Tag Archives: Romania

My First Step into Erasmus+: Diving into Democracy in Romania

7 December 2025 imece network Leave a comment

I’m Aylin, and I’m excited to share my first Erasmus+ experience!

Between November 28 and December 7, I participated in the “Discovering Democracy and Civic Engagement (DIVE in)” youth exchange project in Horezu, Romania. We came together with amazing teams from Türkiye, Greece, Hungary, and Romania.

The project brought together young people from different backgrounds to dive deep into the concepts of democracy and civic engagement. We learned how to be active citizens and how to ”dive in” to solve problems in our society.

Throughout the week, we made various interactive workshops, we discussed critical topics such as inclusion, equity, and media literacy. We shared ideas about how to make a difference in our communities. These activities allowed us to simulate real-world decision-making processes, strengthened our understanding of digital citizenship and showed us how we can work together effectively.

Beyond the activity room, we also explored the culture of the region! We visited the Horezu Town Hall, saw how the famous UNESCO-listed Horezu ceramics are made and visited a beautiful monastery. Also, we took a trip to the city of Craiova and even organized our own expedition to explore the capital, Bucharest.

In addition, being in Romania during their National Day (1st December) added a magical atmosphere to our experience. The Intercultural Nights further deepened our bonds as we shared our food, music, and traditions. It was also an amazing way to learn about different cultures and have fun together.

Looking back, this project was much more than just gaining a better understanding of democracy. It was a great chance to build connections with people from different cultures. The friends we made and the memories we shared made this experience unforgettable. I believe these kinds of projects are essential for young people to grow. I’m returning home with a wider perspective and feeling more connected to the global community.

Special thanks to my incredible team for this journey: Ayşegül, Hacire, Pınar, Zeynep, Musa, Tunahan, Doğukan and Kürşat. You guys are the best!

Finally, I have to admit the funniest part of our routine was one famous sentence: PUT IT ON PADLET. After every single activity we uploaded our results there. We couldn’t even have completed this without Padlet.

Aylin Türkücüoğlu

Imece Network Youth Participated in the LEAD Youth Exchange in Romania!

13 April 2025 imece network Leave a comment

Between April 5-13, 2025, a team of 8 young people from Imece Network — including one team leader (Tuncay) and seven participants — took part in the Learning, Engaging, Acting for Democracy (LEAD) youth exchange, hosted in Horezu, Romania. For most of the participants, this was their very first international experience.

The project gathered 46 young people from Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Hungary, creating a multicultural environment where ideas and cultures could meet. The program combined workshops, debates, role-plays, simulations, and outdoor activities to foster learning through non-formal education methods.

Throughout the exchange, participants explored key topics like democracy, cultural understanding, and active participation. The activities were designed and facilitated by experienced youth leaders, focusing on teamwork, creativity, and open-mindedness.

Our participants shared that this experience helped them break down prejudices, especially towards neighboring cultures. Many also expressed that their self-confidence and English communication skills improved significantly during the project.

The LEAD project was not only a platform for learning but also a place for new friendships and meaningful cultural exchange. As Imece Network, we are proud to continue supporting young people in their personal and international development journeys!

Youth Exchange “The Art of Photography: Diversity and Inclusion”

10 May 2023 imece network Leave a comment

A mobility period took place in May 2023, in Horezu, Romania, where participants engaged in cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. Through non-formal activities, the project focused on enhancing the quality of youth services, promoting inclusion and diversity, and developing essential skills.

Objectives:

Strengthening Organizational Capacity: Three organizations, including a new one, improved their operational capacity through project activities.
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity: Over 30 young individuals, participated in workshops, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns to challenge discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Skill Development for the Community: Ten practical activities, including workshops and exhibitions, enabled young participants to acquire new skills and contribute positively to their communities.

Participants prepared presentations showcasing their countries’ traditions and attractions. They explored inclusion and diversity through photos, videos, and other creative means.

The project successfully empowered youth, strengthened organizations, and promoted inclusion and diversity. The mobility period provided a platform for cultural exchange and collaborative efforts to combat social barriers. Through their participation, the youth became change-makers in their communities, fostering a more inclusive future.

Youth Exchange in Timisoara

27 November 2022 imece network Leave a comment

Timisoara, Romania, was a hub of youthful peacemakers from Portugal, Romania, Turkey, and the UK from November 21 to November 27, 2022. These aspirant community educators and future reconciliation workers benefited greatly from the RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace event.

The program sought to give participants the skills needed to resolve interpersonal conflicts and deal with social conflicts on a local level through encouraging multicultural experiences, improving skills, and promoting understanding. Three boys and three girls from Imece Network participated in the event, and they recounted their motivational journeys of self-discovery and new connections.

One of the most impactful aspects of projects like “RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace” is the opportunity to interact with cultures previously unfamiliar to participants. Fatih acknowledges the significance of these encounters, stating, “These projects help me interact with cultures that I have never encountered before in a short time.” Through engaging with diverse perspectives, the participants expanded their horizons, challenged their preconceptions, and developed a deeper understanding of global issues.

RESOLVE: Play 4 Peace provided an environment that encouraged participants to venture beyond their comfort zones, fostering personal development and cultivating the skills necessary to address social conflicts within their communities.

Through their experiences, participants discovered the profound importance of peace and the power of cultural exchange in overcoming personal conflicts and addressing social challenges. As they continue on their journeys, these young peace builders are equipped with the skills, understanding, and passion to create positive change in their communities and beyond.

International Platform on Education, Culture