Snowy beginnings…
Nestled in the breathtaking Jizera Mountains, the picturesque, snow-blanketed town of Rokytnice nad Jizerou became the vibrant setting for an unforgettable Erasmus+ youth exchange, Together Beyond Borders. Youngsters from seven European countries gathered here for a whirlwind of exploration, creativity, and connection, delving into themes of inclusion, diversity, and community building. The cozy, welcoming accommodation set the perfect stage for forging lifelong friendships and inspiring collaboration.
At first, cultural differences seemed daunting, and participants were understandably hesitant. But by day two, icebreaker activities transformed the group from scattered national teams into a single multicultural family ready to embrace the challenge of understanding inclusion. Laughter, curiosity, and camaraderie quickly filled the air, breaking barriers and setting the tone for a meaningful and fun-filled experience.
First steps towards inclusion
Workshops, spirited discussions, and creative activities addressed discrimination, the digital world’s impact, and the power of language to unite or divide. Each task encouraged critical thinking, teamwork, and the creation of an inclusive environment.
The “Humans of Rokytnice” challenge captured the spirit of the exchange, blending storytelling with community exploration. Participants roamed the scenic streets of Rokytnice, engaging locals in meaningful conversations about their lives and experiences. With cameras in hand, they captured striking portraits that told each person’s story visually. The result was an immersive, interactive gallery where the locals’ voices and personalities truly came alive, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
Dancing to diversity’s rhythm…
Evenings were just as lively, with cultural nights adding a splash of flavor and fun. Each national team took turns presenting their country, sharing delicious homemade treats, teaching traditional dances, and playing music that got everyone on their feet. These evenings were filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of shared humanity, as participants eagerly embraced the diverse cultural tapestry.
Forever connected beyond borders…
The magical days in Rokytnice were far more than just a youth exchange – they were a celebration of unity, diversity, and the power of young people to drive positive change. Through engaging activities, reflective discussions, and unforgettable adventures, participants built lasting bonds, discovered the beauty of inclusion, and gained tools to create a brighter, more connected world. It was an experience that taught them that, although we find ourselves separated by borders, we are all together in this world.
Results
Some of the cool things we did during this activity:
Key Competences
Participants worked in teams to explore and present key competences, connecting them to skills developed during the exchange.
Reasons Of Discrimination
Participants explored different forms of discrimination in multinational teams, creating presentations to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
Cultural Missteps
In multinational teams, participants researched culturally offensive behaviors and created short videos to present their findings, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity when traveling.
Cultural Missteps – Pointing a Finger
Cultural Missteps – Using the Left Hand
Pop Culture Drama
In multinational teams, participants analyzed pop culture controversies linked to societal issues, exploring causes, public reactions, and possible solutions, which they then presented creatively to the group.
Find Your Role Model
In international teams, participants researched renowned human rights advocates and presented their legacies, reflecting on the values and lessons behind their fight for justice.
Other flipcharts created during the activity
Stories: Diversity Man
Community Map: City of Peace
Photo Gallery
A few more moments from this activity :)
Dissemination Events
Our participants took part in disseminations, sharing the knowledge, skills, and experiences they gained from the activity with their community.
Dombóvár, Hungary, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Armin, Krisztian and Zoltan at Tolna Vármegyei SZC Apáczai Csere János Technikum és Kollégium, attended by 15 people.
Bor, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Nikola and Jelisaveta at Gimnazija Bora Stanković, attended by 15 people.
Budapest, Hungary, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Marija at TVSZC Apáczai Technikum – Nicola Tesla, attended by 15 people.
Pancevo, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Andjela at Economic High School, attended by 20 students.
Bor, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Nemanja at Gimnazija Bora Stankovic, attended by 10 students.
Marijampole, Lithuania, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Airidas, Neilas, and Joris at Marijampolė St. Cecilia Gymnasium, attended by 10 people.
Marijampole, Lithuania, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Neilas and Joris at Marijampolė Šv. Cecilijos Gimnazija, presented to a second group of 16 people.
Kosice, Slovakia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by David, Nicolas and Sebastián at Evanjelické Gymnázium Jána Amosa Komenského, attended by 23 people.
Pitesti, Romania, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Alexandru, Evelyn, Diana, David, Irina and Mihaela through leaflet distribution, reaching around 79 people.
Pancevo, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Dunja at Gimnazija Uros Predic, attended by 20 students.
Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Theodora at University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, attended by 10 students.
Priboj, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Jelena at Gimnazija Priboj, attended by 20 students.
Bucharest, Romania, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Tatiana at Concentrix, attended by 6 colleagues.
Vladicin Han, Serbia, Dec. 2024
Dissemination by Mihajlo and Nikolaj at Youth Office Vladicin Han, attended by 8 people.
Colares, Portugal, May 2025
Dissemination by Adriana, attended by 30 people.
Bartninkai, Lithuania, May 2025
Dissemination by Adriana, attended by 40 people.
Labanoras, Lithuania, June 2025
Dissemination by Joris, attended by 39 young people.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Dům zahraniční spolupráce (DZS). Neither the European Union nor DZS can be held responsible for them.