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Positive Pathways into the Future - Youth Exchange at Dupa Gard

 

In today’s fast-paced world, many young people feel disconnected from nature and overwhelmed by environmental challenges. The Positive Pathways into the Future (PoPaFu) Youth Exchange is a unique program designed to rebuild that connection, empower youth, and inspire positive environmental action.

What is PoPaFu?

PoPaFu is an Erasmus+ co-funded youth exchange bringing together young people from Spain, Romania, and beyond to the stunning Permaculture project Dupa Gard in Transylvania, Romania. For eight days (Sept. 8th-16th), participants immerse themselves in nature-based learning and cultural exchange to better understand global ecological issues while gaining tangible skills in sustainable living. All the info: PDF Infopack

Why This Program?

The program acknowledges that consumerism and hectic modern routines have distanced many from nature, creating confusion or anxiety about environmental crises. PoPaFu helps convert that anxiety into hope and action by offering hands-on experiences rooted in permaculture principles.

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Who is It For?

Young people (18-25 years) interested in climate issues, sustainability, and making a difference. You don’t need prior experience—just curiosity and a willingness to engage. Selected participants (8 from Spain and 8 from Romania) come together to share knowledge, learn new skills, and find ways to contribute positively to the planet. Registration: Application Form

What Will You Learn?

Participants benefit from eight years of expertise gained living off-grid with permaculture as a foundation. You will explore themes like:

  • Understanding the climate crisis and collective solutions

  • Sustainable and off-grid living

  • Natural building techniques including cob construction

  • Waste reduction and circular economy practices

  • Food forest design and permaculture resilience

  • Rural traditions and sustainable farming practices

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Where Does It Take Place?

The exchange happens at Dupa Gard, a regenerative permaculture project nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, between Cluj Napoca and Alba Iulia. Accommodations are provided nearby at Pensiune Agroturistica Popas Salciua, offering a comfortable stay close to nature.

The Program at a Glance

  • Arrival: September 7th with welcome activities and team building

  • Workshops & Discussions: Climate crisis, permaculture principles, natural building, waste management, sustainable design

  • Hands-On Activities: Cob building, community cleanup, visits to local initiatives and traditional homesteads

  • Cultural Exchange: Multicultural evenings, storytelling, and movie discussions

  • Reflection & Certification: Group reflections, feedback sessions, and award of YouthPass certificates on the final day. September 17th is departure day.

What to Bring?

Participants should pack practical items like warm and working clothes, rain protection, hiking boots, and essentials such as ID documents, insurance, refillable water bottles, and natural toiletries to support sustainable practices.

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Join us at Dupa Gard this September to explore, learn, and embark on your own positive pathway into the future.