Youth ON Again
Youth Exchange, 30 April – 9 May 2022
EKO is happy to announce that one more awesome youth exchange has been successfully completed. The project took place in the second biggest city of Lithuania, Kaunas. In this medieval environment – quite like a fairytale – 43 youngsters from different countries gathered to learn new methods for being more active citizens. The project was implemented from 30th of April till 9th of May 2022 by the host organization AKTYVISTAI and participants from 4 more countries, Greece, Georgia, Portugal and Turkey. Through creative ways and non-formal education methods, they learned more about stereotypes, how to be more active in our societies and become more active European citizens.
The ‘’Youth ON Again’’ project originated from the need of young people to become more actively involved in local and regional life as young citizens, as youth participation and active involvement of young people in local and regional life are one of the key concerns in the European integration process and is one of the most important steps towards healthy societies. Youth active citizenship means young people getting involved in their local communities and democracy at all levels, from towns to cities to nationwide activity. Active citizenship can be as small as a campaign to clean up your street or as big as youth workers and leaders educating young people about democratic values, skills and participation.
The main objectives of the project:
- To develop the participants’ understanding of the key principles of youth participation
- To develop a common understanding of participation and explore instruments for its promotion among groups of young people who have fewer opportunities in civil society or youth activities at local and regional level
- To raise overall awareness on European Citizenship and it’s benefits for society
- To promote Erasmus+ Programme
- To promote non-formal education
- To promote tolerance, non-violent communication and conflict transformation using peaceful methods
This beautiful journey started by meeting each other the first day with a nice breakfast and then the week started with energy,positive energy and inspiring moments. The main activities were were free for the teams to present as they want so most of the young people chose to make small theatrical acts. Although we visited the municipality to know more about the plans that the counselors and the mayor had for Kaunas, it was a great opportunity to watch a city in development. Another visit that we had, was in the small touristic city of Trakai that we saw the crystal clear lake and the castle in the middle of it! We made new friends and learned more about their traditions and culture and this is how this lovely journey came to an end but we continued to remember every moment later on.
The project was an unforgettable experience that enabled Greek participants to develop themselves, both individually and collectively and helped them to establish themselves as active participants in public life. Vivien, Fenia, Aravella, Mikel, Dafni, Konstantinos and Anna 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 also very grateful for that amazing opportunity given to the Greek team and we thank our partner Karolis Stirbis, as well as Adas Perkauskas and all the rest members of the hosting organization AKTYVISTAI NGO, for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!
