The aim of the youth exchange, "My Visual Journey Across Cultures," which took place between 25.06-02.07.2024 in Izvoare, Harghita was to empower young participants from diverse backgrounds to foster cross-cultural understanding, creativity, and personal growth through immersive visual experiences and intercultural dialogue.
O1: Foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among 42 participants through interactive visual activities and cultural exchange.
O2: Enhance participants’ communication skills, creativity and self-expression while exploring the role of visuals in conveying cultural identity and heritage.
O3. Improve our organisation capacity, as well as the capacity of our partners to organize quality and meaningful YEs using non-formal education methods.
We reunited 43 young participants aged 16-20 from Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Some of them had previous Erasmus+ experience, while others were encountering the program for the first time. This mix of seasoned participants and newcomers enriched our Youth Exchange, fostering a dynamic environment of learning and cultural exchange.
Despite train delays that prolonged our travel and a lack of sleep, nothing could stop us from kicking off our project with enthusiasm! We began our journey with icebreaker activities, setting the stage for the days ahead, and assigning roles and responsibilities. Whether experienced or new to Erasmus+ youth exchanges, each of us found our place in the team.
To deepen our bond, we engaged in fun energizers that brought us closer together, allowing us to discover new things about each other and learn to function as a cohesive team. The highlight of the day was creating art to express our cultures through color. The vibrant paintings and accompanying stories beautifully showcased our diverse backgrounds. What an inspiring day! 🎨
Day 3 of our Youth Exchange was filled with dynamic energy. We delved into the colorful world of the 8 key competences and discussed the importance of the Youthpass certificate. Fun theater plays lightened the mood and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. We concluded the day with a thrilling hike to Zetea Lake. 🌿 What an exhilarating experience!
We began by meeting with the Drug Prevention Agency to learn about the risks of substance abuse and effective prevention strategies. Next, we engaged in spirited debates and participated in a hands-on upcycling workshop, transforming plastic bottles and trash into useful and artistic items. The creativity and innovation on display were truly inspiring.🌿
Exploring the beauty of Sovata and Ursu Lake was unforgettable! The stunning architecture captivated us, and we learned fascinating details about the local bear subculture. Our youth exchange team enjoyed a fantastic study visit, completing a fun list of tasks and creating lifelong memories along the way.✨
Day 6 of our project was about creativity and connection! We immersed ourselves in various art movements, using colour and shape to explore and express the challenges of language barriers. Later, we played a game that relied entirely on non-verbal communication, demonstrating that understanding can transcend words. The day was a vivid reminder of the power of creativity and the unspoken bonds we share.🎨🌟
Day 7 of our Youth Exchange was all about creativity and teamwork! 🌍✨ Participants came together to create their own country, complete with unique cultures, languages, and traditions. The energy and innovation were truly inspiring. Here’s our amazing group, celebrating the culmination of their hard work and imagination.
My Visual Journey Across Cultures wrapped up an amazing time filled with growth and new connections. We filled out our Youthpass certificates, celebrating our hard-earned skills and experiences🏅 and exchanged heartfelt messages
The youth exchange directly contributes to O1 by providing a platform for young participants, including those with fewer opportunities, to develop essential skills in a European context. Through activities focusing on cultural diversity, language exchange, and environmental awareness, participants gain exposure to international perspectives and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of European values.
The exchange supports O2 by exemplifying effective non-formal learning methods, both live and digital. Interactive workshops, cultural showcases, and collaborative projects facilitate experiential learning, enhancing participant skills and enriching staff insights.
Linked to O3, the exchange fosters an environment for youth to voice opinions and collaborate on mutual projects, promoting cultural understanding, environmental awareness, and community engagement.