueprint for sustainable and impactful youth development.
PLANETWISE Handbook: Navigating Sustainable Career Paths
The PLANETWISE Handbook is a comprehensive guide designed to inspire and equip young people for eco-conscious career pathways and active roles in sustainability. This resource brings together insights from the PLANETWISE project, offering tools, case studies, and actionable steps for engaging in green jobs, community-based sustainability initiatives, and environmental leadership. From understanding the essentials of sustainable development to exploring digital tools for environmental advocacy, the handbook empowers youth to transform passion for the planet into impactful, lifelong careers.
Modules 2022
PLANETWISE has made significant strides in fostering youth empowerment, sustainability, and social inclusion through its six thematic modules, each addressing specific challenges aligned with the project’s objectives and EU Youth Goals. Since its inception in 2023, PLANETWISE has focused on enhancing employability and entrepreneurship, particularly for NEETs and disadvantaged youth, by promoting eco-friendly careers and training in sustainable practices. The project has emphasized lifelong learning through outdoor education, building resilience and leadership skills, and strengthening digital literacy to meet the demands of a technology-driven world. Its commitment to social inclusion is evident in its focus on diversity, equality, and creating accessible opportunities for all youth, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, PLANETWISE has empowered young people to adopt green practices, aligning with the EU’s vision of a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy. The project’s collaborative and adaptable approach, demonstrated through its five-year span and response to emerging challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights its dedication to impactful and lasting change. Through annual Good Practice e-Books and a digital Youth Repository, PLANETWISE ensures continuous knowledge sharing and skill development, enhancing the reach and relevance of its initiatives. By integrating eco-friendly careers, outdoor education, digital competence, and social inclusion into a holistic framework, the project not only addresses immediate youth challenges but also builds a foundation for sustainable, inclusive progress, positioning empowered young people as drivers of positive change in their communities. In specific:
“Eco-Friendly Careers for Nurturing Sustainable Youth Employment”: Our journey will delve into the challenges we face, the opportunities that lie ahead, and how embracing eco-friendly careers can shape a greener and more promising future for the next generation.We will explore the critical role that eco-friendly careers play in addressing both the environmental challenges of our time and the pressing need for meaningful youth employment opportunities.
“Digital Competence in Youth Work for Harnessing Technology for Impact”: Digital competence refers to an individual’s ability to effectively and responsibly use digital technologies to achieve specific goals, whether they are related to personal, educational, or professional activities. Digital competence encompasses a range of skills, knowledge, and attitudes that empower individuals to navigate, communicate, and create in a digital society. It goes beyond basic technology literacy and includes the capacity to critically assess information, collaborate online, solve problems using digital tools, and understand the ethical implications of digital interactions.
“Humanitarianism in Action for Fostering Social Inclusion and Equality”: In a world marked by diverse challenges and disparities, the paradigm of humanitarianism emerges as a beacon of hope, actively shaping a future defined by social inclusion and equality. The intertwining threads of humanitarian action and the pursuit of a fair and inclusive society converge, offering a powerful narrative of collective responsibility and global solidarity. As we embark on this exploration of “Humanitarianism in Action for Fostering Social Inclusion and Equality,” we delve into the heart of transformative endeavors that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural nuances.
“Nature as Educator: Outdoor Activities for Personal and Societal Development”: he importance of nature in education is recognized for its multifaceted benefits, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and educational aspects.Reasons why incorporating nature into education is considered valuable: Holistic Development: Physical Health: Outdoor activities promote physical exercise, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles and related health issues. Cognitive Development: Exposure to nature has been linked to improved cognitive function, including increased attention spans and enhanced problem-solving skills. Enhanced Learning: Experiential Learning: Nature provides a dynamic and interactive learning environment, allowing students to explore and learn through firsthand experiences. Scientific Exploration: Natural settings offer a real-world context for studying scientific concepts, ecology, and environmental science.
Modules 2023
The PLANETWISE Modules are an interconnected series designed to empower youth with skills and knowledge across essential themes such as eco-conscious careers, digital competencies, sustainable practices, and active civic engagement. These modules aim to equip youth workers and young leaders with practical tools and insights aligned with the EU Youth Goals, focusing on fostering employability, inclusivity, and active citizenship. Through experiential activities and digital resources, participants will explore transformative green practices, enhance their digital skills, and learn the importance of participating in democratic processes to build a sustainable future.
Each module blends theoretical learning with practical applications, from nature-based education promoting resilience to digital workshops that prepare youth to leverage technology for social impact. Additionally, interactive sessions will guide participants in addressing social inclusion and equality, ensuring all youth, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their communities. By engaging with these modules, participants join a broader mission of creating a greener, more inclusive Europe, where young people are equipped and inspired to lead in their communities and beyond.
Empowering Future Leaders through EU Youth Goals and Sustainable Careers
This module focuses on cultivating leadership skills and eco-conscious career pathways for young people, guided by the EU Youth Goals. By exploring sustainable career options and acquiring entrepreneurial skills, participants are empowered to become leaders in green industries, helping drive Europe’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Harnessing Digital Technology for Eco-Friendly Career Development
In this module, participants learn to leverage digital tools and platforms for professional growth in eco-friendly sectors. Training covers essential digital competencies, from navigating remote work environments to using technology in sustainable business practices, ensuring participants are equipped for the digital and green demands of the future job market.
Fostering Green Practices for a Sustainable Workforce
This module instills practical knowledge of green practices, preparing youth for sustainability-focused roles. Through hands-on learning and environmental workshops, participants explore how eco-conscious decisions in the workplace can contribute to resource conservation, pollution reduction, and the creation of sustainable communities.
Virtual Collaboration and Networking for Environmental Innovation
Designed to harness the power of virtual connectivity, this module teaches participants effective online collaboration techniques for advancing environmental initiatives. Through virtual networking, participants connect with global peers and experts to share ideas and co-create innovative solutions to today’s pressing environmental challenges.
Youth Engagement in Democratic Life for a Sustainable Future
In this module, youth are empowered to become active citizens, understanding the importance of democratic participation in achieving sustainability goals. Through workshops and role-play scenarios, participants gain skills to advocate for environmental and social issues, ensuring their voices contribute to shaping a greener, more inclusive society.
Driving Change in Green Policies through Active Participation
This module equips youth with the knowledge and tools to influence policy on environmental issues. Participants learn the fundamentals of environmental advocacy, how to engage with local and EU policymakers, and strategies for campaigning on green policies, empowering them to drive legislative change for a sustainable future.
Experiences Video
