AE Vilela took part in the European Project “Wear the Change” in Croatia

From 15 to 24 July 2025, the Agrupamento de Escolas de Vilela was represented in Pakrac, Croatia, as part of the European youth exchange “Wear the Change”, a project aimed at raising awareness among young people about sustainable fashion practices and environmental responsibility.

Our team consisted of a group leader and five participants/students.

The initiative was hosted by the Croatian organization Čisteći medvjedići (“Little Cleaning Bears”), a non-profit association widely recognized for its strong environmental activism. Since 2019, the organization had conducted over 450 clean-up actions, involving more than 1,400 volunteers and collecting over 130 tons of waste.

The “Wear the Change” project brought together 30 young participants from five European countries – Germany, Romania, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia – with the main goals of:

– Increasing awareness about the environmental and social impact of fast fashion;

– Promoting the reuse of clothes and conscious consumption habits;

– Strengthening leadership, teamwork, and active citizenship skills among young people;

– Encouraging intercultural learning and understanding.

During the exchange, participants had the opportunity to meet local activists, analyze clothing labels, and take part in a second-hand clothing swap organized by the volunteers of Čisteći medvjedići.

The Portuguese delegation was represented by the Agrupamento de Escolas de Vilela, in cooperation with its partner NGO Associação Nó Górdio, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to sustainability education, European citizenship, and youth mobility.

The project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Youth Programme, which covered travel, accommodation, and meals, ensuring that all participants could fully benefit from this enriching experience.