Unplugging to Connect
Youth Exchange
14.05-24.05.2025.
Capataneni, Romania
Objectives
The main goals of the project were to build confidence and practical life skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving, so participants feel ready to handle challenges in school, work, and daily life. The project also aimed to encourage understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity by bringing together young people from different backgrounds for shared activities and conversations. Another important objective was to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living through the unique experience of camping together on Elafonisos, where everyone shared responsibility for daily life, from cooking to caring for the environment. Supporting mental well-being was a central part of the program, with workshops on emotional resilience, coping strategies, and how to create a healthy relationship with technology.
Results
The project made a real difference for everyone who took part. Living together on the island meant learning teamwork, independence, and responsibility every single day. Participants improved their communication skills, found new ways to manage stress, and built strong, supportive friendships—offline and face-to-face.
Workshops and group activities made it easier to talk about mental health, digital overload, and the importance of taking a break from screens. Many said they felt more confident after the exchange and were ready to bring what they’d learned back to their own communities, whether it was organizing local meetups, starting small green initiatives, or simply choosing to spend more time in nature.
Participants also left with a deeper understanding of other cultures and a real sense of belonging. By the end of the program, it wasn’t just about “unplugging”—it was about connecting in a way that lasts long after the trip ends.