The “DIVA II” Youth Exchange took place in Thessaloniki (15–26/06/2018), bringing together 55 young people aged 18–25 from 10 countries (Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, North Macedonia, Italy, Romania, Spain, and Turkey). The project aimed to raise awareness about the LGBTI+ community, its challenges, and its rights, while also promoting a broader understanding of human rights. Through their participation, young people developed critical thinking and were encouraged to engage in activism at both local and online levels.
During the exchange, participants took part in thematic workshops on arts and new technologies, including theatre, creative writing, crafts, photography, and video production. Divided into groups based on their interests, they developed creative skills and acquired tools to promote human rights and LGBTI+ rights through artistic expression. These activities fostered self-expression, collaboration, and intercultural understanding among participants.
In the final days of the project, the outcomes of the workshops were presented through public activities in the city, aiming to maximize the project’s impact on the local community. The exchange coincided with the 7th Thessaloniki Pride, where participants actively contributed through an information booth and awareness-raising actions. Through their involvement, they informed the public about Erasmus+ opportunities related to education, mobility, and volunteering.