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Journeys, Journals, and Junctions

2025-2-DE04-KA155-YOU-0003685572025Discover EU inclusion actionongoing
Countries: DE · Grant: €31,690.5

Objectives

Our 3J DiscoverEU project is designed to support young people with fewer opportunities, with a particular focus on Ukrainian youth who have experienced displacement, migration, or the impact of war. Many of these participants face challenges such as economic hardship, social isolation, or trauma, which can limit access to travel, intercultural experiences, and personal development opportunities. Through the project, they will be able to explore new European contexts in a safe and supportive environment, reflect on their experiences, and share their perspectives with others. At the heart of the project is storytelling. Participants will document their journeys using Instagram posts, blogs, and personal reflections, guided by experienced mentors. This creative process allows them to reflect on their own experiences, including challenges related to migration or conflict, while developing skills in digital communication, self-expression, and reflective thinking. Rather than just recording travel experiences, participants will explore issues such as social exclusion, discrimination, and cultural diversity, helping them connect personal stories to broader European values like solidarity, inclusion, and equality. Mentors will work closely with participants to plan and produce meaningful content. Each participant will create at least three reflective posts during the mobility, capturing insights, lessons learned, and intercultural encounters. They will also collaborate to co-design and manage the Instagram account, gaining practical experience in digital storytelling, content planning, and community engagement. This hands-on approach not only strengthens digital and communication skills but also fosters confidence and ownership over their learning journey. In addition to online activities, participants will engage with local communities, cultural sites, civic organizations, and workshops, creating opportunities for dialogue, peer learning, and intercultural exchange. They will reflect on how their own experiences intersect with those of other young Europeans, including discussions about migration, diversity, and social inclusion. These interactions help Ukrainian participants process their personal experiences in a broader social context while strengthening empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking. The project will culminate in an event in Mönchengladbach, where participants will share their stories, participate in Q&A sessions, and engage directly with 50–100 local people and Ukrainian migrants and community members. This public presentation gives them a tangible platform to practice communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, and to showcase the value of their experiences. It also reinforces the connection between personal storytelling and community engagement, highlighting the contribution of Ukrainian youth voices to local and European conversations about inclusion and resilience. Throughout the project, participants will use Youthpass to recognize the competences they have developed, such as digital literacy, storytelling, intercultural awareness, teamwork, and civic engagement. Daily reflections and mentor-guided sessions will help them track progress, consolidate learning, and identify how these skills can be applied in education, volunteering, or professional life. The Instagram content, blog posts, and live event outcomes will remain accessible beyond the project, inspiring other young people, NGOs, and local communities. By combining personal reflection, creative storytelling, intercultural experiences, and public engagement, the project empowers Ukrainian participants to overcome barriers, develop practical and social competences, and share their voices with wider audiences. In doing so, it fosters resilience, inclusion, and active participation in both their local communities and the broader European context.

Project partners (1)