Just almost a week ago we attended a really intense and interesting training about cultural differences and xenophobia called H(youth)manity, which was held in a context of a recent refugee and immigration problem in Europe. The Project took place in a lovely Romanian town called Sfantu Gheorghe which is situated in a valley between two sets of mountains in a historical Transylvania region.
9 countries have been united in this intercultural experience working together on reducing the effects of stereotypes and prejudices against people of different cultures, races, religions, orientations – those who are usually socially excluded in most societies. The main aim of the training was to fight against discrimination, racism and xenophobia, some of the greatest problems in today’s multicultural changing society, and to promote social inclusion.
There were two most memorable feelings that I brought back from the project: unity and solidarity were achieved during passionate discussions, sharing our ideas, creating and organizing the campaigns.
Firstly, it was working together in intercultural teams that lead us to develop and embodying the most vivid performances during the online and offline campaigns. Putting both: ourselves and strangers to unusual life situations where they had to help others from different countries, religions, races, sexual orientations or mental illnesses, provoked the cultural shock which at the same time brought us all together and made us overthink our prejudices against others.
But the most memorable experience for me was actually all the interesting talks with people sharing each other’s inspiring life stories that finally embodied in the most emotional event during the campaign – human library. This lead to breaking common stereotypes and enlightening each other with many different possible truths, expanding our attitudes, opening each other’s minds on specific stereotypical themes and in conclusion bringing us closer to each other.
I strongly recommend attending Erasmus+ projects to everybody, because it’s one of the most enriching and mind opening experience one could ever get. The senses of intercultural cooperation, friendliness, tolerance, and solidarity impact you greatly. All the experiences, even those you may not like at first, always come in handy not only during the travel but also in your everyday life to which you get back with more openness, inspiration and willingness to change.
Free your mind – the rest will follow.
Looks like an interesting Project!