3D - Diversity, Dialogue, Democracy

General information
A youth exchange in Procida, Italy

Objectives
- To support the intercultural exchange between participants while exploring the political, economic and human frame of peace education in their Countries.
- To show the importance of communication against racism and discrimination.
– To discuss the fundamental and universal values such as respect, tolerance and solidarity.

Specifically we meant to:
- engage in a co-operative manner and experience a cultural enrichment based on the acceptance of diverse opinions,
- have open discussions between participants concerning racism and xenophobia as faced in their own countries,
- encourage intercultural dialogue to limit and overcome hostilities among people;
- give young participants the opportunity to express their opinion and feelings through activities that facilitate the way in which they learn to live together, participate and feel inclusive and united;
- increase the knowledge about different aspects of conflicts and the nature of causes and consequences.

Target group
28 youngsters from 18 to 25 years

Main activities
Through a learning module participants were given the opportunity to: explore their surrounding, the people in their new environment, social situation in their countries, viewpoints to peace and conflict; understand (and question) different viewpoints and situations and respect them; promote peace, equal opportunities and social inclusion for all.

The exchange is based on the principles and practice of non formal education. With the support of a facilitator, participating organizations take turn in selecting, planning, and organizing the daily activities themselves and thus have ownership of the project and carry a personal responsibility for the learning and interaction process.

Being open to an experiential learning experience, participants:
- will discus and propose topics that directly interest them;
- will design and implement activities inside and outside the meeting hall, involving other people in the community;
- will increase their awareness to prevailing situations in participants countries and the host one;
- will be encouraged to rethink their attitudes and actions toward injustices.

Outcomes and learning points
- Young people will be enriched by discovering and exploring the similarities and differences between their cultures.
- Better comprehension between the participants will be promoted working on our stereotypes.
- We will reach an agreement about universal values and a common declaration about them.
- We will promote active citizenship.
- We will produce a multiplying effect: the young people through the experience will have a direct impact on their friends, families and local communities.
- It will be possible to know better the other cultures and gain new friends from different countries.
- We will create a new experience in collective life.

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with various sectors of the community in Procida and its surrounding.

After the exchange many participants will continue activities in their local communities. Such activities will relate to the promotion of local and regional peace initiatives, relevant community meetings within their organizations. Additionally, will wish to promote new partnerships.