The Transnational Final Workshop of BeYou in Athens: A World of Discoveries

As part of the [BeYou project,](https://fcagrigentotrapani.it/en/progetto/beyou/) the "Transnational Final Workshop" dedicated to young leaders of the "Community Youth Incubators" program took place in Athens during the first week of June.

BeYou is a project funded by the Erasmus+ program and coordinated by the Community Foundation of Agrigento and Trapani. It aims to highlight the role of young people as key actors in social change and the sustainable development of their communities.

Through the "Community Youth Incubators" program, the project supported the implementation and evaluation phases of 20 sustainable development initiatives created by young leaders aged 18 to 25, with the assistance of youth workers aged 25 to 35.

A total of 25 young leaders and youth workers from Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Romania, and Greece met in Athens at the Transnational Final Workshop, hosted by the NGO Organization Earth, a project partner, to discuss the initiatives carried out within the "Community Youth Incubators" program.

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Community, Commitment, and Solidarity

"During these days, I challenged myself by engaging with the knowledge and interests of young people from all over Europe. This exchange allowed me to gain a broader perspective, motivating me to persevere and always seek new opportunities for growth and improvement for myself and my community," says Viktoria Toth, a young leader of the initiative Walk with me - Feel safe, Be sound, reflecting on her dedication post-BeYou.

The workshop was packed with discussions on the initiatives implemented by the young participants and included a wide range of practical workshops such as gardening, origami, ceramics, and painting. "Participating in practical activities allowed me to see up close how many people work daily for the good of the community, especially for minorities. I was struck by the dedication of the workers in supporting people with disabilities, helping them cultivate their interests and develop new skills. Experiencing this reality firsthand was extremely inspiring," reports Marta Sciumé, a young leader of the initiative One Day Cultural Fest, about the activity at the Vocational Training Centre - "Margarita".

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Cultural Exchange, Fun, and Growth

"The most stimulating and fun aspect of the workshop was undoubtedly the cultural exchange between Italians, Spaniards, Greeks, Cypriots, and Romanians. Besides our projects, we shared various moments of leisure on the streets of Athens. It was during these walks that we joked, forming bonds and creating unforgettable memories," concludes youth worker Sara Gallo, recounting that one of the most amusing moments was an impromptu marriage proposal between two participants who loved theatrics to attract attention.

The workshop was an enriching experience for the young participants, leaving a deep impact on their personal and professional journeys. "Thanks to the Foundation, we had the opportunity to meet extraordinary people, full of drive and a desire to improve themselves, people with hearts of gold who made us feel at home in no time. I will always carry BeYou with me, in my heart and mind, as a precious treasure." Conclude Sophia Mazza and Pietro Durante, promoters of the initiatives "BenchArt" and "Casa delle storie", confirming once again how essential such opportunities are for the growth of young people in our territories and for the communities themselves, as they generate and strengthen the value of sharing.

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About the project

BeYou is a project selected and co-financed by the Erasmus+ program under Key Action 3 "European Youth Together." The project is coordinated by the Community Foundation of Agrigento and Trapani in partnership with Organization Earth (Greece), ANDCTR (Romania), Hub Nicosia (Cyprus), and the Un.iversity of Alcalá de Henares (Spain).

Stay Updated on BeYou Activities: visit the project website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

For participation or further information, contact Alisa Marghella at a.marghella@fcagrigentotrapani.it.