50 young people from nine countries participate in a cultural exchange of the European project “Building Inclusive Societies”, where the aim is to promote among youth the construction of a Europe where neither education nor the origin, nor the financial means, nor race involves a ground of discrimination and inequality: a Europe more inclusive, ultimately. IYC´s project, funded by the Erasmus Plus program of the European Commission, is called “Building Inclusive Societies”. Its main activity has been an exchange of 50 young people from 17 to 25 years from 9 European countries: Romania, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Germany, Finland and Spain, who have gathered in Madrid, 22 to 28 September.
In addition to the enrichment of sharing a stay abroad with people from different countries in Europe, they have participated in workshops, forums, meetings with experts, intercultural activities, as well as a visit to an exhibition about inclusion and equal opportunities.
The group has attended a panel discussion on the plight of refugee children, which has been presented by International Youth Cooperation based on a report yielded by The New York Times.
Participants also attended a meeting with Antonio Salort, from the United Nations agency World Food Program. They have made presentations of some projects related to social inclusion that have implemented the youth organizations to which they belong -associations that promote a culture of solidarity among young people in particular groups of the Roma community and immigrants of different nationalities-. They also had the opportunity to jointly develop their own initiatives for social inclusion European level. The program has even been time for leisure and cultural activities like a soccer tournament or a city tour.
Besides the exchange, the project includes a preparation stage, with various activities in their countries of origin. And now, once the intercultural meeting ended, there will be a follow-up phase, in which two of the projects generated will be implemented during the exchange.
Thanks to all who made of this an unforgettable experience.
