Lithuania Follow Up

Follow Up Activities 

The Green Wardrobe project brought a lot of knowledge, new insights to Lithuanian National team. They were so inspired that they decided to share this knowledge and inspire as many students from their school as possible.

On 2024-06-21 in Santakos Gymnasium of Pilviškiai Green Wardrobe event took place bringing together classes from 5th to 8th classes. It was loud, it was interesting, it was useful. The event was divided into different sections: workshops, preparing your own re-used clothes and fashion show. Students were super excited to participate. 

In 1st workshop younger students were taught 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Renew) concept and they became aware of how important it is to pay attention to fashion.

The 2nd workshop shared knowledge about where the materials come and concept of Green Washing. Workshop taught about Ecological footprint of our fashion, how much water it takes to produce clothes.

3rd workshop was practical one about methods how to repair clothes, how to re-use materials that are available.

Second part of event contained preparing for fashions-how. Several groups were divided and students had time to create their clothes from techniques they have learned and re-use materials they had available. Event ended up with glamorous fashion show and a lot of smiles.000

Links for online dissemination

The article about event in Lithuanian is in following school website: https://pilviskiai.lm.lt/2024/06/25/zalioji-vasaros-spinta-atsidare/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2R3S9zFxKhOOKG8FzI2AjLchfcHJml_9V2Te6PXar3U5Kz5kHRjHYwmGQ_aem_ySM45fgqPfcy5uOlCizFUQ 

The photos of the event are in following folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eu4Gop9dh1fypHNh8 

The video about event is on youtube channel: Žalioji spinta atsidaro 2024 06 21 (youtube.com)

Evaluation Paragraphs from Participant

Asta

I participated in this project as one of the Lithuanian team leaders. It was a good experience for me for multiple reasons. First of all, I could get to know many young people who are interested in nature preservation and care about reusing, recycling and fixing their wardrobes and make some valuable contacts (network) for future projects of my own. Not to mention, I have made some friends, who will be part of my life from now on.

Secondly, the atmosphere in the training was amazing, the trainers were very nice and responsive to any comments or issues, anything that was not right, they would fix and react immediately. Thirdly, I really liked to share my knowledge of Public Speaking as well as making friendship bracelets. It was useful for young people and I was so happy when some of them came and gave me positive feedback that I didn't expect. I then realized my skills were 100 percent useful and I can continue teaching the same things also in my country, especially Public Speaking.

This training served me not only as a way of getting to know something new about "greener wardrobe" (I already follow many of the practices) but in particular it was a useful platform for reflection about Green Lifestyle as well as about my personal life. I am very grateful for organizers, trainers and team leaders for collaboration and young people for being open-minded, observant and willing to change their points of view.

I am especially grateful for Lithuanian group team leader Ina, who was following the group from the very beginning, preparing them for the training and giving rules as well as caring deeply about each member of the group. She's been a great team-mate and travel-mate. All in all, I'd certainly recommend similar project and Erasmus+ projects for youth and youth workers. They open your mind and give practical knowledge about the topic.

Ina

This is my third Erasmus+ project in which I participated as a teacher. The topic of sustainability in clothing has always been important to me because it is closely related to my attitudes toward sustainability in our daily lives. The main aim of a youth exchange project "From Waste to Wear: Building Skills for a Greener Wardrobe!" focused on sustainable fashion, repairing clothes, and learning practical skills to empower young people to take action and create a more sustainable and equitable world. My personal goal for taking part in this project and leading the group of young people there was to share my knowledge and skills in sewing, embroidering and crocheing. Perfect weather conditions, delicious food, cosy accommodation, pleasant communication, comfortable and friendly learning environment, professional leaders of learning activities - all this proved once again that learning can (and should) bring pleasure. I am grateful to the leaders of ACPELIA, the organization that hosted us, for the well-organized training, which will definitely have continuity in my daily activities, working with children and youth. I am grateful to NGO Social Effect Network and personally to Asta Kondrakevičiūtė for the opportunities and trust given to us to represent our country and our region. This is the most sincere thanks to all project participants (from very different countries) who were willing to communicate and share their time, knowledge, ideas, culture. New friendships and acquaintances made during the project not only helped to broaden my personal horizons, but also strengthened my inner world. I look forward to new projects.

Rugilė

Participating in the Green Wardrobe Project through the Erasmus+ initiative has truly been an eye-opening and transformative experience for me. Thanks to Asta's proposal and Ina's facilitation, I had the opportunity to delve into the world of sustainable fashion, learning about its profound impact on the environment and exploring alternative practices to build a more eco-friendly wardrobe. Throughout this journey, I gained insights into the workings of the fashion industry, distinguishing between fast and slow fashion and understanding the significance of non-verbal communication and trust. What made this experience truly remarkable were the connections forged with fellow participants. Together, we supported and encouraged one another, navigating challenges and celebrating achievements. These connections not only provided invaluable support but also broadened my perspectives and inspired new ideas. Additionally, the project served as a platform for enhancing my English proficiency, as engaging in discussions and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds offered real-world language practice. Delving into activities like upcycling added a hands-on dimension to my learning, equipping me with practical skills that I can integrate into my daily life. Above all, the Green Wardrobe Erasmus+ project deepened my commitment to sustainability, fostering personal growth and reinforcing the importance of collective action in safeguarding our planet for future generations. I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative and for the organizers' efforts in providing a comfortable and enriching experience in Cyprus. This project has not only empowered me to make more conscious consumer choices but has also cultivated lasting friendships and a sense of community with like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive difference.

