Here we are sharing the reflections received from the participants in the YE Our Values, Our Europe, implemented in the period 16-23 September 2022 in Varna, Bulgaria.
For the Polish group, the youth exchange was a very important and wonderful experience, especially for people going to an international meeting abroad for the first time. We met a lot of fascinating and unique people from different countries. Through active workshops, all of us had the chance to interact with each member of the project. Through discussions, it was possible to empathise with human rights and European values and learn more about European citizenship. Our group very much enjoyed the moving debate and other similar workshops. The cultural nights allowed each group from a given country to present their culture and history. Often the whole group was divided into smaller groups, thanks to which we could freely exchange our views and get to know each other. At the end of the project, we had some lovely surprises, such as a diploma for completing the project and a big farewell cake. We found out about everyones’ secret friend who, during their stay, gave small gifts. Despite the intensity of the exchange, we could find time for a swim in the sea and visit Varna. The classes were conducted by very nice ladies who organised everything perfectly and ensured a friendly atmosphere. All the workshops were held in a cosy hotel with good meals. The whole group also improved their English skills. We will happily remember the trip and contact the members with whom we became friends.
Danuta, Poland
I feel more than thankful to be part of this specific project for multiple reasons. Firstly, I received the chance to learn about European values and human rights informally and effectively, a knowledge I consider necessary for me and anyone to be better active citizens of Greece and Europe. In addition, I am grateful to have the opportunity to cooperate, understand and communicate with people from different parts of Europe, feel appreciated, be more open-minded and make new valid friendships.
Maria, Greece
It was quite a cold day when all the groups started to arrive in the quiet weirdly named hotel close to the sea. Both girls and boys, almost all of them in their early twenties. One looked bored, another excited, most of them, just young. I can’t tell if they enjoyed the morning activities we proposed, nor the afternoon ones, but once they got into it they lightened up like fire. It’s a particularity of the state of being young, to get fired up about the world’s most urgent problems, or maybe of all people regardless of age. I guess it’s nice to be young, talk about the EU, have some fights and fall in love.
Steluta, Romania
A few weeks ago, I participated in the “Our Values, Our Europe” youth exchange program in Varna, Bulgaria, from the 16th to the 23rd of September.
As a team leader and with amazing people from Hungary, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania, I enjoyed this experience to the fullest. Everything from the accommodation to the food was just amazing.
During the week, I got the chance to learn more about European values like human rights, freedom and democracy, equality and the rule of law. I was impressed by how competent the trainers were and how organised the schedule was. I never felt bored with the activities since they were diversified and funny. I got to experience new non-formal education methods and enjoyed every single one. The program was flexible, and we even had the opportunity to discover the city and enjoy the beauty of Varna during our free time. What I enjoyed the most was getting to know new people from different cultures and places. We had a lot of interesting talks, and we made a lot of memories. We were certainly different from one another, but I strongly believe that everyone had a unique personality, and I learned from the way they were thinking about specific topics. It is crazy how I got attached to this project, and I think it was a great experience that affected me positively, both personally and professionally.
I would like to thank both the sending and the receiving organisations for all the time and effort they have put in to make our journey valuable and enjoyable.
Hajer, Hungary
In one week, the Czech team had a chance to explore Varna, especially the sunny beach coast, explore new cultures, and level up our knowledge about human rights in the EU.
Some of us have visited Bulgaria before, but it was the first time for all of us to visit Varna. One afternoon we visited the city centre and the famous Sea garden. I can tell that this activity showed us how locals see the European Union and what are the most common prejudices.
Most of the week we spent in the hotel. Due to the support of the EU, we had all-inclusive catering, a comfy shared room and a conference room for our activities. One of my favourite activities was culture nights. The Greeks shared their rich history and geographical facts. The Polish team prepared an entertaining game that taught us about Polish inventions. The Romanians showed us their hospitality and gave us delicious traditional food and drinks. The Bulgarian team shared their famous rose oil, and, for the first time, we danced traditional Hungarian dance.
Most of our activities were focused on human rights or getting to know each other. We played trials, had several discussions, and shared knowledge.
Overall this project gave us memories, friends, and the feeling that we are more European citizens.
Pavla, Czechia
The youth exchange Our Values, Our Europe, was an amazing experience for the whole Bulgarian team. We had the chance to meet like-minded people from different countries and experience their culture while learning about the importance of being an active European citizen.
All activities were very well organised. Each day focused on one of the EU values, and each activity built up on the previous one. The themes and games were structured in a way to stimulate a discussion. As participants came from various backgrounds, there were moments when contradicting opinions existed. However, the leaders ensured a safe and respectful environment so that we could benefit from being exposed to different perspectives. The organisers also gave us some free time to explore the local surroundings and get to know each other more.
Since the exchange was held in Bulgaria, some participants, part of the Bulgarian team, took it upon themselves to walk around and show local places to the rest of the attendees. Nonetheless, during all free activities and cultural nights, we created new friendships and discovered more about each other’s countries, views, customs and traditions.
Overall, we are very happy and thankful for taking part in the OVOE exchange. The organisation was nice, the accommodation was great, and the topics were fascinating.
Elzhana, Bulgaria