EKO is happy to announce the successful completion of one more amazing youth exchange project in which its members participated with enthusiasm. The project under the title “THE CITY FOR E(U)” united 28 young participants from Portugal, Italy, Greece and North Macedonia. It has been coordinated by the Italian organization ACMOS and took place in Athens, Greece from October 15 to 23, 2024.
Objectives:
- Build a positive international exchange experience in which participants can feel free to express themselves and their needs in a space of comfort and listening;
- Provide participants with the analytical tools necessary for a more critical and aware approach to the concept of the City;
- Produce a final output that allows participants to experience forms of active citizenship and political participation from below;
Activities:
During the 7 days of the project, the participants got the chance to take part in a series of interactive and creative activities, discussions, team building, and role-play games, through non-formal education activities.
Day 1:
The activities focused on building a sense of community among participants. Through energizers and team-building activities, everyone gets to know each other and shares their initial thoughts and expectations for the program. A welcoming session introduces the structure and rules, ensuring clarity and setting the tone for collaboration. Later, participants explore their personal and collective aspirations through creative exercises like the “Tree of Expectations” and “River of Fears.” The day concludes with time for reflection and an informal gathering to ease into the program.
Day 2:
The second day was devoted to focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness. Participants discuss how circular economy principles can be applied to daily life and engage in interactive challenges like a sustainability race and trivia games. These activities sparked conversations about what sustainability means to each individual, encouraging them to reflect on their values. The evening celebrates diversity with an intercultural night, featuring the vibrant cultures of Portugal and North Macedonia.
Day 3:
Day three is dedicated to exploring themes of accessibility and inclusion. A visit to a cultural park sets the stage for hands-on activities like role plays and collaborative games that highlight challenges faced by people with disabilities. Discussions delve into the importance of creating accessible spaces and fostering empathy. Participants also enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors and wrap up the day with a reflective movie night linked to the program’s goals.
Day 4:
On the fourth day, participants were invited to connect with their emotions and reflect on their journey so far. Activities like “Gut Feeling” and the “Circle of Needs” encourage deep introspection and group discussions, promoting emotional awareness and understanding. Team bonding exercises and a mid-program evaluation provide an opportunity to assess progress and realign goals. The evening offers free time for a night out in Athens, providing a refreshing change of pace.
Day 5:
Participants step into history on day five with a visit to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and its museum. A picnic in the National Garden and sightseeing around the city blend learning with relaxation. The day also includes a visit to the Greek Parliament and time for exploring local markets, providing an immersive cultural experience. The evening ends with a festive dinner at a traditional Greek taverna, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 6:
Day six revolves around themes of diversity and equality. Activities like the “(In)Equality Walk” and debates on diversity encourage participants to share perspectives and confront stereotypes. Creative exercises such as “Word Salad” challenge their preconceptions while fostering open dialogue. The evening highlights the cultural richness of Greece and Italy during the intercultural night, showcasing traditions, music, and stories from both nations.
Day 7:
The final day focused on reflection and celebration. Participants worked together on group projects and presentations, summarizing their learnings and experiences. They had also some time to think about the content of creating a booklet with their thoughts about their dream EU cities. The closing circle ceremony marks the end of the program, complete with Youthpass certificate awarding. The day ended on a joyful note with a farewell dinner, filled with laughter and fond memories.
An amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team
Aravella, Vaios, Niki, Evangelia, Chara, Anastasia, Vasiliki and George were the members of this amazing Greek team whom we really wanna thank for all their contribution and collaboration throughout the project!
As EKO, we are very grateful and proud of this fruitful partnership and for the amazing opportunity that was given to all the young participants. So, we really wanna thank our partner Debora Dellago from ACMOS and of course the members of EKO, George Fligkos and Caroline Abdelshohada for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Grazie mille
