09/04/2026
We learn all the time from our youngsters new perspectives about nonformal education and Erasmus + programme as a tool for personal development.
It is a real pitty that most of highschools do not support their wonderful youngsters in volunteering and participation in mobilities
Here are reflections of our Romanian team
“Like this, like this, like this” – A Youth Exchange Experience to Remember
Between the 21st and 30th of March 2026, a group of around 40 young people from Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Latvia came together in Monteoru, Buzău, Romania, for a meaningful youth exchange project titled “Like this, like this, like this”.
The project was organized by Hair Redivivus within the framework of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange programme and focused on the topic of volunteering.
Understanding Volunteering Beyond the Surface
The main goal of the project was to explore what volunteering truly means in different countries and to better understand the difference between volunteering and voluntourism. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and group activities, participants reflected on how volunteering is perceived in their communities and how much importance it holds in each country.
Another important aspect of the project was learning how an Erasmus+ project is created — from the initial idea to implementation and dissemination. Participants had the chance to step into the role of organizers and experience firsthand the process behind such initiatives.
Learning by Doing
One of the most impactful activities was the workshop where participants worked in teams to design their own Erasmus+ projects. This experience helped everyone better understand the structure, planning, and responsibilities involved in creating a project.
After developing their ideas, participants didn’t just stop at theory — they brought their concepts to life by presenting and implementing parts of them together. This practical approach made the learning process more engaging and meaningful.
The daily programme also included team-building activities, outdoor sessions, debates, cultural evenings, and creative workshops such as video creation. All these activities contributed to building strong connections between participants and encouraged collaboration in diverse teams.
A Personal and Shared Experience
For many participants, this experience was not only about learning but also about connection. Even though people worked in different groups throughout the project, there was a strong sense of unity, as if ideas naturally connected and complemented each other.
Beyond the knowledge gained about volunteering and project development, the human aspect of the experience made it truly special. The friendships formed, the shared moments, and the intercultural exchanges created memories that will last for a long time.
Impact and Reflection
By the end of the project, participants left with a deeper understanding of:
what volunteering really means
how to create and implement a youth project
how to share and disseminate results effectively
At the same time, the experience brought a mix of emotions — gratitude for having been part of it and a bit of sadness that it came to an end, along with the hope of meeting again in the future.
Final Thoughts
Projects like this show the real value of international collaboration and non-formal education. They offer young people the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect in ways that go beyond traditional learning environments.
Facebook post:
LIKE THIS, LIKE THIS, LIKE THIS – Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
📍 Sărata Monteoru & Buzău, Romania
Young people from 7 countries — Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Latvia — came together within the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Like this, like this, like this”, organized by Hair Redivivus.
The project focused on exploring volunteering in a deeper and more critical way, especially the difference between volunteering and voluntourism, as well as how volunteering is understood and promoted in each participant’s country.
Through workshops, simulations, debates, and group activities, participants developed essential skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and project planning. A key part of the experience was learning how to design an Erasmus+ project — from idea development to implementation and dissemination — by working in teams and creating their own project concepts.
🔸 The activities encouraged reflection not only on volunteering, but also on responsibility, initiative, and the impact young people can have in their communities.
🔸 Working in international groups created a space for collaboration, exchange of perspectives, and mutual learning, while also strengthening intercultural understanding and cooperation.
🔸 Beyond the educational aspect, the project offered participants the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, build meaningful connections, and gain confidence in their ideas and abilities.
📗 The experience highlighted the importance of active participation and showed that young people can play a key role in creating positive change — both locally and internationally.
✨ Final thought
If you ever get the chance to be part of something like this…
don’t overthink it.
Just go.
Just try.
Just live it.
“Like this, like this, like this.”
Because some experiences aren’t just useful —
they stay with you. 💫
