From Bologna to new beginnings

Erasmus+ Impact by Design

By Anna Avona and Joanne Bognalbal 

Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy — Erasmus+ Impact by Design

27-29/04/2026

We had the chance to participate in a three-day Erasmus+ workshop in Bologna, and it was one of the more productive experiences we’ve had as an organisation.

The workshop brought together youth organisations and project leaders from across Europe, each working in areas like sustainability, social inclusion, and community development. That mix of backgrounds made every session richer. Conversations didn’t stay theoretical, people came with real context from their countries, real problems they were solving, and real results they had already seen. That kind of exchange is hard to manufacture, and Bologna had it naturally.

The content itself was delivered in a clear and structured way, with a practical approach that set it apart from typical training formats. Rather than sitting through presentations, we worked directly with Erasmus+ funding frameworks, specifically KA1 and KA2- learning how to turn ideas into fundable, achievable projects. The sessions walked us through what makes a project proposal realistic, how to align objectives with EU priorities, and how to structure activities that actually deliver impact. For anyone who has ever found EU funding frameworks confusing or inaccessible, this workshop cut through that.

One of the most meaningful parts was the responsibility it placed on us as participants. We weren’t just attendees – we represented GaiaLux and Luxembourg, which pushed us to engage seriously, contribute meaningfully, and think about how what we were learning could be applied back home.

That thinking led to something concrete. By the end of the workshop, me and Anna had developed our own sustainability initiative, designed to raise awareness about fast fashion and its impact.

We connected with inspiring organisations doing serious work across Europe, and left Bologna with new contacts, new tools, and a project ready to move forward.

Written by: Anna Avona and Joanne Bognalbal