ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Dates: 14—26 June 2025
Venue: Saint Lizier (nearby Toulouse), France
Czech team: 4 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: SolAfrika
Project report:
From the 14th to the 26th of June, I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ youth exchange project “The Dark Side of Fashion”, which took place in the beautiful village of Saint-Lizier, located in the south of France. The project brought together participants from Portugal, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Spain, with approximately six participants from each country.
Our facilitators – Adél, Vesna, and Lionel – created a supportive, inclusive, and open environment that allowed everyone to feel safe and engaged. Their excellent organization and care made a significant impact on the quality and atmosphere of the entire exchange.
Throughout the project, we explored the topic of sustainable fashion and its environmental, social, and economic impacts. We visited a recycle shop that not only sold second-hand items but also repaired donated goods. We watched a documentary about the fast fashion giant Shein, held debates on how to combat fast fashion, and engaged in a variety of hands-on workshops. These included wool processing, creating our own accessories and clothes for La Fête de la Musique (that we presented at our own fashion show), and learning sewing techniques from fellow participants. We also discussed how our countries are addressing sustainability, and each group presented their country and its culture to others.
The project emphasized community and responsibility. We formed a short-term intentional community, where daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and dishwashing were shared. This collective approach strengthened our teamwork and sense of belonging. Cultural exchange was also a big part of the experience – we danced traditional Portuguese dances, tasted vegetarian meals (we had only vegetarian dishes throughout the project) from different countries, and enjoyed an open, respectful dialogue about our traditions and values.
One of the highlights of the program was a group hike in the Pyrenees, which culminated in swimming under a waterfall – a truly unforgettable moment that brought us closer to nature and each other.
Another unique and valuable part of the project were the daily emotional circles and regular feedback sessions, where participants were encouraged to reflect on their experience and share their thoughts and feelings. These activities contributed greatly to the overall sense of community and personal growth.
Lukáš M.
