Reducing Pollution and Empowering Youth through Himmeli Creation: A Collaborative Erasmus+ Project with Environmental and Economic Impact

The project aimed to develop new educational methods for working with young people, combining ecological, technical, artistic, and marketing aspects. The project aimed to raise awareness of the ha...

The project aimed to develop new educational methods for working with young people, combining ecological, technical, artistic, and marketing aspects. The project aimed to raise awareness of the harm caused by burning grass and reeds and promote their ecological use through the creation of Himmeli kits and ornaments. The project aimed to develop creativity, manual skills, logical thinking, and digital and marketing competencies in young people attending classes at three partner organizations and at seven institutions outside the project partners, which implemented Himmeli classes into their educational programs. A total of 45 teachers and youth workers from the three partner organizations developed their methodological skills, gaining practical skills in using Himmeli arts and crafts by conducting classes for young people related to the topics of ecology, art, and technology. Through workshops and promotional demonstrations, the development of five methodological guides on Himmeli, Himmeli crafts and art were also implemented into teaching at seven institutions outside the consortium of partners.

The idea for the project arose during consultations held by partner organizations with representatives of the agricultural industry in 2022. At that time, the problem of reeds and grasses remaining unused in cultivated fields after the harvest season was highlighted. In Poland, North Macedonia, and Greece, illegal burning of these reeds was a significant problem, leading to the destruction of local flora and fauna ecosystems and posing a risk of starting fires. As part of the project, an attempt was made to find an alternative way to use the reeds and grasses drying out after the season. A proposed solution to this problem was to promote Himmeli kits among local youth groups, school teachers, and youth workers. Local NGOs and schools were to permanently implement Himmeli activities into their educational programs, involving youth collecting reeds and grasses after the harvest season, drying them, preparing Himmeli kits themselves, and then creating ornaments and decorations from Himmeli elements. By working with Himmeli, young people were to develop their ecological, artistic, technical and creative thinking competences.

The issue of firing the oversupply of straw remaining on agricultural fields after the harvest of cereals - analyse of actual situation and lessons conspects; Himmeli dissemination - A practical guide for teachers and young workers; Himmeli KIT - A practical guide for teachers and young workers; Himmeli - Christmas ornaments competition - A practical guide for teachers and youth workers; Himmeli - heavenly straw ornaments - a practical guide for teachers and youth workers; Himmeli - heavenly straw ornaments - a practical guide for teachers and youth workers