EKO is happy to announce that one more amazing youth exchange has been completed successfully. The project “R.I.S.E.: Rights, Inclusion, Solidarity & Empowerment” united participants from united participants from Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Romania and Turkiye. It was organised by the Portuguese organisation “ADDHG”, and took place in Guimarães, Portugal, from 17 to 23 May 2026.
Aims & Objectives of the project
The project aimed to strengthen the competences of youth people in promoting inclusion, solidarity, active participation and empowerment among young people, while fostering greater awareness of rights, democratic values and social engagement across Europe.
Specifically, the project sought to:
• Increase their understanding of topics related to rights, inclusion, solidarity and empowerment, and their importance in addressing the realities and needs of young people in diverse communities.
- • Encourage the exchange of experiences and good practices on promoting participation, equality, intercultural dialogue and inclusion through youth work and non-formal education.
• Enhance the ability of young people to be empowered, promote democratic participation and foster active citizenship through inclusive and participatory practices.
Workshops & Activities of the project
The youth exchange was based on non-formal education methods and included interactive workshops and experiential learning activities designed to strengthen participants’ competences related to inclusion, solidarity, youth participation and empowerment.
Through presentations, discussions, simulations and peer-learning activities, participants explored topics connected to rights, social inclusion, active citizenship and democratic engagement in contemporary European societies. Participants reflected on challenges faced by young people in different local and national contexts, while exchanging ideas and practices for creating more inclusive and empowering youth work environments.
Collaborative workshops, group activities and intercultural exchanges supported knowledge sharing, the co-creation of new approaches and the development of future cooperation initiatives and Erasmus+ youth projects. The training also contributed to participants’ professional growth and reinforced the importance of inclusive, rights-based and participatory youth work practices across Europe.
It is an amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team.
Theodosia, Panagiota, Froso, Alexandros & Paschalis were the amazing Greek team members whom we want to thank for all their contributions and collaboration throughout the project!
As EKO, we are very grateful for that amazing opportunity given to the Greek team. We thank our Portuguese partner, ADDHG, and the members of the hosting organisation for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Obrigado!