U sklopu projekta izrađen je edukativni priručnik sa zabavno-edukativnim kvizom, namijenjen mladima kao alat za neformalno učenje o Kornatima, njihovim prirodnim vrijednostima i važnosti očuvanja morskog okoliša. Priručnik i kviz osmišljeni su na način koji mladima omogućuje usvajanje novih znanja kroz interaktivne i njima prilagođene sadržaje, uz povezivanje tema zaštite prirode s konkretnim primjerima iz Kornatskog područja.
Materijal je korišten kao dio edukativnih aktivnosti projekta „Eko-kamp Kornati 2026“, s ciljem približavanja prirodnih vrijednosti Kornata mladima te poticanja njihova interesa i odgovornog odnosa prema morskom okolišu.
Projekt „Eko-kamp Kornati 2026“ sufinanciran je sredstvima Ministarstva regionalnoga razvoja i fondova Europske unije te Fonda za zaštitu okoliša i energetsku učinkovitost.
At the end of August, another cycle of educational workshops for children was completed as part of the project "Small School for Big Changes - Eco Workshops for Children", financed by the Šibenik-Knin County.
Our ESC volunteers Naelys and Ona conducted a total of 8 thematic workshops, in which more than 50 children with ages from 5 to 8 have participated. The workshops were aimed at bringing environmental and marine protection topics closer to kids through play, creative activities, practical tasks and informal learning.
Through various activities, children learned about reducing carbon emissions and the impact of climate change, the problem of fast fashion and plastic pollution, plant and animal species of Murter and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. Special attention was also paid to endangered species of the Adriatic and different fishing methods, along with a discussion about the impact of human activities on the sea and its inhabitants.
Based on the workshops conducted, a booklet with educational materials and working methods was created, intended for educators, teachers, associations and everyone who works with children and wants to introduce them to the topics of nature, sea and environmental protection in a simple and interactive way.
The booklet is designed as a practical material that can be used in working with children of different ages and in various educational and informal settings. The goal is to encourage children to develop environmental awareness, understand their own impact on the environment and adopt sustainable habits from an early age.
*The project is financed by Šibenik-Knin County
Youth Work Horizons vol. 2 was an Erasmus+ study visit for youth workers, held in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain from 19 to 22 August 2026. The activity was carried out in collaboration with the Argonauta Association and the Creamos Europa organisation, within the framework of the Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of youth work.
The main aim of the study visit was to familiarise ourselves with the different approaches to working with young people in the local context of Jerez and to explore how local organisations, youth workers and the local authority collaborate to provide young people with space, support and opportunities for active participation in the community. Through visits and the exchange of experiences, participants became acquainted with examples of the work of local organisations and youth centres, the role of the local authority and youth departments, and various models of cooperation between the public and civil sectors.
Particular emphasis was placed on practical methods and tools for youth engagement. Participants were introduced to various approaches, from activities that develop young people's communication skills and self-confidence, cultural and social initiatives and From Erasmus+ and volunteering opportunities to the use of digital tools and 3D technology in youth work. At the same time, the study visit enabled the exchange of experiences with local organisations, youth workers, ESC volunteers and young people, and opened up space for the development of new partnerships and future Erasmus+ projects.
An important part of the process was considering how to adapt the good practices from Jerez to their own local contexts. Among the key ideas that emerged were the need to strengthen collaboration between youth organisations, local authorities and other stakeholders; the importance of accessible spaces where young people can develop their ideas and initiatives; and the use of creative, digital and participatory methods that respond to the real interests and needs of young people.
This booklet was produced as the final outcome of the study visit and provides key insights and good practices, as well as the personal experiences of the participants. Their reflections particularly emphasise the importance of support from local authorities, spaces available to young people, the linking of different organisations and the creation of meaningful opportunities through which young people can develop their interests, skills and an active role in the community.
The publication is intended as a means of transferring the experience from Jerez to our organisations and local communities, because good practices become even more valuable when we share them, discuss them and adapt them to our own local realities.
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
Manual Youth Leader 101
Youth Leader 101 was a five-day Erasmus+ training course which brought together 24 participants and 2 trainers from 11 partner organisations from Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Spain, Lithuania, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovenia. The training was successfully implemented in Tisno from 6 to 12 March 2026 as part of the third year of the Erasmus+ Youth accreditation, reflecting the organisation's long-term commitment to strengthening the quality of its work with young people through international learning experiences.
