In the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, the Youth Council of Yverdon-les-Bains, Dutch organisation “CN’ers” and Romanian association “Youth for Europe” have organised a youth exchange for youngsters aged 18-26. From 8th to 14th of July 2015, young habitants of Yverdon-les-Bains hosted a Dutch group from the city of Rotterdam as well as young Romanians from Ploiesti.
This project was elaborated and implemented in a perfect collaboration. By working together, the youngsters got to know each other, discovered their similarities and their differences. The main theme of the project, as it follows from its name, is an Intercultural Debate. Therefore youngsters with different national and cultural backgriunds and heritages exchanged and spoke on topics that concern everyone of them: cultural diversity, solidarity, fight against discrimination, social and cultural identity. The project was designed on the principles of non-formal education (teamwork, intercultural evenings, improvised meeting of the local community, etc.).
The project aims to bring different youngsters from different walks of life to facilitate in an environment where all participants can debate, learn, empower and motivate themselves and each other.
During the exchange there are elements that focus on personal developments such as:
- Self-esteem;
- Networking;
- Debate’s structures;
- Communication skills and oral speaking in front of an audience; – Becoming an active citizen.
Participants will learn about project building, using youth policies, profiling themselves, being active citizens, learning about different cultures, working with and empowering minorities and non active citizens and working in teams.
As organizers wanted to carry out this project because we think it presents and develops an important idea promoted by the European Union, that is European citizenship and active citizenship. This project was created in order to offer equal chances to all young people thru active debates with local communities.
During this project we tried to break thought all as many social barriers by offering social games, workshops and learning more about the power of European Union and to be active citizens involved in the European policy and problems.
