An Erasmus+ experience in Portugal

The content of the Erasmus Plus action, what it aims at, and what it promotes, can be easily searched, read, and to some extent embraced by everyone. But the degree of understanding is greatly enhanced by the experience, which is full of memories, sensations, and nostalgia.

This action took place in Portugal, in Vila Nova de Tazem, with 18 participants from six different countries: Sweden, Turkey, Hungary, Italy, Italy, Germany, and Greece who, together with the indigenous organizers - whom we thank once again - made up our delegation. People with different cultural, social, and educational backgrounds, with unique experiences and backgrounds, but with the same concerns, and sensitivities about the barriers that unfortunately still characterize modern European society.

The issue we were asked to deal with, was the refugee-immigration issue, the integration of minorities, and the elimination of inequalities. As young people with vision and critical thinking, we were invited to shake off any prejudices of the past and, through the activities that took place in the Reencontro infrastructure this week, to understand deeply the meaning of the phrase 'we are all the same'.

Through getting to know the other participants, the stories that each one brings, and the willingness to share them, a very free, participatory, and democratic atmosphere was created from the very first day. Of course, the original activities of the skilled organizers, their warm hospitality, and their endless willingness to listen and learn through us contributed to this.

Awakening young people indirectly, by forwarding the most powerful messages in the least traditional way, is the ultimate goal of Erasmus+. Theatrical performances, audiovisual material, live talks with government representatives, and the opportunity to meet some migrants literally made us part of their experience and contributed in practice to why no one should be left behind...

A group of strangers and seemingly different people, united by music, food, open dialogue, constructive disagreements, and pluralism.

For the two of us, it was the first time we participated in such a project and we would all highly recommend it to anyone aiming at self-improvement through initiative and creativity, developing social skills in a protected environment, and even to any future initiatives to organize a similar project and non-formal learning experiences for young people.