My participation in the "Beyond the Barriers" program was incredible and unforgettable. We stayed in an amazing location right next to the Atlantic, where we took a dip every day. We met wonderful people whom we will certainly see again, as we had such a great time together. I had the chance to go surfing for the first time in my life, and ever since then, I’ve been thinking about when I can do it again. The program focused on working with blind individuals, and I learned so much—valuable lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The highlight—something I will never forget—was the day we spent with eleven blind participants; we went to the beach together, swam, ate, danced, sang, painted, and laughed together. It was a magical experience, and all I can say is thank you for the opportunity to participate in this program and live through it all.
Alex
Taking part in this Erasmus+ project was an unforgettable experience that gave me much more than I expected. Besides exploring beautiful new places and experiencing a different culture, I had the opportunity to learn about the daily lives and challenges of visually impaired people through meaningful activities and visits. One of the most memorable moments was spending time at the beach and participating in activities together with visually impaired people, which taught me the importance of empathy, inclusion, and accessibility. At the same time, I met amazing people from different countries, shared our cultures, laughed, supported each other, and created friendships that I know will stay with me for a lifetime. This project helped me grow as a person, opened my mind to new perspectives, and filled my heart with unforgettable memories.
Georgina
As a first experience, the "Beyond Barriers: Everyone is Seen" program left a very positive impression on me—one that will certainly be unforgettable. A highlight was the final day, when we welcomed the blind participants and put into practice what we had learned during the preceding workshops by facilitating activities specifically designed for them. There was an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect among the participants, which made interacting with one another easy. All in all, it was a constructive 10-day program that provided us with valuable insights regarding people with disabilities—specifically those with visual impairments—while also leaving us with wonderful memories to cherish. Below are two photos: the first shows the team leaders of the "Erasmus families" formed on day one, and the second shows the group at Santa Luzia, a location offering a panoramic view of the city.
Stamatis
The “Beyond Barriers: Everyone is Seen” program in Portugal was a unique experience that will stay with me for a long time. It gave me the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and respect for diversity. I am returning to Greece full of new ideas and heightened awareness, and with the drive to put what I learned into practice, contributing to the creation of a society where everyone feels seen, heard, and included.
Yiorgos