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YOUthONstage - Еxchange2Change

2025-1-DE04-KA152-YOU-0003006242025Mobility of young peoplefinalizedGood practice
Countries: DE|BG|RO|NL|HU|IT · Grant: €32,268
Creativity, arts and cultureEnvironment and climate changeTackling geographical remoteness and involving rural areas

Objectives

The project “YOUthONstage - Exchange2Change” was created to address the growing challenges young people face with offline communication and meaningful face-to-face interaction in today’s digital age. In a context where many young people rely heavily on online platforms, the project aimed to encourage them to step away from excessive screen use and engage in real-life connections, while also raising awareness about environmental responsibility and European values. The Bulgarian partner, "Teen Spirit," built on its experience in organizing the annual “Tuka e Taka” summer festival in the mountain town of Chepelare. Through this initiative, the project brought together young people from six countries in a rural mountain environment, where they explored European civil rights, discovered new opportunities and actively participated in youth-led activities. The setting itself supported the project’s objective of reconnecting young people with nature and with each other. With the support of the Erasmus+ Programme, participants took part in activities focused on Human rights, European freedoms such as the ability to travel and connect with peers from different backgrounds, and environmental awareness, including practical ways to reduce waste. The project emphasized the idea that the environment is a shared global resource and aimed to inspire young people, regardless of their background, to take an active role in protecting it. A key element of the project was the use of artistic methods to support communication, self-expression and confidence-building. Theater workshops were combined with creative visual art activities. While the original plan included a music workshop, this was adapted according to the interests of the participants and replaced with a graffiti art workshop, preserving the core objective of creative expression. Through these processes, participants worked collaboratively to create a theatrical performance and visual artworks, which were presented at the “Tuka e Taka” festival 2025. They also contributed to the festival environment by designing and producing signs promoting anti-aggression, non-discrimination and anti-bullying messages. The creative and collaborative activities helped participants develop important skills such as communication, empathy, flexibility and problem-solving, while also strengthening their confidence and ability to express themselves. Team-building exercises and informal activities supported the creation of a safe and inclusive space, encouraging intercultural dialogue and building strong connections among participants. Тhe youth exchange successfully fostered offline engagement by providing opportunities for real-life interaction and creative collaboration in a rural setting. It promoted understanding, respect and tolerance among young people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, while empowering them through artistic creation and active participation. At the same time, it increased awareness of human rights and European civil rights, encouraged environmentally responsible behavior through hands-on experiences and motivated young people to shift from passive online consumption to active involvement in their communities. In this way, the project strengthened participants sense of active citizenship and supported their personal development, preparing them to take initiative and play a more engaged role in society.

Project partners (6)