The main aim was to empower young people to become group leaders in Erasmus+ youth exchanges. During the programme, participants explored what it actually means to accompany a group of young people before, during and after international mobility. They developed a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a group leader, strengthened their leadership and facilitation skills, and acquired key knowledge of project management within Erasmus+ youth exchanges.
Using a wide range of non-formal education methods, including workshops on the life cycle of an Erasmus+ project, simulations of real-life situations with group facilitators, peer-to-peer learning, practical exercises, team challenges and participant-led workshops, the training created a dynamic and supportive learning environment. Participants had the opportunity to connect with their own motivation, learn from experienced group leaders, share best practices and gradually build the confidence and competencies needed to take on the role of group leader.
This handbook covers the learning process, methodologies and key insights developed during implementation. It is intended as a record of experience and as a practical resource for future group leaders wishing to lead Erasmus+ youth exchanges. Alongside the Group Leader's Guide, this publication aims to support young people to confidently take the next step, from participating in an exchange to leading one.
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
Youth Exchange Green Entrepreneurship booklet
Two months have passed since our Green Entrepreneurship youth exchange, which took place in Šibenik in May. This exchange brought together more than 40 young people from eight different countries with the aim of developing entrepreneurial skills through informal learning, international cooperation and sustainable ideas.
Each day was filled with workshops devised by the facilitators, and participants also contributed to the programme by developing their own workshops. Through topics such as creative thinking, financial literacy, public speaking, resilience, sustainable consumption, environmental protection and teamwork, participants developed entrepreneurial competencies and learned from one another in an international setting. The highlight of the exchange was Green Hackathon, during which the teams developed their own green business ideas and presented them to a panel of experts.
In addition to the workshops, participants took part in intercultural evenings, a study visit to the Fausto Vrančić Memorial Centre on the island of Prvić, nature walks, sports and team activities, and numerous moments that created new friendships and unforgettable memories.
In order to preserve everything we have learnt and experienced together, the participants have worked together to create this final e-booklet. It contains summaries of all the activities, workshops and the project's most beautiful moments. We hope it will inspire you to get involved in Erasmus+ projects yourself, gain new experiences and become part of an international community of young people who contribute their ideas to a more sustainable future.
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
Eco Wednesday Workshops 2026 / Winter Edition
Through a total of 10 creative and educational workshops for children aged 5 to 8, we explored various environmental topics together and learnt about the importance of environmental conservation. Our activities covered a wide range of topics – from learning about how to build and use greenhouses, to discussing sustainable forms of travel and how we can contribute to protecting our planet through our everyday choices.
To make these ideas and activities accessible to anyone wishing to run similar workshops, we have prepared an e-booklet containing summaries, detailed step-by-step descriptions and lists of the materials required for six of the ten workshops conducted.
This version of the booklet includes six workshops, while the remaining four were devised by our previous volunteers and have already been featured in an earlier edition of the e-booklet entitled 'ECO-WEDNESDAY Workshops Booklet: Summer 2024', which you can find on our website. We warmly recommend this version to anyone looking for additional inspiration for designing and delivering environmental activities with children.
The e-booklet is free to use for anyone who wants to run pre-designed activities, learn alongside children, or find ideas for developing their own environmental workshops.
We wish you much joy, creativity and success on this journey of informal environmental education and raising awareness of the importance of preserving our environment!
Green Scenario - Document
As part of the EUKI project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created the "Green Scenario" document, which analyses the possibilities for developing Croatia's energy system in line with the decarbonisation targets for 2030 and 2050. Based on the significant potential of solar and wind energy, four development pathways have been presented – from the reference to an ambitious green scenario. The results show that a very high, and even 100%, share of renewable sources in electricity generation is technically and economically feasible with appropriate investments in the grid, storage and system flexibility. With significant economic, social and environmental benefits, the document concludes that the green scenario represents a realistic and multifaceted beneficial direction for the future development of Croatia's energy sector.
Discover Tisno - learning about local history
As part of the 'Tišnjanskom ulicom prolazim II' project, a booklet has been produced which brings together the educational activities carried out during the project, with a special emphasis on introducing the cultural and historical heritage of Tisno and the archaeological site of Ivinj. The booklet contains a description of the workshops held in Tisno and at Ivinj, designed as an innovative method of fieldwork and learning.
The document was prepared with the aim of ensuring the project's long-term sustainability and has been made available to the interested public as an educational tool for further use.
