Wittenborg Hosts Successful Kick-Off Meeting for Green4ADU Project

Wittenborg Welcomes Partners From Across Europe

On 15 and 16 January, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences welcomed its international project partners to the kick-off meeting for the Green4ADU Erasmus+ project. Held at Wittenborg’s Brinklaan study location in Apeldoorn, the event officially launched this initiative, which aims to enhance environmental awareness and well-being among low-skilled adults by creating innovative and accessible learning opportunities.

The project brings together a consortium of partners from across Europe, each contributing their unique expertise. The team includes Apostolina Tsaltampasi Kai Sia EE from Greece, Centro Internazionale per la Promozione dell'Educazione e Sviluppo ETS from Italy, Interchange Non-Profit gUG from Germany, and Biderbost Boscan & Rochin SL from Spain.

Jian Liu, Erasmus+ Project Administrator and Researcher at Wittenborg, emphasised the significance of the meeting in aligning the consortium’s efforts. “The Green4ADU kick-off meeting was held to launch the project, introduce its objectives, and align all partners on their roles and responsibilities. Participants were expected to collaborate on planning key areas such as quality assurance and dissemination, assign specific tasks, set milestones, and establish clear communication channels to ensure the project progresses smoothly,” he said.

The first day of the event focused on project management and strategies for dissemination, with sessions highlighting quality assurance processes and plans for implementing workshops that promote psycho-physical well-being and environmental awareness. Jian Liu reflected on the productive discussions, saying, “Strong collaboration and active participation stood out. We defined tasks and milestones to enhance environmental education and effective dissemination. This solid foundation sets us up for successful project implementation.”

The second day explored current environmental challenges and the development of e-learning modules to support adult learners. A highlight of the day was a focus group rehearsal led by Interchange, which provided participants with practical experience in refining their facilitation techniques. Jian Liu commented, “I had the pleasure of interacting with several dedicated team members who brought diverse perspectives and expertise to our discussions. One of the most impactful moments was the focus group rehearsal. This session was exceptionally engaging, allowing participants to actively practise and refine their facilitation techniques.”

He added, “The interactive nature of the rehearsal not only demonstrated effective strategies for managing group dynamics but also highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all participants. The insights gained from this exercise will be highly beneficial for our future activities, ensuring that our focus groups are both productive and meaningful in advancing the goals of the Green4ADU project.”

Green4ADU is set to deliver a range of tangible outcomes, including a series of online learning modules, practical workshops, a training toolkit, and policy recommendations for local authorities. The project will also feature two major events: a physical workshop in the Netherlands and an online international conference, both organised by Wittenborg.

Reflecting on the kick-off meeting, Jian Liu concluded, “This meeting set the stage for what we hope will be a meaningful contribution to the field of environmental education. With the dedication and expertise of all partners, we are confident the project will have a positive impact.”

WUP 27/01/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press