From 11 to 17 May 2026, we took part in Building Bridges: Inclusion, Diversity and European Values, an Erasmus+ youth exchange in Wieleń, Poland.
The project was designed for young people aged 18 to 30. It focused on prejudice, stereotypes, social inclusion, diversity, human rights and participation in democratic life.
What was Building Bridges about?
Building Bridges looked at how prejudice and stereotypes affect young people and their communities.
The project brought together young people from different social and cultural backgrounds. Particular attention was given to young migrants, people at risk of social exclusion and participants with fewer opportunities.
During the week, participants worked on topics including migration, inclusion, European values, human rights and environmental responsibility.
Non-formal education was used throughout the programme. This included simulations, debates, group work, games, workshops and digital storytelling.
What did the week actually look like?
The programme used a different topic and set of activities each day.
The first day focused on getting to know the group. Participants created agreements for working together and took part in a city game called Human Matrix.
The second day moved into stereotypes and social exclusion. Participants played the simulation game Step Into My Shoes and worked on the activity Labels We Carry, which explored stereotypes and experiences of discrimination.
Another workshop asked participants to work with the question: Are stereotypes always harmful?
The programme then moved to European values. Participants worked with the EU Youth Goals and discussed barriers and opportunities facing young people.
Migration was explored through an international group activity called Mapping Inequalities and Needs.
How were diversity and inclusion explored?
Participants worked with inclusion through simulations, discussions and group activities.
One session, In My Shoes, focused on diversity.
Other activities looked at boundaries and creativity, communication and self-care.
Participants also discussed experiences of prejudice and stereotypes. The programme connected these discussions with human rights, freedom of expression and equality.
The goal was to give participants opportunities to talk openly with people from different backgrounds and hear experiences that might be different from their own.
Did the project cover environmental issues?
Environmental responsibility was included as one part of the programme.
Participants took part in a workshop called Climate Justice & Social Inclusion. This connected environmental issues with the experiences of different groups in society.
Another activity focused on eco-misinformation.
Participants also worked on an Eco Pages project and discussed consumption and sustainable habits through digital activities.
These sessions connected environmental education with the wider topics of equality and social responsibility covered during the exchange.
How did participants discuss democracy and human rights?
The later part of the programme focused on democratic participation and European values.
Participants took part in an interactive quiz about EU values and the EU Youth Goals.
The programme also included a simulation called Youth Parliament.
Through this activity, participants could work with discussion and decision-making in a practical format.
Freedom of speech, human rights and local actions were also discussed.
These activities gave participants different ways to explore how young people can express their opinions and participate in decisions that affect them.
Where did participants stay in Wieleń?
Participants stayed at Centrum Trzy Jeziora in Wieleń.
What did it cost to take part?
Participants were reimbursed for their travel costs according to the Erasmus+ Distance Calculator. The project followed the Erasmus+ guidelines for the mobility.
Who could take part in Building Bridges?
The youth exchange was designed for young people aged 18 to 30.
Participants were expected to be interested in diversity, social inclusion, intercultural education and active participation in society.
At least a basic level of English was required because the project activities were conducted in English.
The project particularly encouraged young people from different backgrounds to apply, including those with fewer opportunities or little previous experience with international projects.
Group leaders were required to be over 25 and have a communicative level of English.
Who hosted the project?
The project was hosted by Fundacja Centrum Aktywności Twórczej, CAT Foundation, from Poland.
CAT works with young people through youth exchanges, volunteering, training activities, the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+.
The facilitator was Karolina Kosowska, a youth worker and international trainer with 15 years of professional experience in youth work.
She was joined by co-facilitator Anouar Rejeb, a youth worker, trainer and project coordinator at CAT Foundation.
What did participants work on by the end of the exchange?
The final part of the programme focused on reflection and what participants had learned during the week.
Participants worked with Youthpass and reflected on their competences.
The programme also included a project evaluation and closing session.
By this point, the group had worked with stereotypes, migration, diversity, environmental issues, European values and democratic participation through different practical activities.
How can you join the next YFCH youth exchange?
Youth for Change regularly sends young people from North Macedonia to Erasmus+ youth exchanges in different European countries.
Building Bridges was designed for participants aged 18 to 30, but every project has its own requirements.
Before applying, check the dates, age requirements, topic and participant profile in the open call.
Want to join one of our next projects? Check the Youth for Change website for new opportunities or contact us at contact@yfch.org.
Erasmus+ Programme
of the European Union
