Building Knowledge for a Better World: Euro Coop Celebrates the International Day to Protect Education

Education is the foundation of sustainable societies, empowering individuals and communities to grow, innovate, and thrive. On 9 September, the International Day to Protect Education highlights the importance of safeguarding learning opportunities worldwide.

To mark this occasion, Euro Coop celebrates the initiatives of its members who are fostering education in diverse ways—from professional training and youth engagement to sustainability and technological innovation. These projects embody the cooperative commitment to building better communities through knowledge and shared responsibility.

Coop Estonia – Practical Training for Future Logistics Professionals

In June 2025, Coop Estonia celebrated the graduation of the first group of apprentices from its logistics center.

The programme, launched in autumn 2024 in collaboration with Prolog and the Valga Vocational School, focused on developing skills in transportation and logistics.

Out of 35 participants, nine successfully earned a Level 4 vocational certificate, marking an important milestone in their professional journey.

This initiative supports workforce development and provides career opportunities for young people while addressing the cooperative’s growing operational needs.

A new round of training will begin this autumn, including an advanced Level 5 certification for graduates.

This project highlights how cooperatives can directly contribute to local employment and lifelong learning.

Coop Finspång (Sweden) – Teaching Children About Food Through Play

In December 2024, Coop Finspång introduced an innovative interactive learning tool to help children understand where food comes from and how agriculture works.

The project uses Active Floor, a digital interactive floor that engages children through games and movement.

Developed in collaboration with the Swedish Farmers' Association (LRF) and local schools, the initiative combines fun and education to inspire curiosity about food and sustainability.

This pilot project is designed to expand to other Coop stores, fostering stronger connections between children, local farmers, and the food system.

By making learning playful and accessible, Coop Finspång helps raise a generation that values local production and sustainable practices.

Coop Italy – 'AI for Food': Training Young Innovators

Coop Italy launched the AI for Food programme to empower young people aged 18–30 to explore how artificial intelligence can transform the agri-food sector.

The free six-month training course includes online modules, live sessions, and hands-on workshops.

Among the 150 participants, the top 50 will attend Italian Tech Week (1–3 October 2025) to present innovative AI-driven solutions for food production and distribution.

The project promotes cutting-edge skills and provides a platform for young talents to shape the future of food systems.

This initiative reflects Coop Italy’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment, linking technology with sustainable food practices.

Eroski (Spain) – Supporting Local Producers Through Sustainability Training

Starting in mid-2024, Eroski and NAGRIFOOD launched a training programme for 48 local producers in Navarra.

The course includes six sessions, both in-person and online, covering essential topics such as food waste reduction, deforestation, carbon footprint management, packaging eco-design, and resource efficiency.

The goal is to help producers integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into their operations while enhancing product quality and transparency.

By strengthening these skills, Eroski supports a resilient and responsible local food supply chain.

From vocational training and interactive learning to technological innovation and sustainability education, Euro Coop members demonstrate how cooperatives actively protect and promote education.

These initiatives showcase the cooperative model’s unique ability to foster growth and empowerment—not only for individuals but for entire communities. On this International Day to Protect Education, Euro Coop and its members reaffirm their commitment to building a better world through knowledge, opportunity, and cooperation.