Key Project Details
The "Debatable Me" Youth Exchange took place between 19 and 28 January 2023 in Bagaciu, Mureș County, Romania.
It brought together 35 young people, aged 18–27, from five countries: Romania, Hungary, Spain, Greece, and Lithuania.
The project was coordinated by Cloud Five (Romania) in partnership with:
Ifjusagi Szolgaltatok Orszagos Szovetsege (Hungary)
Sonríe a Europa (Spain)
Greek Youth Mobility (Greece)
Unique Projects (Lithuania)
Each organisation was actively involved in participant preparation, activity facilitation, and dissemination of project outcomes, ensuring a diverse, dynamic, and successful exchange.
Objectives and Activities
The main goal of "Debatable Me" was to increase the participation and integration of 35 young people, aged 18–27, from Romania, Hungary, Spain, Greece, and Lithuania into democratic life, by teaching them the principles and steps of intercultural debating.
Specific objectives included:
Increasing young people's involvement in dialogue on current social issues.
Familiarizing participants with debate topics, benefits, and techniques to enhance their engagement with social realities.
Strengthening the capacity of partner organisations to deliver international projects in the fields of debate and inclusion.
Over ten days in Bagaciu, participants engaged in non-formal education activities that combined knowledge-building, debate practice, and intercultural exchange.
The program started with team-building exercises and YouthPass introduction, followed by workshops on the basics of debating, public speaking, teamwork, and argumentation. Sessions explored topics such as interculturality, discrimination, and democracy, while interactive games and group work encouraged reflection and open dialogue.
The project also integrated national activities where each country team presented cultural perspectives and led discussions on relevant societal issues. Throughout the exchange, sustainability practices were encouraged, and digital tools were used for collaborative activities and daily reflections.
Why the Project Was Implemented
The "Debatable Me" project was initiated to provide young people with a safe and supportive environment to openly discuss and debate sensitive social issues. The aim was to encourage participants to engage with real-world problems that affect their lives, develop critical thinking, and foster social inclusion.
The project responded to alarming statistics highlighting high rates of poverty and social exclusion, particularly in Romania, Greece, Lithuania, and Hungary. Moreover, it addressed the limited opportunities young people have within formal education systems to engage in open debate and express diverse opinions without fear of judgment. Through "Debatable Me," we aimed to reduce social anxiety, promote empathy, intercultural dialogue, and empower young people to become more active citizens.
