Here we are sharing the reflections received from the participants in the YE Youth Action for Europe, implemented in the period 16-22 May 2022 in Varna, Bulgaria.
I recently had the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange called Youth Action for Europe with people from 5 different countries. Most of our activities were held in the conference room at Hotel Detelina, where we had enough space for group work, discussions, presentations etc. After getting to know each other, talking about our fears and expectations about the project, setting some rules and being introduced to the main topic of our exchange, which was citizenship, we gradually started to dig deeper into the topic itself. We learned about what it means to be a personally responsible citizen, a participatory citizen or a justice-oriented citizen, we had interesting debates that showed us how nothing is black or white, we learned how to negotiate with others in connection with the rights and responsibilities of citizens, the government, NGOs and the media, and we had my personal favorite, the role play on human rights, where we had to act out different statements about certain rights in groups. We also had the possibility to do a little bit of sightseeing in the city of Varna, while also completing a task and engaging with locals. In addition, all of the participating countries had their own intercultural night where we could learn about each other’s culture and traditions in a fun and entertaining way, while also tasting some traditional food or drink. To sum it up, I think I can say that we all gained some useful information about the topic but also about each other and that we could see that even if we come from different backgrounds, we are still not so different after all. I am definitely going to take part in another youth exchange, whenever I have the chance.
Beata, Hungary
Erasmus+ is a program that enables young people all across Europe to experience different countries and cultures whilst also participating in educational activities. This May I had the opportunity to come to the beautiful city of Varna in Bulgaria, together with other young people from Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and North Macedonia.
The concept of this youth exchange was very well structured and easy to understand. We explored together numerous ways to promote active participation in society, democracy, as well as human rights. Together, in different teams, we made projects, presentations and even plays about various topics – Active citizenship, Ecology and Sustainable development, Democracy and human rights, Solidarity and volunteering and many more.
This project connected all of us through various methods of non-formal learning, discussions and teamwork, experiential exercises, but also through activities with the local community (Community day in Varna). This program offers young people additional educational and cultural experiences that formal education does not always give. This exchange helped me develop my competences, encouraged me to be more motivated for positive change, to become aware of the EU values, such as solidarity and equality, and I strive to become more actively engaged in the democratic life of my community.
For me this was a truly unforgettable experience, and I am very grateful for this opportunity and for the positive energy that we had from the organizers and other participants. Finally, I would like to thank FECE for hosting us and making this project come to light.
Vera, Serbia
For a week, the Romanian team of EAAD was present in the beautiful city of Varna taking part in a Youth Exchange, financed by the Erasmus+ Programme. The project was very useful. The subject that was chosen in this project is a very important one for the times we live in now. In an unjust world, change begins with everyone. The importance of involvement in social life is indispensable. And we understood that better through all the activities we took part in. The project was a perfect mixture of information, laughter, good practices, amazing location, more than specialized facilitators and a bunch of new skill sets that all of us shared and learned all together. We really hope those projects will keep on going for a better European Union and cohesion.
Dan, Romania
Hello, my name is Alexander Nedev and I am happy to share with you my reflection from the youth exchange in Varna. The project took place in the amazing resort Golden Sands, where just meters from our hotel one can see and hear the sea. This was a great incentive to welcome the summer, although the sea was cold, we had a nice open pool at Hotel Detelina, plus delicious food served three times a day. But these are not even the highlights and the most interesting elements of the project. The people I met there were the best and the group dynamics so vivid. Also, the activities and the topics of the project were very interesting and allowed for a lot of elaboration and discussions in small groups. We played interesting games and role plays based on human rights. We also visited Varna and explored the city through an adventurous game which was really cool.
Alexander, Bulgaria
I want to say some words about the Youth Exchange where I was in Varna, Bulgaria. That was the brilliant experience for me to learn new things and also share my vision about the project. Everything was perfectly organized by the host country. I hope that I will be part of the next Erasmus project in your country.
Thanks for the beautiful days.
Dragan, North Macedonia
