Awareness pillar

The foundation of the programme. Participants take part in thematic workshops on sustainability, climate justice, circular economy, ecological leadership, and social inclusion. They learn to translate their experiences and insights into impactful communication. A key part of their work involves creating content for social media: photos, videos, blogs, and interviews, that shares their story, increases project visibility, and raises awareness across Europe. Storytelling is used both as a learning tool and as an activation mechanism to convey their message, aimed at fostering ecological and social awareness and a conscious shift in perception and values.

The Inclusion pillar

Is embodied in the co-creation of daily life and the promotion of equal participation. Participants share responsibility for cooking, shopping, cleaning, and maintaining a clean, safe, and functional living space. This shared ownership encourages communication, planning, cooperation, and mutual respect. By living and working together in a diverse group, participants strengthen their social skills, self-management, and empathy. The project explicitly encourages collaboration with young people from different backgrounds, with a focus on creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive community.

Human & Nature

This pillar focuses on active engagement in ecosystem restoration and circular projects. Participants help establish food forests, plant native flora, and create ecological zones for local wildlife. They organise clean-up actions in collaboration with local partners, aimed at raising awareness and changing behaviours. Additionally, they contribute to circular and nature-based construction using clay, stone, and wood, such as building terraces, walls, shelters, and accommodation units on-site. They also contribute to practical solutions for water harvesting, erosion control, and soil improvement, adapted to the dry and fragile ecosystem of the island. Participants work closely with local residents, offering a helping hand in small-scale, nature-oriented projects and contributing to community resilience and knowledge exchange.

Experiential Learning

This pillar is seamlessly woven throughout the programme. Participants develop mental resilience and self-awareness through guided reflection moments, group discussions, and feedback rounds integrated into the daily rhythm. They are encouraged to reflect on their behaviours, motivations, and thought patterns, and to develop constructive attitudes in a safe yet challenging learning environment. The programme offers space for personal growth, supported by Route 66’s model, where learning emerges from practical experiences, interactions, and deep engagement with both nature and community.