From May 21st to 28th, 2025, the charming village of Cicala, Italy, became a meeting point for young people from Greece and various parts of Europe for the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Start Up the Past.”
This project invited participants to reflect on social entrepreneurship through the lens of ancient crafts, traditions, and cultural heritage. Through hands-on workshops and intercultural activities, they connected traditional wisdom with modern, community-driven solutions.
Participants were encouraged to tap into their creativity and team spirit while discovering the potential of using local history and skills as inspiration for impactful, entrepreneurial projects. From creating with their hands to sharing ideas rooted in local identity, the exchange nurtured a sense of agency and innovation.
Eleni shared:
“Participating in the Erasmus program "Start Up the Past" was a unique and enriching experience. The project combined history with innovation, encouraging us to explore the past and use it as inspiration for future ideas, especially in the field of entrepreneurship. I hade the ooportunity to learn how cultural heritage can be transformed into crative business concepts, blending tradition with modern thinking. Through interacitve workshops, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration, I developed valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Meeting students from different countries helped me understand new perspectives and appreciate the diversity of European cultures. This experience not only improved my English and boosetd my confidence, but also inspired me to think more globally entrepreneurially. Overall, Erasmus gave me the chance to grow both personally and academically. It reminded me how the past can guide us toward a more innovative and connected future."
Maria said:
“Joining Start Up the Past in Cicala was an unforgettable experience that blended tradition with innovation. I learned how ancient crafts can inspire modern social entrepreneurship and gained new persepectives through intercultural teamwork. The hands-on visits, especially to the Muraca factory and chestnut fields, made everything feel real and relevant. I would absolutely recommend this project to any young person eager to grow, connect, and create change.”
Konstantina reflected:
“I participated in the Erasmus+ project "Start Up the Past" in Cicala, Italy. Through this program, we developed skills on how to create a small business, worked in teams, and learned to communicate with people from different countries. We made authentic Italian pasta from scratch, created street mosaics, and, above all, met amazing people and built new friendships that made the experience unforgettable.”
The experience in Cicala reminded everyone that innovation doesn't always mean technology — sometimes, it means reconnecting with where we come from. Thanks to everyone who made this journey so unique.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to learn, connect, and act across Europe with GO Alive!
