This project, titled "Young Heroes of Positive Change," was the first Erasmus+ experience for some of us, and for others, it was already their second time participating in such a project. Throughout the week, we learned more about how young people can express their opinions and actively participate in society. One of the key topics we explored was the difference between freedom of speech and hate speech—how to use our voice responsibly while respecting the rights of others.
A significant part of the program involved open discussions on various global and social issues. Many of these topics were quite challenging and thought-provoking, such as discrimination, human rights, or the role of media in shaping public opinion. During these discussions, we exchanged perspectives with people from different countries and cultures, which gave us a broader view and helped us become more open-minded.
The activities we took part in were not only educational but also fun, creative, and engaging. Through teamwork and interactive sessions, we developed new skills, got to know each other better, and gained confidence in expressing our ideas. In the evenings, each country had the opportunity to organize a cultural night, where we shared our traditions, food, music, and fun facts. One surprising thing we learned, for example, was that the highest point in Lithuania is lower than Zemplínske Hámre in Slovakia!
As part of the project, we also went on trips to Zakopane and the stunning Morskie Oko lake. These visits were not only relaxing but also strengthened the bonds between participants. Apart from the official program, we created many unforgettable memories together. We made countless friends from countries such as Poland, Romania, Spain, Greece, and Lithuania. Although we come from different backgrounds, we found that we have a lot in common too.
This project taught us a lot—not only about the topic of positive change and youth engagement but also about the cultures, habits, and experiences of the other participants. It was an amazing journey, and we hope to meet again in future projects!