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The main information about Youth Exchange
The main information about Youth Exchange
Summary of the Youth Exchange
One thing that has always united people is play. Games have the power to bring people together, foster understanding, and break down stereotypes.
"Game Changer" is a unique Youth Exchange that brings young people from different countries together to share, learn, and experience each other’s traditional and modern physical games. But it’s not just about playing – it’s about building bridges. Through this exchange, participants will explore the role of games in cultural identity, teamwork, and inclusion, while also developing leadership and communication skills.
Beyond the exchange itself, participants will take action by visiting local schools, where they will introduce and play these games with students. This experience will not only make an impact on the schools they visit but will also empower the participants to become changemakers in their own communities.
Say "yes" to the opportunity to step away from screens, rediscover the joy of physical play, and connect with others in a way that builds a more united world.
Say "yes" to the opportunity to step away from screens, rediscover the joy of physical play, and connect with others in a way that builds a more united world.
You will learn:
You will learn:
🎲 That even small actions can create meaningful connections and positive change in your community.
🎲 To appreciate different cultures through games and understand how play can break barriers and build friendships.
🎲 To be more open and sensitive to others, their traditions, and their way of life, while learning how to respond with curiosity and solidarity.
What we will experience together:
What we will experience together:
🌍 Sharing and experiencing cultural exchange through games, discovering new ways to connect beyond language and borders.
🏫 Going on a mission to Catholic schools to play games with students and share the joy of learning through play.
🎉 Moments of fun, teamwork, and exploring different traditions while getting to know each other and our beautiful countries.
🙏 A daily spiritual program (Holy Mass, testimonies, reflections, and prayer) to grow together in faith and community.
Previous Erasmus+ projects in Slovakia, Latvia
Meet the facilitators
Meet the facilitators
Stefan Šimurda
Stefan is an active member of the Catholic community in Orava Youth Centre, where he lives and leads youth groups and inspires young people. Recently, he started Chef Gusto, offering experiential cooking sessions for groups of all ages, combining culinary creativity with community engagement.
Viktorija Rače
Viktorija, originally from Latvia, began her journey as an ESC volunteer at VIAC – Institute for Youth Support and Development in Slovakia. Living in Orava Youth Centre, she is surrounded by young people in her everyday life, working in the communication section and being part of the Catholic community that serves young people daily.
Participation
Participation
Who can participate?
Young people:
Young people:
at the age from 16 to 22 from participating countries;
who are interested in the topic;
who can speak English at a conversational level.
one group leader:
one group leader:
Every group needs to have a group leader, who is at the age of 18+ and will be responsible for the group.
Every group needs to have a group leader, who is at the age of 18+ and will be responsible for the group.
From the group leader we expect:
active support of young people in the preparation part and within all the duration of the youth exchange;
aking responsibility in solving the problems that may occur in the group;
taking part in the common meetings according to the schedule.
By applying to this youth exchange, participants commit themselves to actively participate in the whole process, including:
By applying to this youth exchange, participants commit themselves to actively participate in the whole process, including:
reading all the information carefully;
communicating timely with the organisers;
preparing adequately for the youth exchange according to the instructions;
taking actively part in the full duration of the activities;
to participate in the evaluation process after the youth exchange;
to participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the youth exchange after the youth exchange is over.
Partners of the project
Partners of the project
Country / Organization / Contacts of organisations / Number of participants
Slovakia / VIAC – Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / mobility@ozviac.sk
Lithuania / Kauno arkivyskupijos katechetikos centras
Latvia / Salterra / jauniesi@catholic.lv
Are you interested in this project, but it's not your country? We are open for new partners!
Accomodation
Accomodation
The Youth Exchange will take place in Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania. Accommodation will be at The St. John the Baptist Pastoral Center (Šv. Jono Krikštytojo pastoracijos centras), located in the heart of the city, on the edge of Santaka Park, and surrounded by historical landmarks such as Kaunas Castle, the Kaunas Priest Seminary, and St. George the Martyr Church.
The center offers simple yet comfortable shared rooms for 2 to 4 people, each with its own private toilet and shower. Sheets and towels will be provided. Guests also have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen, with the opportunity for self-cleaning of dishes.
This venue is ideal for conferences, retreats, training sessions, and meetings, and features a chapel for spiritual gatherings. For outdoor events and activities, the courtyard is available for use.
The Youth Exchange is a residential program, meaning all participants will stay together at the venue for the entire duration. The center is easily accessible by public transport, and on-site parking is available for guests.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to experience the center’s unique setting and facilities.
