From April 8th to 17th, 2024, in the scenic town of Bălan, Romania, the youth exchange “Vote your non-formal StoriE+s” brought together young participants from across Europe to explore the importance of democracy, critical thinking, and non-formal education.

The Objectives of the Project

– To raise awareness among young participants about the importance of democratic participation in society.

– To develop critical thinking skills, especially through the use of digital tools and technology.

– To increase trust in European institutions by encouraging active citizenship and intercultural dialogue.

Throughout this vibrant youth exchange, participants engaged in interactive workshops, cultural evenings, outdoor group-building activities, and discussions focused on political education and democratic life. They not only shared stories and learned from one another, but also built meaningful cross-cultural friendships that extended far beyond the borders of the project.

 Voices from the Greek Team

Elsa:

“This was my first Erasmus+ project, and it was an incredible experience! We made new friends, laughed, learned about democratic participation, and discovered different cultures. Highly recommend it to all young people!”

 Konstantinos:

“My first youth exchange with Erasmus+ was unforgettable. The experiences, the relationships built with people from around the world, and the valuable lessons learned are priceless.”

Angeliki:

“Participating in this Erasmus+ project was fantastic. I met and collaborated with people from various countries, forming lasting friendships. The insights into democracy and critical thinking were truly significant.”

Despoina:

“This project was a tool that taught us how to be happy. We increased our knowledge about democratic life, made friends from different countries, and discovered even new aspects of ourselves.”

The Impact

This experience left a strong impression on all who took part. Participants returned home with a greater sense of confidence, a deeper understanding of democratic values, and a global perspective that will shape their actions as active European citizens.

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