Follow Up Lithuania

Sharing experiences and tools for positive change: Local follow-up to the Youth Exchange

After the impactful Youth Exchange that took place in Cyprus from 1-9 November, on November 28, a local follow-up activity for the Erasmus = eMpowering + participation of youth in double (E=MC²) project was organized to bring the insights and learnings of the project back to our community. This activity aimed to inspire young people to engage in active citizenship, promote inclusion, and explore innovative ways to contribute to their communities, with a strong focus on empowering them to actively participate in society and fostering links with the wider European project.

During the event, participants shared their transformative experiences of the Youth Exchange, highlighting the activities they were involved in and how these contributed to their personal development. They reflected on the development of key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration and demonstrated the value of these experiences in shaping their perspectives and fostering a sense of global citizenship. The participants also discussed the activities and initiatives of the Meraki LT association, emphasizing its role in fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and social engagement.

To make the event more engaging and practical, participants conducted interactive demonstrations of several educational games and activities used during the Youth Exchange. These tools demonstrated creative ways to promote inclusion, build teamwork, and encourage active learning. Participants had the opportunity to take part in these demonstrations and gain first-hand experience of methods they could use in their own settings.

The event provided a platform for open dialogue, practical skill-sharing, and inspiration, empowering participants with new ideas and tools to drive change in their communities. By connecting the local audience with the lessons and strategies learned abroad, the follow-up activity not only celebrated the success of the Youth Exchange but also reinforced its message of unity, cooperation, and the importance of youth-led initiatives.

Online dissemination of the project

Evaluation Paragraphs from participants

Apostolia: Participating in the Erasmus Youth Exchange Programme has given me an unforgettable experience that I'll always hold close to my heart. Through interactive workshops, group activities and interesting discussions, I gained valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to interact with peers from different countries, which helped me to challenge stereotypes and foster a sense of mutual respect and inclusion. The programme has not only strengthened my self-confidence and my ability to express myself, but has also deepened my understanding of global issues and the importance of community involvement. Overall, Erasmus gave me a new perspective on cultural differences and personal growth, making it an unforgettable journey of learning and self-discovery. In this Erasmus Youth Exchange programme I felt like at home with one big family from all the world.

Herkus: My time in the Erasmus Youth Exchange Programme was an incredible experience that left a strong impression on me. One of the highlights was meeting so many wonderful people from different countries and making friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The activities and workshops were not only fun, but also taught me important lessons about collaboration, cultural understanding and getting out of my comfort zone. I have learnt to communicate better and to appreciate different points of view, which has made me more open-minded and able to adapt. This programme has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and at the same time have an incredible time with my new friends, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique adventure.

Gytis: The Erasmus youth exchange program was one of the best experiences of my life. It gave me the chance to meet people from different countries, and I quickly made friends who I felt like I'd known forever. The exchange was not just about learning but also about sharing ideas and having a great time together. I discovered a lot about other cultures and realized how much we have in common despite our differences. The teamwork during the activities helped me become more confident and taught me how to adapt to new situations. What I loved most was the sense of connection and energy that came from being part of such a diverse and positive group. This program didn't just teach me new things; it also gave me memories and friendships that I'll treasure forever.

Rokas: Participating in the Erasmus Youth Exchange Programme has been an amazing experience that has surpassed all my expectations. It was amazing to meet so many people from different countries and to immediately feel a sense of community with them. I particularly enjoyed the group activities, which were not only fun but also gave me the opportunity to network with others and work as a team. The programme opened my eyes to different cultures, traditions and ways of thinking, making me more open and curious about the world. I also learned to express myself better and gained a lot of confidence when meeting new people. The friendships I have made through these exchanges are something I will always treasure and the memories will stay with me forever. It was a truly life-changing experience.

Ugnius: This Erasmus youth exchange program was a life-changing experience. It was inspiring to meet people from so many different cultures and form friendships that felt so genuine and meaningful. Every day was a new adventure, filled with fun activities, discussions, and moments of connection. I loved how the program encouraged us to share our ideas and learn from one another, which made me more confident and open to different perspectives. The exchange not only taught me practical skills like teamwork and communication but also gave me a deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusion. The memories I made and the friends I met during this journey will always remind me of how powerful it is to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Džastina: Taking part in the Erasmus youth exchange program was an eye-opening and empowering experience. I loved how every day brought something new, whether it was exploring another culture, learning through hands-on activities, or simply laughing and bonding with the amazing people I met. What stood out the most for me was the feeling of belonging—it didn't matter where we came from; we all worked together like one big family. The exchange helped me discover strengths I didn't know I had, like leading a group activity or sharing my ideas in front of everyone. It also made me realize how important it is to stay curious and open-minded. The friendships and lessons I took away from this journey have shaped me into a more confident and independent person, and for that, I'll always be grateful.