2023-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000184188

YAAD: Youth Acting Against Discrimination

Dates: 17-24 June 2024 (including travel days)
Location: Alicante, Spain

The Project

Youth Acting Against Discrimination (YAAD) was a week-long youth exchange project held in Alicante, Spain, from June 18th to June 23rd, 2024. The project aimed to bring together young people from across Europe and beyond to discuss, learn, and act against discrimination, with a particular focus on integrating young migrants and refugees.

Objectives

Promote Integration: Encourage the inclusion of young migrants and refugees into European societies, emphasizing mutual understanding and engagement between local communities and newcomers. Increase Intercultural Awareness: Foster awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity among participants from different countries. Address Discrimination: Develop practical strategies to combat discrimination against migrants and refugees, using tools like social media campaigns.

Participants' Experience

Throughout the project, participants took part in various workshops and activities that enriched their experience and encouraged understanding, collaboration, and proactive measures against discrimination. Here’s a look at their journey:

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

 

Morning: Participants from Greece, Spain, Palestine, Germany, and Italy arrived in Alicante, excited and eager to meet their peers. The day began with energizers and ice-breakers, allowing everyone to get to know each other. Participants introduced themselves, shared their backgrounds, and contributed to creating a group contract that set the tone for a collaborative and respectful exchange.

Afternoon: Team-building activities helped strengthen the group’s bond, creating a supportive atmosphere. The participants were introduced to the Youth Exchange framework and the Youthpass, which would be used to track their learning progress throughout the week.

 

Day 2: Exploring Human Rights

 

Morning: Participants engaged in a thematic workshop focused on Human Rights. Through group discussions, they explored what human rights mean in different contexts and shared their perspectives and experiences related to human rights issues in their own countries.

Afternoon: The group participated in non-formal education (NFE) activities designed to deepen their understanding of human rights. These activities encouraged critical thinking and allowed participants to reflect on their roles in promoting human rights. The day concluded with reflection groups where participants discussed what they learned and how they could apply it in their communities.

 

Day 3: Understanding the Refugee Experience

 

Morning: The focus of the day was on the refugee experience and forced migration. Participants engaged in a workshop that highlighted the challenges faced by refugees and migrants. Through stories and case studies, they developed empathy and a deeper understanding of the complexities of migration.

Afternoon: Participants took part in activities centered around intercultural communication. They shared cultural traditions, foods, and customs, which fostered mutual respect and understanding. Reflection groups provided a space for participants to discuss their experiences and insights from the day.

 

Day 4: Addressing Hate Speech and Discrimination

 

Morning: The workshop focused on hate speech and discrimination, examining how these issues manifest in society and their impacts on individuals and communities. Participants discussed real-life scenarios and brainstormed strategies to combat hate speech.

Afternoon: A guest speaker delivered a talk on “Make it Viral – The Power of Social Media and Awareness-raising Campaigns,” which provided participants with valuable insights into using digital platforms for advocacy. Participants learned how to create effective campaigns to raise awareness about discrimination. The day ended with reflection groups and preparation for the evening’s Intercultural Night.

Evening Activity: Intercultural Night was a highlight, with participants showcasing their cultures through music, dance, food, and presentations. This festive evening strengthened friendships and celebrated the diversity within the group.

 

Day 5: Developing Social Media Campaigns

 

Morning: Participants engaged in a hands-on lab session focused on creating social media content to fight discrimination. They worked in groups to brainstorm, design, and produce content that conveyed powerful messages of inclusion and acceptance.

Afternoon: The creation of social media campaigns continued, with participants finalizing their projects. They presented their campaigns to the group, receiving feedback and suggestions for improvement. These campaigns aimed to raise awareness and promote positive change in their communities.

 

Day 6: Reflection and Farewell

 

Morning: The final day included a Youthpass session, where participants reflected on their personal and professional growth throughout the exchange. The group evaluated the overall experience, sharing feedback and highlights from the week.

Afternoon: Participants had free time to explore Alicante or relax, reflecting on the friendships formed and the knowledge gained. The day concluded with a farewell gathering, where participants exchanged contact information and said goodbye, leaving with a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to continue their efforts against discrimination.

Participants and Partners

The project included young people aged 18 to 30 from various countries, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the exchange. The Greek team, coordinated by S.I.S.E.R.A. Greece, was actively involved in all aspects of the project.

Euroacción (Spain)

4 participants + 1 group leader

Coordinator

S.I.S.E.R.A. (Greece)

4 participants + 1 group leader

Partner

Spanish Red Cross (Spain)

5 participants + 1 group leader

Partner

Loesje Palestine (Palestine)

4 participants + 1 group leader

Partner

Stiftung zur Förderung der Jugend in Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

4 participants + 1 group leader

Partner

Fondazione Comunitaria di Agrigento e Trapani (Italy)

4 participants + 1 group leader

Partner

Venue and Accommodation

The exchange took place in a centrally located venue in Alicante, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for learning and collaboration. The building included:

  • Comfortable rooms for participants
  • A welcoming entrance hall
  • Dining facilities and a library

Outcomes and Reflections

Throughout the week, participants developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. They also created practical tools to combat discrimination, including social media campaigns that participants can implement in their home countries. The exchange fostered friendships, cultural exchange, and a sense of shared purpose among young people from different backgrounds.