| SP.3 | SP.3 – Green Generations: Intergenerational Skill Swap for Sustainability | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | Partner organization: YOMN | |
| Overall description(Tell us the story of this activity) | This interactive practice brings youth and elders together to exchange eco-friendly skills and traditional knowledge in a fun, respectful, and hands-on way. Participants take turns teaching each other green skills—from food preservation to DIY natural cleaners or digital eco-activism. The experience fosters intergenerational solidarity, empowers practical learning, and builds shared responsibility for sustainable living. | |
| Total Duration: | 4 hours | |
| Group size: | 12–20 participants (half youth, half elders) | |
| List of materials:(from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Recycled jars, vinegar, herbs, thread/needles, phones/tablets, markers, paper, flipcharts, speakers for music. | |
| Activity’s objectives:(what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | – Promote mutual respect through shared learning experiences – Explore and revive traditional and modern green practices – Encourage intergenerational dialogue and team spirit – Empower youth to take action and value older generations’ wisdom | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | “Granada, Spain, 2022In 2022, Granada saw the rise of “Generaciones Verdes” (Green Generations). Youth and elders met in workshops where they exchanged eco-skills—like preserving food, mending clothes, and growing herbs. In return, young people taught digital tools for climate activism and online campaigns. Together, they created projects like seed bombs and posters for green living. These hands-on moments built respect, friendship, and a shared love for the planet https://www.lahuellaverdegranada.org/anillo-verde-de-granada/  Photo: free image- Pexels | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time:(mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 1: Welcome Circle &warm upBegin with a circle and light introduction. Invite everyone to say their name and something they’re good at related to sustainability (e.g., planting, sewing, saving water). Then, play a short partner game: pair up youth with elders and ask them to share one eco tip with each other. | |
| 45 mins | STEP 2: Elder-to-Youth Skill ShareInvite elders to demonstrate or explain a green skill they know well. Examples: – How to preserve food (pickling, drying) – How to mend clothes or reuse materials – How to grow herbs at home Youth listen, take notes or photos, and ask questions. Organize into 2–3 rotating sharing pairs. | |
| 30 mins | 45 mins – STEP 3: Youth-to-Elder Skill ShareNow it’s the youth’s turn to teach digital and modern eco-actions, like: – Making digital posters about climate action – Finding sustainable apps – Recording eco-messages for social media Make sure elders feel supported. Youth can show step-by-step how to do things on phones or tablets. | |
| 60 mins | STEP 4: Mixed Team Challenge – ‘Eco Mission!’Form small intergenerational teams. Each team gets a task: – Create a simple eco-product (natural cleaner, seed bomb) – Design a poster or short video to share a green tip – Plan a mini community eco-action (clean-up walk, swap day) Give teams time to create and prepare. They can draw, write, or record as needed. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 5: Team PresentationsEach team presents what they made or planned. Encourage with powerful questions feedback from participants. Use this moment to highlight how teamwork helped and what each person contributed.. | |
| 30 mins | STEP 6: Reflection & CelebrationClose in a circle. Ask questions: – What did you learn during this activity? – What surprised you about someone from a different generation? – What green habit will you try at home?-How did you feel during and at the end of the activity?In which ways you feel you can now commit with nature? play background music and invite people to write messages or tips on a ‘Wall of Wisdom & Action’. | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | Make sure all skills are safe and doable in the space you have. Support participants and make sure all voices are heard. Provide help for digital parts if needed. Use visuals and hands-on materials to support understanding. Prepare all steps ahead of time. | |
| Preparations for the activity:(what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | – Confirm skills and materials needed from both youth and elders – Prepare space for movement and creative work – Set up tables or areas for hands-on demos and digital tools – Print visual instructions or guides to help with clarity | |
| Evaluation of the activity:(Describe how will you explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | – Ask participants to share their favorite skill or moment – Use short written forms, voice notes, or video reflections – Observe how groups interact and support one another – Follow up to see if any shared skills were used at home | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Youth and elders will feel more connected and prouder of their knowledge. Both groups will gain practical green skills and feel motivated to act for the environment together. This activity creates lasting relationships and sparks everyday eco-action across generations. | |
| Appendices(If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
Green Generations: Intergenerational Skill Swap for Sustainability #4
