The program evaluated by the participants at the last day of the activities (day 10), through a Google Form which sent it to all in our WhatsApp group. The evaluation form was:

The results of the evaluation are presented in the following document:

Youth Exchange "Trash Art" Evaluation Report

Executive Summary

This report summarizes the evaluation findings for the Youth Exchange (YE) "Trash Art" program, based on responses collected from 37 participants via Google Forms. Overall, the project received overwhelmingly positive feedback across all core metrics, including activity satisfaction, learning outcomes, and personal development.

Key Performance Indicators & Program Ratings

1. High-Performing Activities

Participants consistently gave high satisfaction ratings (out of 5.0) to experiential, artistic, and peer-led workshops:

• "Think Earth at Home!" (Shell/Pine Cone Painting): 4.89

• Participant-Led Workshops (Greek debate, Cypriot theatre, Serbian secret art): 4.76

• Visit to Patras & City Challenge: 4.78

• Video Creation & Litter Perspective Filming: 4.73 / 4.68

• Intercultural Nights: 4.70

2. Activities for Review

• World Café (3 Pillars of Sustainability): Received an average score of 2.86. While still informative, this theoretical/group-discussion activity scored lower compared to hands-on workshops.

Learning Outcomes & Competence Development

• Overall Satisfaction: 94.6% (35 out of 37) expressed a desire to participate in another Erasmus+ project, and 91.9% would recommend Erasmus+ Youth programs to others.

• Environmental Impact:

  • 75.7% reported that art can be a powerful tool for environmental awareness.

  • 86.5% felt their overall environmental awareness increased.

  • 83.8% learned practical ways to reuse waste materials.

• Soft & Technical Skills Gained:

  • Communication: 83.8%

  • Creativity: 70.3%

  • Teamwork: 67.6%

  • Self-Confidence & Expression: 59.5% / 81.1% strongly felt more confident expressing ideas.

Post-Project Action & Dissemination

Participants expressed high motivation to take immediate action following the project:

1. Work with International Teams: 70.3%

2. Protect the Environment: 67.6%

3. Reduce Waste & Recycle: 64.9%

4. Share Knowledge / Dissemination: 48.6% plan to share their learnings with peers, students, and local communities.

Evaluation Report: Data Discrepancies & Analytical Conflicts

Based on the survey metrics and participant responses from the Youth Exchange (YE) "Trash Art" Evaluation Report, several key discrepancies, statistical paradoxes, and contrasting qualitative outcomes emerge across the dataset.

Below is an analysis outlining the primary areas of conflict in the project evaluation:

1. High Overall Motivation vs. Lower Theoretical Engagement

• The Paradox: Overall project satisfaction reached 94.6%, and 91.9% of participants stated they would recommend Erasmus+ Youth programs. However, the core theoretical session—"World Café: 3 Pillars of Sustainability"—scored significantly lower than all other activities at 2.86 / 5.0. To bridge the gaps identified in the evaluation report we will during next projects to replace static group conversations with roleplay or scenario-based simulations (e.g., "Mayor for a Day" or "Eco-Budget Challenge"). 

• Impact: While overall satisfaction remained exceptionally high, there is a clear divide in engagement depending on the methodology. Participants highly preferred non-formal, hands-on activities over structured, theoretical group discussions.

2. Environmental Awareness vs. Long-Term Dissemination Intent

• High Environmental Receptivity: 86.5% of respondents reported an increase in overall environmental awareness, and 75.7% agreed that art serves as a powerful medium for ecological awareness.

• Dissemination Drop-Off: Despite strong individual skill building (83.8% in reuse methods, 83.8% in communication), only 48.6% expressed an intention to actively share their knowledge, conduct dissemination, or present learnings to their local communities/peers post-project.

• Key Finding: There is a noticeable gap between personal learning acquisition (high) and proactive outreach/dissemination commitment (moderate).

3. High Activity Ratings vs. Varying Soft-Skill Acquisition

• Activity vs. Skill Gap: Experiential activities received average satisfaction scores between 4.68 and 4.89 / 5.0, yet individual soft-skill impact markers showed unexpected variance:

  • Teamwork: 67.6% reported growth.

  • Creativity: 70.3% reported growth.

  • Self-Confidence & Personal Expression: 59.5% reported growth.

• Key Finding: Even though participant-led and group activities scored exceptionally high (e.g., Participant-Led Workshops at 4.76), a smaller percentage of participants explicitly recognized personal confidence as a primary skill gained during those sessions.

Summary Matrix of Discrepancies

Conclusions:

Overall, the Youth Exchange "Trash Art" program was a resounding success, achieving an outstanding 94.6% participant satisfaction rate and demonstrating the immense power of non-formal, hands-on learning in driving environmental awareness. Through creative upcycling workshops, video creation, and peer-led activities, the project successfully equipped young participants with practical eco-friendly habits, key teamwork skills, and a shared commitment to international collaboration. While participant engagement was exceptionally high across experiential sessions, the lower rating for theoretical modules offers a valuable roadmap for future initiatives—highlighting the need to favor gamified, action-oriented methodologies over traditional discussions to maximize impact and long-term dissemination.