PROJECT ID
- Action Type: International
youth exchange, intercultural dialogue, regional cooperation, youth
participation
- Project Status: Completed
- Implementation
Period: 2010
- Project Dates: 1–7 September
2010
- Supported by: Youth in
Action Programme, European Commission
- Lead
Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo
- Project
partners: Partner organizations from 7 countries: North Macedonia, Greece,
Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Main aim: To promote
common values through dialogue among young people from different cultural
backgrounds in South East Europe and to strengthen intercultural learning,
unity, and active citizenship.
PROJECT LOGIC
The project “Meeting of Cultures – Meeting of Values” was designed
as an international youth exchange that brought together young people from
South East Europe to reflect on shared values despite cultural diversity.
Implemented in Krusevo, North Macedonia, the initiative created a space where
young people from different countries, ethnic groups, and backgrounds could
learn from one another, exchange experiences, and develop a stronger sense of
common purpose.
By promoting intercultural dialogue and encouraging young people to
express unity and common visions for the future, the project aimed to
strengthen mutual understanding and empower participants to see themselves as
active citizens. Through non-formal learning, discussion, and regional
exchange, the initiative contributed to building stronger youth connections and
encouraging a more values-based approach to cooperation in the region.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Youth engagement and participation
- The youth
exchange gathered 58 young people from 7 countries in South
East Europe
- Participants
came from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, creating a rich
environment for dialogue and peer learning
- The project
encouraged young people to take a more active role in reflecting on social
values and the future of the region
Intercultural learning and dialogue
- The exchange
promoted intercultural learning among young people from South East
Europe
- It encouraged unity
and common visions among people from different ethnic and cultural
backgrounds
- Participants
strengthened their understanding of diversity, tolerance, and mutual
respect through direct interaction and joint activities
Active citizenship and regional cooperation
- The project
supported young people in becoming active citizens, capable of
reflecting on key characteristics and needs of society
- It contributed
to stronger regional youth connections and cooperation between partner
organizations
- The initiative
also helped promote European values such as freedom, solidarity,
prosperity, democracy, respect for human rights, and rule of law
MAIN RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
- Organization of
the International Youth Exchange “Meeting of Cultures – Meeting of
Values” in Krusevo from 1 to 7 September 2010
- Participation
of 58 youngsters from 7 countries of South East Europe
- Facilitation of
dialogue on common values, solidarity, tolerance, and the role of youth
in society
- Strengthened
knowledge and awareness among participants regarding European
integration, youth participation, and social inclusion
- Promotion of
the Youth in Action Programme as a mechanism for youth cooperation,
mobility, and learning
- Creation of a
stronger basis for future youth partnerships and regional initiatives
IMPACT
On young people
The project strengthened the capacities of young people to engage in
intercultural dialogue, exchange perspectives, and better understand the values
shared across different cultural contexts. It encouraged participants to think
more critically about their role in society and to see themselves as active
contributors to positive change in their communities and the wider region.
On regional understanding
By bringing together participants from several South East European
countries, the exchange contributed to greater mutual understanding,
solidarity, and tolerance. It helped break stereotypes and supported the idea
that cultural diversity can be a basis for cooperation and not division.
On the European dimension
The project strengthened discussion on values connected to Europe and
European integration, including freedom, solidarity, prosperity, participation,
and inclusion. It also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, youth
empowerment, and the role of NGOs in supporting the rights, motivation, and
practical integration of young people.
KEY DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