Data model of the impacts of ambitious decarbonisation scenarios for the Republic of Croatia - document
As part of the EUKI project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created a document presenting a data model on the impacts of ambitious decarbonisation scenarios for the Republic of Croatia. We presented the document to the public at a conference in Zagreb in October 2025, as well as to State Secretary Tanja Radić-Lakoš at the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, and to Mr Željko Krevzelj, Director of the Energy Administration at the Ministry of Economy. By clicking the link, it is also available to all other interested parties.
ECO-WEDNESDAY Workshops Booklet: Summer 2025
Another cycle of educational workshops for children has concluded, and we are delighted to present the booklet on the Eco-Wednesday workshops, conducted as part of the "3,2,1… Green!" project, funded by Šibensko-kninska County.
Our ESS volunteers, Ana and Theresa, ran a total of 10 themed workshops, which were attended by more than 50 children aged 5 to 8. The workshops covered a variety of topics related to marine and environmental conservation, climate change, renewable energy sources, biodiversity and the relationship between humans and nature — from plastic pollution in the sea and the impact of transport on marine habitats, through sustainable fishing and solar energy, to the importance of pollinators and the preservation of the natural balance.
The programme is designed through play, creative activities and informal learning, with the aim of developing environmental awareness and positive habits in children from an early age. It is precisely because of the diversity of content and the methods employed that this handbook has been created, which is intended for all those who work with children and wish to encourage an understanding of nature and responsible behaviour towards the environment through fun and educational activities.
If you work with children in nurseries, schools, associations or other organisations and want to encourage them to become little guardians of nature, download the handbook and try out workshops that combine learning, play and time spent in nature.
*The project is financed by Šibenik-Knin County
Green Motion E-booklet
It has now been almost a month since our Green Motion Youth Exchange took place in Šibenik, Croatia. This exchange was an amazing opportunity for young people from seven different countries to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about sports and nature.
Each day was filled with one team’s workshop on a specific topic, from intercultural dialogue to body percussion and natural instruments. Each team did wonderful work thinking, preparing, and leading these workshops, and we all had a lot of fun participating.
But the days were not only filled with workshops, we also enjoyed many other amazing activities, such as energizers, intercultural dinners, clean-up walks, and study visits to national parks.
To capture and celebrate it all, every participant, along with our two volunteers and facilitators, came together to create this final e-booklet. It contains summaries of each day and each workshop. It’s a great way to look back on what we’ve achieved, relive good memories, and inspire others to take part again in the future.
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
Recommendations for renewable energy sources in Croatia
This policy brief summarises the key findings of an analysis prepared by the Society for Sustainable Development Design (DOOR) for the Argonaut Association for Sustainable Development (DOOR) as part of the EUKI project. From plans to reality, with a focus on recommendations that should be implemented to make the further integration of renewable energy sources into the system easier, faster and more efficient.
Obstacles to renewable energy sources in Croatia
This policy brief summarises the key findings of an analysis prepared by the Society for Sustainable Development Design (DOOR) for the Argonauta association as part of the EUKI project. From plans to reality.
The focus is on the main obstacles to implementing and integrating renewable energy sources into the existing system, as well as on identifying possible guidelines that would enable the faster and more efficient achievement of the objectives of the national energy and climate policy.
Identification and analysis of barriers to the development of renewable energy sources - document
As part of the project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created a document that identifies and analyses the barriers to the use of renewable energy in Croatia.
The aim of this document is to encourage collaboration between decision-makers, experts and the community so that together we can build a sustainable and energy-independent future.
The From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future project is funded by European Climate Initiatives (EUKI) German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Identification and analysis of barriers to the development of renewable energy sources - summary
As part of the project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created a document that identifies and analyses the barriers to the use of renewable energy in Croatia.
The aim of this document is to encourage collaboration between decision-makers, experts and the community so that together we can build a sustainable and energy-independent future.
The From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future project is funded by European Climate Initiatives (EUKI) German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Recommendations for increasing renewable energy sources - document
As part of the project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created a document addressing recommendations for increasing OIE in Croatia.
The aim of this document is to encourage collaboration between decision-makers, experts and the community so that together we can build a sustainable and energy-independent future.
The From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future project is funded by European Climate Initiatives (EUKI) German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Recommendations for increasing renewable energy sources - summary
As part of the project "From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future", we have created a document addressing recommendations for increasing OIE in Croatia.
The aim of this document is to encourage collaboration between decision-makers, experts and the community so that together we can build a sustainable and energy-independent future.
