TPM Turnhout, Belgium

From the 16th to the 18th of January 2023, all of the partners in the @train.sustain.europe project met in Turnhout, Belgium, for the 2nd transnational project meeting. Over the two days, the partners came together to develop the tools and resources needed to professionalize trainers in the field of sustainable job creation for disadvantaged citizens and people with difficulties accessing the labor market. Combating waste and promoting the reuse of objects can make a significant contribution to a more sustainable future, while offering opportunities to vulnerable groups.

Alongside the meeting, we were introduced to the activities of our Belgian partners, Dinamo, with a focus on the Repair Cafés movement, which is a wonderful example of community-led sustainability efforts. 

Repair Cafés provide a space where members of the community can come together to repair broken items, such as electronics, appliances, clothing and more, with the help of skilled volunteers. They encourage people to get in touch with each other, learn new skills and work together to solve problems. By repairing and reusing items, these initiatives encourage a more conscious approach to consumption, highlighting the value of products and the importance of extending their life.  

This not only reduces waste but also cultivates a strong sense of community and shared responsibility, echoing the core values of the train sustain project.