ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Dates: 18—23 November 2024
Venue: Berlin, Germany
Czech team: 3 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Youth Power Germany
Project report:
Hello, greetings from Berlin! A city where history intertwines with the modern pulse of Europe, and where we the Czech participants, found so many new friends between participants from Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain. Together, we experienced the “Living the EUp!” youth exchange from November 18th to 23th that not only expanded our horizons but also created friendships that will last.
Our organizers, Daniel and Veronica, were incredible, always there with a smile, ready to help, and full of surprises. They prepared for us not only lots of “get to know each other” activities, but also many educational ones. One day, they introduced us to Picasso’s “Guernica” and had us create our own version of it, which turned out to be an incredible experience. We dove into discussions about democracy, the importance of remembrance, and even got a mini history lesson about Spain.
Exploring Berlin city was like stepping into a living history book. Visiting the Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Museum was both humbling and eye-opening. Standing where so much history took place made us reflect deeply on the importance of democracy and the lessons we must learn from the past. It wasn’t just about seeing the sights; it was about feeling the weight of history and understanding its impact on our lives today.
One of the most fun parts was filming our own videos about the importance of remembering history and encouraging young people to be active in society. None of us were professional filmmakers, but through this creative process, we learned so much—not just about making videos but about expressing our ideas and working together.
Evenings were a blast. During multicultural night, each country took turns hosting, and we got to taste amazing food, learn so much, and participate in quizzes. During some other evenings, we explored the city together, which strengthened our connections in the group.It’s amazing how quickly strangers can become friends when you’re sharing such an intense experience.
As the week drew to a close, none of us wanted to say goodbye. We had become like a little family. We exchanged contact information and made promises to meet up in the future. Reflecting on this incredible week, it’s clear that we gained so much more than we ever anticipated. We didn’t just learn—we grew. We didn’t just learn about history and democracy, but we learned about each other and ourselves. We realized the power of youth in shaping society and the importance of staying active and involved.
We’re so grateful for this opportunity.
Until next time, Berlin!
Timea M.