The From Plans to Reality – a Renewable Opportunity for the Future project is funded by European Climate Initiatives (EUKI) German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
FOODY KUHARICA: Fostering Opportunities and Development in Youth
Publisher
“FOODY: Fostering Opportunities and Development in Youth” was a youth exchange that brought together 26 young people and 6 group leaders from 6 different countries to work together on the topic of the Mediterranean diet. The main goal was to empower young people through cooking, encouraging cooperation, skill development, and healthy habits. It also enabled cultural exchange through local ingredients, recipes, and personal experiences related to food traditions, adding an emotional connection. Additionally, we aimed to raise awareness about the impact of their eating habits on the environment, emphasizing the importance of consuming local products.
During the program, participants collaborated on creating a cookbook of traditional recipes collected from their local communities. The cookbook not only preserves cultural heritage but also promotes sustainable eating practices by highlighting the importance of consuming local products. The FOODY cookbook stands as a testament to the project’s success, offering insight into the diverse culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region.
Take this opportunity to explore sustainable cooking practices and the rich cultural tapestry woven through food! 🙂
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
FROM CHALLENGE TO CHANGE MANUAL
“From Challenge to Change” is an international training course that brought together 18 participants and 2 trainers from 9 partner organisations. Its main goal was to equip youth workers with conflict management and resolution skills, as well as leadership abilities that empower them to inspire young people, encourage active participation, and foster positive change within their local communities.
Through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and intergenerational learning, participants gain practical tools for empowering youth, effectively resolving conflicts, and motivating young people to take the lead in community initiatives.
At the end of the training, all participants contribute to the creation of a training manual, a valuable resource designed to strengthen youth workers’ leadership, self-awareness, communication, and conflict management skills, while fostering resilience, teamwork, and the ability to empower young people to take initiative in their communities.
The manual is inspired by the Hero’s Journey framework, guiding participants through team challenges, roleplays, and nature-based activities that reflect real-life situations in youth work. This process blends self-reflection, non-violent communication, and collaborative problem-solving, creating a dynamic environment for both personal and professional growth.
Take a look at the manual to discover more about youth work and learn how to turn challenges into change! ✨
Eco-Patrols, manual for non-formal environmental education of youth
- Publisher: Udruga Argonauta, 2024., ISBN 978-953-7925-06-2
As part of the "Eco Patroles 4 Environmental Goals" project, we published a manual for informal education of young people on environmental topics, Eco Patrols.
The modules included in the manual are eco-literacy, biodiversity, climate change, waste management, energy and resources, water, sustainable agriculture and environmental activism. Each module was tested with about 20 young people in each of the partner countries, and in Croatia the tests were carried out at the Antun Vrančić Gymnasium in Šibenik.
Incidentally, the “Eco Patrols 4 Environmental Goals” project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program, its value is 250,000.00 euros and it runs until February 1, 2025.
MUSIC FOR MENTAL HEALTH
E-booklet was created as part of the “Music for Mental Health” youth exchange that took place in Šibenik from October 3 to 11, 2024, where we gathered 34 young people from Croatia, Portugal, North Macedonia, Turkey, Greece and Spain to inspired others with methods to improve their own well-being and consequently shared them in their local communities. The focus of the exchange was music as a means of dealing with mental health. We want to continue raising their awareness of the current state of mental health in their communities, as well as strengthening their emotional state. In this way, we encourage social engagement and active participation of young people in local communities.
With one click, find out everything we did at the exchange, which methods we used and what the impressions of our participants are!
*The project is co-financed through Erasmus+ accreditation
Booklet s radionicama EKO-SRIJEDE: Ljeto 2024
Another cycle of educational workshops for children is over, and we are excited to present to you a booklet featuring the was marked by new Eco-Wednesday workshops that were carried out as part of the project “Eco Wednesdays – Educational Program for Children,” financed by Šibenik-Knin County.
Our ESC volunteers, Juliette and Romina, covered various ecological topics through a total of 10 workshops, attended by over 100 children between the ages of 5 and 8. The program was diverse, ranging from the energy of the wind and sun to the connection between music and nature. The program was truly engaging, and it deserves to be accessible to everyone through this manual. By conducting these workshops, we aimed to instill in children the values and knowledge necessary to become responsible and engaged citizens in environmental protection.
If you work with children in kindergartens, associations, or other organizations, and you want them to become nature protectors, download the manual and enjoy these fun, educational workshops!
