A new journey of intercultural exchange, community building, and youth empowerment has officially begun in Leiden. The Roots & Routes project, supported by the European Solidarity Corps, launched its first kick-off meeting, bringing together a group of motivated young people who share a common vision: creating meaningful connections through culture and community engagement.

Roots & Routes, Roots in Culture, Routes in Connecting Together is a year-long initiative designed to foster intercultural understanding, social inclusion, and active participation among young people living in Leiden. The project aims to create welcoming spaces where local and international youth can meet, exchange experiences, learn from one another, and develop lasting friendships.

The kick-off meeting marked the beginning of this exciting journey. During the session, the project team came together to discuss the vision, objectives, and planned activities for the upcoming months. Participants explored the importance of cultural exchange and reflected on their own experiences of living, studying, or volunteering in international environments.

One of the main topics discussed during the meeting was the growing need for spaces where young people can build genuine connections. While many cultural and social activities exist, they are often temporary and dependent on short-term initiatives. Roots & Routes seeks to create something more sustainable by encouraging participants not only to join activities but also to gradually take ownership of them and become active contributors to the community.

Throughout the next twelve months, the project will organise a variety of activities, including international breakfasts, cultural evenings, cooking sessions, intercultural workshops, and community-building events. Each activity will provide opportunities for participants to share traditions, discover new perspectives, and celebrate the diversity that makes European communities stronger and more inclusive.

The project places a strong emphasis on non-formal learning, allowing participants to develop valuable competences such as communication, teamwork, leadership, intercultural awareness, and event organisation. By actively participating in the activities, young people will gain practical experience while contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment for others.

Another important objective of Roots & Routes is to empower participants to continue organising similar initiatives independently after the project ends. Through collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuous reflection, the project aims to create a sustainable network of young people who remain connected and engaged within their local community.

The kick-off meeting also served as an opportunity to plan future outreach efforts and discuss ways to involve a diverse range of participants. Special attention will be given to ensuring accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone interested in joining the activities, regardless of their cultural, social, or educational background.

As the project moves forward, participants can look forward to discovering cultures from around the world, sharing stories, preparing traditional dishes, and building friendships that extend beyond borders. Through these experiences, Roots & Routes hopes to contribute to a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant community in Leiden.

The team is excited to begin this journey and looks forward to welcoming new participants throughout the year.