A Bridgedale Training in Lakabe Ecovillage, Basque Countrie

How do we support youth to navigate the global crisis and move forward?

The reality of overlapping ecological, social, and economic crises is increasingly evident, especially to young people. Many burn for change and are ready to stand up for their future, yet there is little guidance on how to face this changing world, recognize personal and communal power, and build meaningful alternatives.

This immersive training is designed for youth workers, facilitators, educators, and community activists who wish to deepen their capacity to accompany young people through uncertainty—and inspire practical pathways toward regeneration.

Where Inspiration Meets Practice

We will gather in Lakabe, a renowned activist ecovillage in the Basque Country. In the 1980s, a group of dedicated people reclaimed an abandoned village from ruins. Through decades of collective endeavor, they reforested the valley, restored the land, and built a thriving, nearly self-sufficient community. Lakabe is a living story of resilience, ecological restoration, and social transformation.

Through this training, we connect to Lakabe’s story of resurgence, drawing direct inspiration from its journey “from ruins to a village.”

The Bridgedale Toolbox

Bridgedale is a dynamic educational toolkit featuring over 80 interactive workshops, games, exercises, and narratives. It guides groups through an imagined town that demonstrates how to overcome systemic crises by fostering a healthy interplay between society, economy, ecology, and culture.

Its methods are grounded in real-world solutions practiced in ecovillages and intentional communities worldwide. During the training, each participant will step into the facilitator’s role, gaining hands-on experience in leading these engaging activities.

This Training Is For You If:

• You are a youth worker, educator, trainer, or activist already supporting young people (or ready to begin).

• You seek practical tools and embodied inspiration to help others navigate complexity and crisis.

• You wish to ground your work in stories of real-world resilience and community regeneration.

• You are ready to explore, collaborate, and practice facilitation in an international group.

Participant Requirements

• Countries: Spain, Italy, France, Ukraine, Poland, Serbia, Croatia, Germany.

• Language: Fluent English is required for full participation.

• Experience: Priority will be given to those already working with youth or groups. Exceptions may be made for those strongly motivated to start. Participants should already have some awareness of the global polycrisis, as we will build from that foundation.

• Commitment: Please read the full Bridgedale in Lakabe Training Brochure before applying.

Practical Information

• Dates: 4–11 May 2026 (Arrival: afternoon of 4 May | Departure: morning of 11 May).

• Costs: Funded by the Erasmus+ program. This covers food, accommodation, and travel costs (up to a country-specific limit).

• Facilitators: Alisa Dendro & Giacomo Zoffoli

• Application Deadline: 1 March 2026

Ready to Join This Journey?

Apply now and be part of a week of learning, practice, and community in the heart of Lakabe.

Registration Link

You have Questions?

Contact the facilitator team:

• Giacomo Zoffoli: zoffolig96@gmail.com

• Alisa Dendro: alisa.sidorenko@ecovillage.org