Youth Exchange on the topic of discrimination

The youth group from Kavadarci (Macedonia) consist of 7 youngsters (3 boys, 4 girls) of whom 3 have participated in a previous Youth Exchange project and for the others this is a completely new experience. They want to find a project on the topic of discrimination for the target group of 13-17 year olds. Youngsters have had 3 meetings for the planning of the project and as a result the youngsters have chosen the topic they like, brainstormed for possible activities and are ready to take an active role in implementing the project.

Youth association Kreaktiv is supporting the participants in preparation, implementation and follow-up of the project. Kreaktiv has a lot of experience with Erasmus+: Youth in Action programme, including sending and receiving EVS volunteers, organising Youth Exchanges and taking part in other projects abroad. Kreaktiv wishes to give the youngsters a life-changing experience of international cooperation and is ready to help with the application procedure, implementation of the Youth Exchange and final reporting.

The vision of this project is to stop discrimination towards ethnic minorities (like roma community), religious minorities, immigrants and people identifying themselves as LGBTQ . Different types of discrimination were chosen based on the experiences of young people in Kavadarci. In addition, the following issues were brought out by the youngsters: discrimination based on skin colour, body type, good or bad grades in school, family wealth etc. The group of youngsters behind this project idea believe that they can change the situation and attitudes of people in their community by being a good example to the other youngsters. Although we speak different languages and come from different cultural backgrounds we have the same problems in every country and a Youth Exchange is a good opportunity to share good examples of how to avoid discrimination.

The activity programme of the project will be developed together with all project partners. However, during the preparation meetings the youngsters from Kavadarci have come up with their suggestions for non-formal activities. The days of the Youth Exchange could be divided between different topics. The first days would be an introduction to the topic of discrimination and focusing on getting to know each other and the situation in different countries. During the next days we would discuss the sub-topics of discrimination towards immigrants, religious or ethnic minorities and LGBTQ people. The Youth Exchange would conclude with planning follow-up activities on local or international level. The methods would include games, simulations, discussion groups, debates and study visits.

If you would like to be the hosting partner for this Youth Exchange or just a sending partner, please contact us as soon as possible (February deadline approaching).