Taking a Step Against Discrimination – Next Level

Summary of “Take a step against discrimination: Next level” Erasmus+ project 

Cristina Zmeu, Sara Ludwig, Aleksas Marcelionis, Nina Kuhar, Irmalós Dávid 

In 2022 from October the 17th to October 25th Youth centre Risko organized an Erasmus+ project called Take a step against discrimination: Next level, a continuation of a project started in June. Participants from five countries travelled to Slovenia, Murska Sobota and took part in the project. The countries participating were Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Hungary. In total thirty-four people joined together against discrimination. The project aimed to promote European cooperation in the field of youth, active citizenship of young people in general and European citizenship, as well as mutual understanding of young people from different countries. At the local level, all young participants have certainly left a footprint in the interaction with people in the local environment. 

The goals of our project were to familiarize the participants with minorities that live in the area of partnering countries, the culture, habits and traditions of partnering countries, familiarize them with the diverse culture through practical examples, develop young participants’ personal competences, get to know minorities in the region of Pomurje and Slovenia through practical examples, get to know life near the border and the cultures that inhabit the same space, get to know the Roma and LGBTQ+ community in Slovenia, make young people more aware of the importance of diversity, encourage young Europeans to participate in similar projects through social media, spread tolerance among young people towards different minorities, include young people with fewer opportunities, get to know the field of human rights, improve team work skills, network organisations and strengthen the partnership with project partners. 

Working methods were icebreakers, energizers, team/group work, interactive and creative workshops, open space workshops, discussions, evaluation, role playing, informal gatherings, local visits, guest visits etc. Effects were primarily that young people developed their personal competencies and built on their self-esteem. At the same time, they were encouraged to participate more actively in volunteering. Through the youth exchange, we wanted to support the active participation of young people in such projects. They were offered new experiences and were shown that their voice is heard. 

Overall, the participants shared positive feedback. The project was enjoyable, interesting, and a great opportunity for young people to express themselves. Hopefully, the organizers will continue their amazing work and put together similar unforgettable projects in the future.