Akvilė

First of all, I want to thank Asta for her proposal to participate in the Erasmus+ project for our school. And a big thank you to Ina, who gave us all the opportunity to contribute to this project. The best response to the organizers for the provided comfortable way of life in Cyprus, and also for the interesting and engaging planned activities. My experience with the Green Wardrobe Erasmus+ project was truly incredible. Not only did I learn a great deal about sustainable fashion and the importance of environmental conservation, but I also had the opportunity to form numerous meaningful friendships with fellow participants from various backgrounds. These connections enriched my experience and allowed me to learn from different perspectives. Additionally, the project provided me with the chance to improve my English skills through constant communication and collaboration with my peers. One of the highlights for me was discovering the art of upcycling, which taught me how to give old clothing a new lease on life. Through hands-on workshops and discussions, I gained practical knowledge and skills that I can apply in my daily life. Moreover, the project instilled in me a deeper appreciation for nature and the need to protect our planet for future generations. Overall, the Green Wardrobe Erasmus+ project was not just an educational experience, but also a transformative journey that allowed me to grow personally and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for sustainability and community.

Evelina

Participating in the Green Wardrobe Project has been an eye-opening experience for me. Through this Erasmus+ Project, I've embarked on a journey of exploration into the world of sustainability, uncovering the effects of fast fashion on the environment and learning about alternative practices for creating a more eco-friendly wardrobe. My involvement in the project has provided me with an understanding of how the fashion industry operates, the difference between slow and fast fashion, the importance of non-verbal communication, and trust. The most significant part of my journey on the Green Wardrobe Project has been the connections I've made with fellow participants. Together we've supported and encouraged each other, celebrating our successes and solving challenges along the way. These connections have not only provided support but have also opened doors to new perspectives and ideas. The project has given me a unique opportunity to improve my English skills. Engaging in discussions and collaborating with other participants from diverse backgrounds has allowed me to practice English in a real-world context. Overall, my experience with the Green Wardrobe Project has been incredibly rewarding. It has been an enlightening experience, empowering me to make more conscious choices as a consumer, making new friendships, fostering personal growth and deepening my commitment to sustainability.

Marius

Participating in the Green Wardrobe made me a better man who consciously look to be more sustainable. It made me prioritize eco-conscious fashion practices, guiding me through an exploration of the detrimental impacts of fast fashion on our planet. Engaging in immersive workshops and collaborative dialogues, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how our clothing choices shape environmental degradation. This experience sparked a profound shift in my approach to fashion, inspiring me to embrace mindful consumption and explore innovative ways to reduce my fashion footprint. From repurposing old clothes to actively supporting ethical brands, I am going to align my wardrobe with my environmental values. Along this transformative path, I encountered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, each contributing unique perspectives and enriching cultural exchanges. This project helped my personal growth, boosting my confidence in communicating and presenting in English. Overall, the Green Wardrobe Project has empowered me to become a proactive agent of change, committed to fostering a more sustainable future through conscious fashion choices.

Rapolas

The "Green Wardrobe" Project was a pivotal experience that reshaped my outlook on fashion and sustainability. Engaging in this initiative exposed me to the importance of eco-conscious fashion practices and the harmful effects of fast fashion. Through various activities and collaborations, I embraced the concept of mindful consumption and explored methods such as upcycling and supporting ethical brands to reduce my fashion footprint. Additionally, the project provided opportunities to connect with diverse individuals, fostering cultural exchange and personal growth. It not only deepened my understanding of environmental issues but also boosted my confidence in communication and presentation skills. Ultimately, the Green Wardrobe Project was a transformative journey that empowered me to make more responsible choices and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Pijus

The "Green Wardrobe" Project was a transformative journey, redefining my relationship with fashion and sustainability. Engaging in this initiative, I delved deep into the realms of eco-conscious fashion, understanding its significance in combating environmental degradation. Through workshops and collaborative efforts, I learned about the detrimental impacts of fast fashion and the need for mindful consumption. This project instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards our planet, compelling me to adopt more sustainable practices in my wardrobe choices. From upcycling old garments to embracing ethical brands, I embarked on a quest to reduce my fashion footprint. On this journey, I also met a lot of new and interesting people who changed my mind and perception. I will never forget the conversations with other participants. I got to understand Cyprus culture and people and got to know other countries' cultures through the cultural nights and gatherings. This project showed me that I know the English language and that I can speak it, write it, and think it. I improved my public speaking, now I'm not afraid of talking to the public and I'm not afraid to present anymore. This project changed me for the better.

Miglė

This was my first-ever project with Erasmus+. It was a great and a very unique experience. The "Green Wardrobe" project was very well executed and the people there were really passionate about creating a better environment for us and the future generations. All of the leaders and participants were very enthusiastic and supportive. I always knew that Asta and Ina were very passionate about the projects that they go to, but I didn't expect them to be such great leaders and supporters. I think everyone in the project got an opportunity to express themselves and learn about fashion and what their clothes are made of! In this project, I personally got to learn how to communicate without talking, how not to be afraid of talking in front of big crowds of strangers and how to express my thoughts on specific topics properly. I want to thank the leaders of ACPELIA for finding such a great location and accommodating to everyone participating in this project! Also, a very big thanks to my school, Ina and Asta for letting me to participate in such an important and meaningful event.