On the 14th of January 2025, we successfully held the Leaders’ Meeting for the KA1 Erasmus+ project “Cultural Exchange and Environmental and Digital Awareness.” This meeting represented a significant step forward in our preparations for the upcoming Youth Exchange, which is set to take place on 04 – 13 March 2025 in Schaijk.

The online gathering brought together team leaders from our partner organizations: Asociación Creamos Europa (Spain), Bolu Ticaret ve Sanayi Odasi (Turkiye), Youthfully Yours SK (Slovakia), and the Entrepreneurship and Social Economy Group (Greece). Throughout the meeting, we presented the project’s key components, while leaders actively contributed by confirming arrangements, sharing updates, and offering valuable input.

Key Topics Covered:

Program Overview & Logistics
We began by walking through the practical arrangements for the Youth Exchange, including accommodation, meals, venue setup, and local transportation. Leaders confirmed the arrangements and raised a few points for clarification, particularly regarding dietary requirements and room assignments, which we addressed during the session.

Following this, we presented the educational structure of the program—its daily agenda, learning outcomes, and alignment with the project’s goals: fostering intercultural understanding, environmental responsibility, digital literacy, and social connection. Leaders expressed agreement with the program flow and offered suggestions to ensure accessibility and inclusivity across activities.

Celebrating Culture – Intercultural Night
The Intercultural Night was discussed with excitement and creativity. Each national team will highlight their culture through food, music, interactive games, and traditional performances. Leaders were encouraged to support their teams in designing engaging and authentic presentations that showcase the richness of their cultural identity.

Role of Team Leaders
We outlined the expected responsibilities of team leaders, which include:

• Providing guidance and emotional support to participants.

   

• Ensuring active participation in sessions.

   

• Facilitating daily reflections with their group.

   

• Participating in evening Leaders’ Meetings to exchange feedback and address concerns.

   

Leaders confirmed their commitment to these roles and emphasized the importance of daily check-ins to ensure each participant feels heard and supported.

Youth-Led Sessions – Empowering Participants
A collaborative decision was made for each national team to facilitate at least one session during the exchange. These peer-led sessions will offer participants the chance to take ownership of their learning, share knowledge, and celebrate diversity. Leaders received tips on effective facilitation and were encouraged to help their teams create interactive, inclusive workshops. They will also take part in leading energizers, co-facilitating key sessions, and supporting group reflections.

Travel Planning & Communication
Travel coordination was another key agenda point. Leaders shared the status of their teams’ travel bookings and itineraries, while support was offered to those who needed help finalizing arrangements. To ensure smooth communication throughout the project, a dedicated WhatsApp group was created during the meeting. This real-time channel will be used for updates, problem-solving, and ongoing collaboration among all leaders.

With the Leaders’ Meeting concluded, we feel fully equipped and enthusiastic about the upcoming Youth Exchange. We look forward to welcoming everyone in Schaijk and sharing a powerful journey of cultural connection, environmental learning, and thoughtful engagement with the digital world.