Important information:
Important information:
The place is strictly non-alcoholic, so we kindly ask you to respect it.
Travelling
Travelling
First of all you need to arrive on 11th (Sunday) of May by 3 PM, but depart on 17th (Saturday) of May. And we recommend these options:
- OPTION:
STRAIGHT To kAUNAS
STRAIGHT To kAUNAS
Find and take a flight or Flixbus to Kaunas;
Take a public transport to the centre of city.
2. OPTION:
2. OPTION:
TROUGH VILNIUS
TROUGH VILNIUS
Take a flight or bus / train to Vilnius;
Take a public transport to the centre of Kaunas.
3. OPTION:
3. OPTION:
TROUGH RIGA
TROUGH RIGA
Take a flight or bus / train to Riga;
Find a Flixbus, Lux Express, Ecolines, train to Kaunas centre.
4. OPTION:
4. OPTION:
organise a van
organise a van
Drive your own or rent a van.
To receive reimbursement of travel expenses (plane/bus/train) we need you to deliver us following documents:
Invoice of your flight tickets, originals of bus or train tickets (invoice received from the airline/bus company if you buy the tickets online or from the travelling agency if you buy the tickets via an agency);
Boarding pass (from both ways).
*Please note that that travel costs will be reimbursed only for those who:
stay for the whole period of the youth exchange (travel days are 11.05.2025 (arriving) and 17.05.2025 (departure));
who fills the final report after the youth exchange is over;
actively participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the exchange after the exchange is over.
Amount of money for traveling
Amount of money for traveling
Country / Organization / Max amount of money for travelling
Slovakia / VIAC - Institut pre podporu a rozvoj mladeze / 275 €
Lithuania / Kauno arkivyskupijos katechetikos centras / 20 €
Latvia / Salterra / jauniesi@catholic.lv / 275 €
Are you interested in this project, but it's not your country? We are open for new partners!
ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS
ORGANISATIONAL DETAILS
Food:
Food:
Beakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks are all included. Also individual eating habits of participants will be taken into account, but don't be afraid to try Lithuania traditionals!
Insurance:
Insurance:
It is the participant's responsibility to obtain full insurance for themselves. This includes travel insurance, medical insurance or European Health Insurance Card.
Little bit about Kaunas
Little bit about Kaunas
Kaunas, located on the banks of the Memel (Neman) River and close to the historic German border, is a city rich in history and culture. It offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, making it an exciting destination for history buffs, adventure seekers, and those looking to explore Lithuania's vibrant heritage.
One of the city's most unique attractions is the Atomic Bunker Museum, where visitors can step back into the Cold War era and experience a hidden world of secrecy and survival. Beyond that, Kaunas boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including well-preserved medieval architecture, impressive fortifications, and grand churches that tell the story of the city’s past.
Among the must-visit sites are the Kaunas Castle, a 14th-century fortress that played a crucial role in defending the region, and the Ninth Fort, a haunting yet historically significant memorial site that serves as a reminder of Lithuania’s turbulent 20th-century history. The city is also home to the beautiful Kaunas Cathedral Basilica and the stunning Pazaislis Monastery, both of which showcase breathtaking architecture and spiritual significance.
What to prepare before youth exchange?
What to prepare before youth exchange?
presentation
presentation
Please prepare presentation (together with all group) of your country, culture, habits which:
is interactive (other participants must be involved);
must NOT be boring - be creative as much as possible.
Creative workshop as your part of the programme
Creative workshop as your part of the programme
In the programme of the exchange every group will have creative workshop to create small presents for people in need. Your group will lead the workshop for other participants to teach them how to create those gifts.
Please choose together with your group what do you want to create and send us the list of materials you will need for it, so we can arrange it before the exchange.
Please for making gifts choose any technique you want but that you are also able to teach others (it means no too complicated and taking too much time). For the workshop you will have maximum 1,5 hours.
BRING NATIONAL FOOD
BRING NATIONAL FOOD
Please bring some national food, treats or some souvenirs for all participants (all costs are on your side)!
DON'T FORGET Outdoor clothes
DON'T FORGET Outdoor clothes
The youth exchange will include outdoor activities. Please pack clothes which are also suitable for outdoor activities. And also be prepared that it can be colder here in Lithuania, or it may rain here.
Online meeting
Online meeting
On 16th of July at 17.00 (Slovak time, GTM+2)
There is going to be an online meeting with all participants and group leaders before the activity takes part here in Slovakia. There we will meet each other and also clarify what is needed to be prepared.
Deadline application:
Deadline application:
The deadline for submitting project applications is May 5th 2025.
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED
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