The journey of the EKO Youth Club continued with its second workshop, and the energy was just as vibrant as the first. This meeting brought together a diverse group of young people to explore a theme that resonates deeply in our globalized world: “Life as an Expat.” Building on the safe and open environment established in our first week, participants gathered to share the unique challenges and joys of building a life in a new country.

Shared Stories and Global Perspectives

The session kicked off with an exchange of personal experiences. We talked about what it truly means to live abroad, from the initial “culture shock” to the rewarding moments of finding a new sense of belonging. The room was filled with stories of adaptation, resilience, and the shared realization that while our backgrounds differ, many of our struggles and triumphs as expats are universal.

The conversation then shifted toward a more analytical look at our world. We compared how different countries are structured, specifically focusing on:

-> Social Frameworks: How different societies support their citizens and the varied approaches to community and welfare.

-> Environmental Structures: The different ways countries manage their natural resources and urban green spaces.

The diversity of the group allowed for a rich comparison of systems, sparking a meaningful dialogue about what works, what doesn’t, and what we can learn from one another’s home countries.

Visioning the Future: The “Ideal City”

To translate these discussions into something tangible, we moved into a creative workshop. Participants were challenged to design and draw their “Ideal City.” This activity allowed everyone to blend the best social and environmental features they had discussed into a visual masterpiece.

From cities powered entirely by renewable energy to urban layouts designed to foster social connection and inclusivity, the drawings reflected a deep desire for a more sustainable and community-oriented future. It was a powerful way to see the group’s collective values come to life on paper.

Looking Ahead

As the second session came to a close, the sense of connection within the group felt stronger than ever. We left not just with new insights into global living, but with a shared vision of the kind of world we want to build together!