Can learning about sustainability and economics feel like an exciting mission? Absolutely! During four inspiring mornings, secondary school students from BUlgaria and from our local schools took part in an innovative training programme that transformed the classroom into the headquarters of a secret Italian agency with one ambitious mission: to save the future.
The students were divided into three teams—Aperol, Rakia, and Tequila Bum Bum—and every activity they completed earned them Eco Points. Their goal was not only to score points, but also to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become true sustainability leaders. At the end of the four mornings, the group which earned the most ecopoints proudly received the title of Sustainability ambassador.
The training introduced students to the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic, and showed how these dimensions are closely connected to economics and business management. Rather than learning through traditional lectures, students experienced sustainability through games, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
Throughout the course, they tackled a wide variety of interactive activities. They solved escape rooms where each challenge unlocked new sustainability concepts, tested their knowledge through the charade of sustainability, and strengthened their vocabulary with a lively sustainability memory game. The energetic Runner & writer and Memory race activities encouraged teamwork, communication, and quick thinking while reinforcing key concepts.
One session focused entirely on social sustainability, beginning with a brainstorming activity in which students reflected on inclusion, equality, well-being, education, and community engagement. Another challenge required them to observe and describe a series of pictures using as many newly learned sustainability-related words as possible. Every correct keyword earned valuable bonus ecopoints, motivating students to actively expand their vocabulary while applying it in meaningful contexts.
To connect theory with their own daily lives, students also completed a classroom sustainability survey. Together, they analysed the results and calculated the overall sustainability level of their class, discussing both strengths and areas for improvement. This activity encouraged critical reflection and demonstrated that sustainability begins with everyday choices.
The highlight of the programme was undoubtedly the LEGO business challenge. Working in their teams, students designed and built a model of a business using LEGO bricks. However, creativity alone was not enough: each business had to include at least three sustainability elements, connected to the environmental, social, and economic dimensions they had explored throughout the training. Once completed, each group presented its project, explaining how its business model could create value while respecting people and the planet. The activity brilliantly combined imagination, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and sustainable thinking.
The final morning introduced students to the fundamentals of management, providing a bridge between sustainability and business practice. They learned how organisations define objectives using the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound) and explored why critical thinking is one of the most valuable skills in modern companies. Through practical examples and discussions, students discovered that successful businesses need not only good ideas, but also clear planning, informed decision-making, and the ability to evaluate problems from different perspectives.
This four-day training demonstrated that sustainability is much more than a theoretical concept. It is a mindset that influences economic decisions, business strategies, and everyday behaviour. By combining playful learning, collaborative challenges, and practical applications, the programme created an engaging environment where students learned by doing, questioning, creating, and reflecting.
The enthusiasm, creativity, and team spirit shown by team “Aperol”, team “Rakia”, and team “Tequila bum bum” made this Erasmus+ experience truly memorable. The ecopoints have been counted, the missions completed, and the Sustainability ambassador certificates awarded—but the most important achievement is that these young people have taken their first steps towards becoming responsible citizens and future decision-makers who understand that building a sustainable future is everyone’s mission. And you, what are you waiting for to join us?
Author: Sonia Simpatico (JUMP Team)
