PROJECT ID
- Action Type: Multilateral
youth exchange, intercultural dialogue, youth participation, volunteering
- Project Status: Completed
- Implementation
Period: 2011
- Project Dates: 15–22
September 2011
- Supported by: Youth in
Action Programme, European Commision
- Lead
Organization: Youth Alliance – Krusevo
- Project
partners: 10 organizations from 9 countries: North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Serbia, and Turkey
- Main aim: To promote
diversity as a shared value by bringing young people together to explore
common values, strengthen intercultural understanding, and encourage
active youth participation in society.
PROJECT LOGIC
The project “Diversity, Our Value” was designed as a multilateral youth exchange that brought together young people from different cultural backgrounds to explore diversity not as a challenge, but as a common value. Implemented in Krusevo, North Macedonia, the initiative created space for young people from across the region and beyond to meet, learn from one another, and reflect on the values that connect them despite their differences.Through intercultural learning, mutual exchange, and non-formal education, the project aimed to raise awareness about diversity, foster tolerance, and encourage solidarity, volunteering, and social cohesion. By focusing on common values such as respect, awareness, choice, and action, the exchange supported young people in becoming more active citizens and stronger promoters of inclusion and dialogue in their communities.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Youth engagement and participation
- The project
brought together 58 young people from 9 countries in Krusevo
- Participants
came from diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a dynamic environment for
peer learning and shared reflection
- The exchange
encouraged young people to actively engage with themes of diversity,
equality, and participation in society
Intercultural dialogue and common values
- The project
promoted the idea that differences can be understood as common values
through dialogue and mutual understanding
- It encouraged
young people to explore cultural differences while identifying shared
principles and aspirations
- Participants
reflected on values such as respect, awareness, choice, action, equal
opportunities, tolerance, and solidarity
Volunteering and active citizenship
- The exchange
promoted volunteering as an opportunity for solidarity, sharing,
and social cohesion
- It supported
the development of tolerance and encouraged young people from different
cultural backgrounds to participate more actively in society
- The project
emphasized the role of young people as a strong force for promoting and
facilitating values in their communities
MAIN RESULTS AND OUTPUTS
- Organization of
the multilateral youth exchange “Diversity, Our Value” in Krusevo,
North Macedonia, from 15 to 22 September 2011
- Participation
of 58 young people from 9 countries and 10 partner organizations
- Facilitation of
activities focused on intercultural learning, common values, tolerance,
and social inclusion
- Strengthened
awareness among participants regarding the value of diversity,
volunteering, youth participation, and equal opportunities
- Promotion of
the Youth in Action Programme as a framework for mobility,
non-formal learning, and youth cooperation
- Creation of
stronger links between partner organizations and a basis for future
regional cooperation
IMPACT
On young people
The project strengthened the capacities of young people to better
understand cultural diversity and to approach differences through dialogue,
openness, and mutual respect. It encouraged participants to take a more active
role in society and to see themselves as promoters of common values within
increasingly diverse communities.
On intercultural understanding
By bringing together participants from nine countries, the exchange
contributed to breaking stereotypes and reducing intolerance rooted in lack of
knowledge. It promoted awareness and education as key tools for addressing
prejudice and strengthening understanding between young people from different
backgrounds.
On future youth action
The project underlined the importance of quality learning mobility, youth
participation, volunteering, and youth networking as future areas for action.
It also highlighted the role of NGOs and youth initiatives in supporting
inclusion, motivation, and practical engagement of young people in democratic
and social life.
KEY DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
