News

Probably you've noticed that lately we have had many changes in the YEE office. That's why we would like to explain all the changes and present you with a new team.

Maria Maggie Dokupilova left YEE at the end of May and from June we welcomed Mercedes Fioravanti from Spain to the position of Secretary General. You maybe know Mercedes already as she was an EVS volunteer in the YEE office in 2011/2012.

Natalia Luchko finished her EVS project in May and smoothly changed her work position to Main Coordinator. She is taking over the tasks of Gosia Zubowicz-Thull who is finishing her work in YEE at the beginning of July. After 5 years in YEE, Gosia will leave to search for new life challenges :)

And we are hosting of course 2 EVS volunteers - Jessica Massucco from the U.K. and Jesus de la Hoz Trapero from Spain.

Yes, a lot of EVS in this short article... it's because all members of the new team did or are currently doing their EVS (European Voluntary Service). Hurray to volunteering!

Good luck to the new team!

Check who works for YEE here.

Dear YEE friends,

Time to say goodbye :) Or just see you soon!

I still remember the day when I arrived to YEE office – it was sunny and I didn't know what to expect – I had never lived at the ecological farm before. My room turned out to be just next to YEE office and it was a beginning of me being close to YEE for the next years.
I loved the place and I still have the same feeling of peace when I arrive here every day. I greet people, children are running around, flowers growing and our office cat is waiting for some cuddles.
So I stayed here for...5 years! Exactly five years!

Read more ...

Do you think a camera in your hand can make a difference? Do you believe that people from different countries think and feel the same way? Are you worried about your ecological footprint?

Come and see!

We were 35 people from 6 different countries who gathered in the town of Stepanavan surrounded by beautiful Armenian mountains. We had 8 days to learn how to raise environmental awareness using creative tools, such as photography and video making. The project was funded by Youth in Action Programme of the European Commission.

Before coming to Armenia we were supposed to take pictures, prepare presentations on environmental topics in our countries and also to find a creative way of introducing our cultures to the others.

Read more ...

YEE has been busy with upcycling workshops across Europe!

EDEN Center promoted upcycling during Earth Day celebrations and the First Environmental Film Festival in Albania. They encouraged the public to get creative with waste at their 'upcycling craft corners.'

Meanwhile in Armenia, the Stepanavan Youth Center created a special workshop for children. They explained the concept of upcycling and are pleased to report that the children grew very enthusiastic as they grasped the idea. It inspired discussion on how best to improve environmental conditions in their community.

AYA designed a brilliant upycling workshop for World Oceans Day at Moscow Zoo. Volunteers spoke to the public about ocean pollution and the unbelievable 'garbage islands' that continue to grow. They explained the concept of upcycling and provided waste materials for crafts. Children were given special heart shapes to stick over a garbage island on the world map. The idea was to symbolize how upcycling can reduce waste and prevent bigger garage islands.

Read more ...

Women around the world are disproportionately affected by climate change and environmental problems. They do the majority of agricultural work in the world and make important consumer decisions regarding food, water and resources. Yet there is a significant gender imbalance in environmental leadership positions. This was the motivation behind YEE's 'Women for the Planet' training. The TC was designed to empower women, discuss social gender issues and release leadership potential.

 YEE and EPEKA hosted the training in Maribor, Slovenia. Participants arrived from 16 countries across Europe accompanied by 3 dedicated trainers. They stayed in an eco credited hotel and ate vegetarian food prepared by a local Roma catering company to promote social inclusion and minimise carbon emissions.

The training sessions were diverse but united in their aim to develop confidence and leadership skills. Participants exchanged opinions and ideas, practised non-violent communication methods and expressed themselves through bodywork.

We hope the training provided participants with new ideas, a fresh perspective and good friends. We will continue this project with further trainings on the topic in the future.

Read Participant Teresa's review of the training here.

Click here for the photogallery.