The Food4Thought Erasmus+ project hosted an inspiring Training of Trainers (ToT) event in Zagreb, uniting 18 participants from Romania, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Bulgaria, and Cyprus for a three-day journey into sustainable urban agriculture. Organized by AJEA, this ToT aimed to equip youth workers and community leaders with skills and knowledge to champion urban agriculture and sustainable food systems back home.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in dynamic, hands-on learning activities focused on the environmental and social impacts of urban agriculture. Guided by CEFAS from Italy, they explored innovative approaches to urban farming that can help address food security while reducing environmental impact. Mundus Bulgaria led practical sessions on composting, empowering participants with techniques to turn waste into valuable resources for urban gardens.

With expert-led sessions from AJEA and GeoClub Romania, participants deepened their understanding of plant biology and the importance of sustainable food choices. They learned how mindful farming practices, such as permaculture and water conservation, can enhance food production while preserving natural resources. Zamah from Croatia facilitated sessions on designing urban gardens, giving participants the skills to start their own community gardens.

A highlight of the ToT was the unveiling of the Food4Thought Digital Toolkit, presented by GeoClub and Connecting Dots from Cyprus. This toolkit will enable participants to share their new knowledge and skills, supporting urban agriculture initiatives across Europe.

The training culminated in a visit to an urban farm in downtown Zagreb, where participants witnessed sustainable practices in action and saw firsthand the potential of urban agriculture to transform local spaces.

The ToT concluded with a reflective evaluation, where participants celebrated the connections formed, the knowledge gained, and the collective vision to foster sustainable communities. The Food4Thought project leaves each trainer empowered to inspire change and promote urban agriculture practices in their home countries.

Follow us as we continue to cultivate sustainable futures through Food4Thought! 🌱✨