“M.I.N.D.S. – Migrants Involved iN Development of host Societies”- Youth Exchange- Italy- The Experience

Migrants Involved iN Development of host Societies” project aimed to improve the access to opportunities and participation at community life of the target group. The Cyprus Youth Clubs Organisation- KOKEN establishing a  partnership with the “Cuore romeno” NGO sent 5 young people at the Youth Exchange “M.I.N.D.S” in Oristano from the 29th of September to 6th of October.

42 participants from 8 countries (Italy,Cyprus, Greece, FYROM, Turkey, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria) participated in this project in order to develop structures for youth with migrant background, making them active and delivering information and knowledge to develop qualitative actions for host communities.

Antonis, Nayia, Konstantina, Constantinos and Fotini represented our organisation and here is what they have shared with us about their experience:

“I have gained important experiences through this project and in cooperation with the other 41 young participants from different countries which will carry them in my whole life. We have learned how to separate the different terminologies regarding migrants’ legal status. At the same time we have created our own flashmob dance sharing the message of love, solidarity and acceptance towards the migrants but and the people in general, in the city of Oristano in Italy. As a group leader I had also the chance to learn how to take responsibilities and coordinate a team. I would like to thank KOKEN for this opportunity and for giving me the role of the group leader at this project. ”

-Antonis Adamou

“Having no other experience on youth exchange programs and thus, having no high expectations, i came across a great life lesson; cooperating and being a team is a win-win game. The bottom line of every activity we did was essential for realizing that being a human does not mean being nice to people similar to you, but being nice and decent to everyone, having in mind that no one knows what the others have been through. I feel that “M.I.N.D.S” achieved the target of sensitizing us regards to the migration issue.”

-Nayia  Christodoulou

“I am so glad that i had the opportunity to take part in this program because i made friendships with people from the other countries. Also i contributed to this project and i feel more confident by doing this. So thank you KOKEN for giving me the opportunity to participate in this project! ”

-Konstantina Moustakatou

“To me, this was just the second youth exchange I participated at. I had a great time and met people from many countries with different cultures and way of thinking. Each one of us put their own knowledge and effort in order for the project’s aim to be achieved which was how to help and to develop structures for youth with migrant background, making them active and delivering information and knowledge to develop qualitative actions for host communities. I would like to thank KOKEN for giving me this opportunity.”

-Constantinos Eleftheriou

“This youth exchange it was an amazing experience for me and a great opportunity to meet people with similar thinking as mine! I felt that we were connected as a team and everyone was happy. I learned a lot and find out more aspects about myself! ”

-Fotini Michael