From October 10th to 17th, 2023, the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Food EUnites” brought together young people from across Europe to the charming village of Tiriolo, in southern Italy.
Organized by GO Alive and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, this project focused on exploring cultural identity, sustainability, and the social power of food through engaging non-formal learning.
Participants took part in a range of interactive workshops and group challenges centered on food and culture. They:
– Visited traditional bakeries and an olive press
– Learned about local food production
– Cooked traditional recipes
– Shared national dishes
– Reflected on the values and stories tied to food
These experiences promoted intercultural dialogue, raised awareness about sustainable living, and helped build lasting friendships.
Here’s what some of the youth had to say about their time in Tiriolo:
“We started out as strangers, but became a family through food, laughter and shared experiences.”
“We discovered how much culture, memory and history lives in a plate and how food truly unites us.”
“From workshops to visits, we tasted, learned and grew — together.”
The project encouraged collaboration, mutual understanding, and cultural appreciation, highlighting how something as simple as sharing a meal can create deep connections across borders.
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