From 16 to 24 July, our team took part as a partner organization in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Peaks of Youth: Lead & Connect,” held in Bran, Romania, and hosted by Mosaic Minds. Set between the rolling hills and peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, close to the well known Bran Castle, the exchange brought together young people and group leaders from Romania, Albania, Poland, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Türkiye.
Through workshops, simulations, outdoor challenges and intercultural sessions, participants worked on leadership, effective communication, teamwork and problem solving. Priority was given to young people from disadvantaged environments, giving more of them the chance to take part in an international learning experience of this kind.
From ideas to concrete initiatives
Working in international teams, participants shared their personal experiences and learned how to turn ideas into concrete initiatives for their own communities. Non-formal education methods and digital tools were used throughout the programme, and participants also created educational content and reflected on their own learning process along the way.
Evenings brought their own kind of exchange, with an intercultural night where each country group presented traditional food, drinks, music and dance from home. Surrounded by mountain views and forest trails, the setting itself became part of the learning experience, giving participants space to connect, reflect and take a step back from their everyday routine.
Why this matters
Helping young people become more confident, proactive and socially engaged is at the center of our work, and exchanges like this one give them tools they can carry into their daily lives, education and future careers. We continue to believe in the value of leadership training and intercultural learning as a way to strengthen young people’s role in their communities.
We would like to thank Mosaic Minds for organizing this youth exchange and for the invitation to take part, together with all the partner organizations from Albania, Poland, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Türkiye who made this experience possible.