Strumica Workshop: A Journey of Connection, Culture, and Creativity (January 21-25, 2024)

From January 21-25, 2024, Strumica became a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration, bringing young people from across Europe together for an Erasmus+ workshop focused on connection, culture, and skill-building. Over five immersive days, participants delved into personal growth, digital skills, and community project planning, all while forming deep connections that went beyond just training.

We began with a paired walk through Strumica’s city center, breaking the ice and sharing stories. This connected us as a group and set the stage for the days ahead. Trainers introduced the goals of the project, and we aligned our personal aspirations with the broader mission. The day ended with a city quest where we completed challenges, talked to locals, and celebrated Erasmus+ in action.

The second day explored our cultural identities. We created a “Cultural Identity Tree,” where we each added leaves representing our backgrounds and traditions. This activity sparked deep conversations about shared values and cultural differences. Later, the “Dardians and Engineers” game helped us explore the formation of stereotypes and the importance of keeping an open mind.

Day three was all about non-verbal communication and conflict resolution. Through a “Silent Debate” and role-playing exercises, we practiced using body language and empathy to communicate effectively and navigate conflicts. By the end of the day, we had built trust and strengthened our ability to work together as a team.

On day four, we focused on digital literacy, discussing netiquette and positive online engagement. We created social media campaigns for community projects and explored the concept of digital volunteering. The day inspired us to make a positive impact online and use our digital skills for good.

The final day brought an exhilarating Erasmus+ Hackathon. Teams brainstormed ideas that aligned with Erasmus+ goals, presented their solutions, and received feedback. We ended the week by committing to share our newfound knowledge with our communities and staying connected with the people we met.

Key Results:

• 🌍 Built strong teams and lasting connections across cultures.

• 🎭 Explored and celebrated cultural identities while breaking stereotypes.

• 🗣️ Enhanced non-verbal communication and conflict resolution skills.

• 💻 Strengthened digital literacy and learned how to use online tools for good.

• 🌱 Developed impactful Erasmus+ projects and strategies for community change.

After five days of learning and growth, we left Strumica feeling empowered and ready to make a difference in our own communities.