*The project is financed by Šibenik-Knin County
Booklet s radionicama EKO-SRIJEDE: Zima 2024
The winter of 2024 was marked by new Eco-Wednesday as part of the “Kornati – važno je o moru znati 8” project, funded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the republic of Croatia.
Naša ESS volonterka Juliette je kroz ukupno 10 radionica s grupom od dvadeset djece u dobi od 5 do 8 godina, obrađivala važne ekološke teme koje se tiču svih nas. Priručnik ima za cilj usađivanje vrijednosti i znanja potrebnih djeci da postanu odgovorni i angažirani građani u zaštiti okoliša.
We invite everyone working with children, who wish to explore ecological topics together with them, to use it.
Project is founded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia
Eko-kamp Kornati 2024
We are pleased to present our latest educational manual with an entertaining and educational quiz that was created for the purpose of implementing the activities of the "Eco-camp Kornati" project - an ecological and educational project through which we contributed to the preservation of the undersea of the Kornati islands from waste, and informed and educated the target group and the general public about the need to protect and preserve marine life environment.
*Project Eco-camp Kornati 2024 financed by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds.
Moving for Mental Health
The e-booklet was created as part of the youth exchange "Moving for Mental Health", which took place in Šibenik from April 1 to 10, 2024. We gathered 45 young people from Croatia, Portugal, North Macedonia, Turkey, Greece and Spain to raise their awareness of the current state of mental health among young people in their communities and improve their emotional and physical well-being by learning how to use their bodies more effectively and creatively. This will encourage social engagement and active participation of young people in local communities.
Eco-Wednesday
The winter of 2024 was marked by new Eco-Wednesday as part of the “Kornati – važno je o moru znati 8” project, funded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the republic of Croatia.
We invite everyone working with children, who wish to explore ecological topics together with them, to use it.
Project is founded by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia
Youth Go Local!
The e-booklet was created as part of the youth exchange "Youth Go Local", which took place in Srima from October 10 to 18, 2023. We gathered more than 40 young people from Croatia, Portugal, North Macedonia, Turkey, Romania and Spain to encouraged to identify, reflect and solve problems in their local communities. We provided young people with a place and time where they can focus on preparing initiatives in an environment of cultural diversity.
Arabic Lanugage and Culture
Welcome to an exciting journey into the heart of Jordan and the enchanting world of Arabic culture, brought to you by our dedicated ESC program volunteer, Sarah, all the way from Jordan!
All of these incredible resources are now available to you as open-source materials, free for anyone to access and enjoy.
Click on the links below and embark on an adventure of learning and discovery like never before! 🌟
Eco-wednesdays 2023
The season of 2023 was marked by new eco-Wednesdays, as part of the project "Our blue sea" financed by Šibenik-Knin County. The main goal was to teach children about water through fun activities this summer. What is the water cycle, water conservation, water pollution, secrets of the Adriatic Sea... these are just some of the topics that changed every week.
We share with you an e-manual written by the hardworking hands of our volunteer Sarah, which contains a description of the 8 creative workshops for children (ages 5 to 8) that we did this summer.
We invite everyone who works with children of preschool age and wants to explore environmental topics together with them to use it.
Eco camp Kornati - description of workshops
It is our pleasure to present to you the first edition of our workshop booklet with a description of the workshops of the Argonaut Association, which were held during Eco Camp Kornati - an ecological and educational project that we organized together with the Diving Club of St. Roko from Bibinje and in cooperation with other valued partners.
Located in the beautiful surroundings of the Kornati National Park, on the island of Levrnaka, this project embodied a fusion of ecological awareness, environmental preservation and an educational component.
*The Eco Camp Kornati 2023 project is financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund and the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds.
Looking back - moving forward! Inner insight
The e-booklet was created as part of the youth exchange “Looking back-moving forward! Inner insight” which took place in Murter from April 11 to 19, 2023. We gathered more than 40 participants from 6 different countries in one place; Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Italy, and Spain.
Our participants compiled everything we did during the week. “Take a look” 🙂
The training ground of marine superheroes
“Sea Superheroes Range” is a fun – educational activity through which children learn about the powers of six sea superheroes in order to earn the title of superhero themselves, whose duty it is to protect the sea and the life in it.
Through it, children will learn information such as: how to sort waste, how many years it takes for individual waste to decompose, what diving equipment consists of, how to recognize if a periwinkle is alive, who to report, and the like.
The publication was created through the project “Eco flow to the Island” financed by the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency.
Other publications can be found in the archive of the website.
