Greening Gratte is a project that aims to raise young people’s awareness of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while transforming the organization (Gratte ASBL) to make its activities more sustainable.
The project has emerged thanks to a fruitful collaboration with three partners from the non-profit sector: Empreintes, specialized in environmental education; Média Animation, active in the field of continuing education; and Mentor Escale, which supports unaccompanied foreign minors and former unaccompanied foreign minors towards autonomy.
The project unfolded in three distinct phases throughout 2022:
- Sustainable activities: the year began with a series of activities focusing on sustainability. These included an introduction to a film-debate on soft mobility, a sewing workshop focusing on upcycling, an escape game on the theme of migration, etc.
- Residential stay in Drôme Provençale, France: in September, 21 young people took part in a week-long experience in the Drôme Provençale. From choosing an eco-friendly accommodation to using the train as a means of transport, to visiting sustainable transition initiatives in the region, this was a truly eco-responsible stay. As regards the catering options, collaboration with local producers was emphasized, giving priority to products that are respectful of the environment and in line with the sustainable values of the stay.
- Closing event: to celebrate the end of the project, a festive evening will take place on 25 November at Le Baixu in Tour & Taxis in Brussels. The programme will include a media exhibition of the material collected during the project, an improv show focusing on ecological transition as well as a concert.
This project has clearly demonstrated that promoting sustainable development does not necessarily require exploring big theories or soaking up academic lessons. At the heart of Gratte’s identity lies inclusion, with groups systematically made up of one-third of people with mild to moderate mental disabilities and two-thirds of non-disabled people. However, within these diverse groups, it can sometimes be difficult, ineffective even, to address complex issues such as CO2 emissions and biodiversity. However, once involved in concrete action, all participants find themselves on an equal footing, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in the context of sustainable development, which is a fundamental value for Gratte.
