Rebuilding hope and the future – Exploring solidarity and compassion

In the summer of 2023, 35 young people from six countries came to Bucharest to participate in a youth exchange, exploring together the question: How can we rebuild hope and the future in a post-Covid and conflict-affected Europe?

The youth exchange is an activity funded by the Erasmus+ program. For a week, young people from Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania explored and developed activities focused on peacebuilding and enhancing mental health.

The first day was dedicated to getting to know each other, and the participants’ anticipation was replaced with the excitement of initial meetings

Throughout the week, they participated in numerous activities and discussions, explored sensitive topics such as migration and conflicts, shared personal and cultural stories, and formed strong bonds with one another. There were many moments of laughter and tears, intercultural evenings, dancing, painting, and deep reflection.

For the young participants, this week was about discovering the connections that unite us and being open to listening and learning from each other.

In the end, they marked World Refugee Day with a mini online campaign, bringing attention to the challenges faced by newcomers in a foreign country. They used art as a means of expression and awareness.

Their paintings were an emotional reflection of the experiences of these vulnerable communities and the need for empathy, compassion, and commitment to peace.

The young people returned home with open hearts and minds, new friends, and a desire to continue rebuilding hope and the future, each in their corner of the world.