EKO is happy to announce that one more amazing youth exchange has been completed successfully. The project “BREAK THE MYTH” united 30 participants from Greece, and France. It was organised by the Greek organisation EKOGREECE, and took place in Athens,Greece from 14 to 20 July 2026.
Aims & Objectives of the project
This youth exchange empowered participants to develop culturally, personally, and socially, helping them navigate a diverse world and become empathetic, open-minded European citizens. Through non-formal and collaborative activities, participants learned how to build meaningful cross-border connections, challenge stereotypes, and foster a deeper sense of mutual respect and shared values.
The project placed a strong emphasis on cultural heritage and critical thinking. Participants used Greek mythology as a unique lens to explore universal human values, while directly addressing modern prejudices and discrimination through creative reflection and open dialogue.
Moreover, the exchange aimed to enhance participants’ personal, social, and digital competences by promoting inclusive participation and democratic values. By incorporating digital tools alongside interactive non-formal methods, young people from all backgrounds—including those with fewer opportunities—collaborated seamlessly, discovering how to express themselves and take action within their communities.
More specifically, the project aims to:
- Foster intercultural dialogue and mutual respect by creating spaces for young people from different countries to encounter diverse cultures, build connections, and deepen their global awareness.
- Leverage cultural heritage for value education through the study of Greek mythology, using foundational narratives and symbols to explore shared human values while experiencing the history of Athens.
- Challenge stereotypes and prejudices by analyzing and dismantling biases held about other nationalities, building critical thinking, empathy, and active anti-discrimination skills.
- Strengthen personal and social competences via non-formal methods that build teamwork, confidence, creativity, and effective cross-cultural communication.
- Promote active European citizenship by instilling values of diversity, equality, and solidarity, empowering youth to act as ambassadors for inclusion in their local communities.
- Ensure inclusive access and digital growth by cultivating a safe environment for participants with fewer opportunities, utilizing digital tools to make learning accessible, interactive, and collaborative.
Workshops & Activities of the project
This youth exchange supported the personal and intercultural growth of participants, equipping them with the tools to navigate a globalized world, dismantle cultural barriers, and become active, empathetic community members. Through engaging, hands-on experiences, young people deepened their social intelligence and explored the core values that tie us together across borders.
The project also focused on using cultural history as an engaging learning tool. Participants engaged with Greek mythology to uncover shared narratives, using ancient themes to spark contemporary discussions about identity, respect, and breaking down national stereotypes.
In addition, the exchange elevated participants’ digital, social, and civic skills by encouraging active European citizenship, inclusive participation, and the smart use of digital tools for collaborative projects. These shared experiences empowered young people—regardless of their background—to connect, communicate, and lead with confidence.
As the project concluded, participants emerged more confident in their ability to collaborate across cultures, more aware of their role as inclusive European citizens, and more committed to championing diversity, equity, and solidarity in their home communities.
It is an amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team.
Marilia, Nikolaos, Maria, Alex, Anna, Sam, Eleana, Aggelos, Valeria, Anastasis, Noemie, Alkis, and, Emmanouela 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 French partner Centre Socio-culturel La Rose des Vents for trusting and allowing us to organise this impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Merci!
