Throwback: Together We Unite, Together We Stand – Building Solidarity Through Unity

Looking back at December 2024, the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Together We Unite, Together We Stand” brought together young people from Latvia, Portugal, Austria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Spain in Riga, Latvia, between 15–21 December 2024. Hosted by We As One under the reference number 2024-1-LV02-KA152-YOU-000200378, the project created a valuable space for participants to explore refugee rights, challenge stereotypes, strengthen intercultural understanding, and promote inclusion through non-formal education. The exchange offered a unique opportunity for young people from different backgrounds to learn from one another while developing empathy, solidarity, and active citizenship skills.

Ice-breaking and team-building activities helped participants get to know one another and created a positive atmosphere for international cooperation. Sessions introducing the Erasmus+ programme provided valuable insights into active citizenship, youth participation, and non-formal learning opportunities. Youthpass workshops enabled participants to reflect on their learning achievements and understand how to recognize and document the competences they developed during the exchange.

A variety of activities focused on perceptions and attitudes towards refugees, allowing participants to critically examine stereotypes and misconceptions. Through simulations, role-plays, and group discussions, young people explored the realities of displacement and migration, gaining a stronger understanding of the social and emotional challenges refugees often encounter. Discussions on human rights, discrimination, and inclusion encouraged participants to share experiences from their own countries and exchange perspectives on creating more welcoming communities.

Creative workshops played an important role in the learning process. Participants used art as a tool to express ideas related to diversity, equality, and solidarity, producing collaborative works that reflected a vision of a more inclusive society. Music-based activities further strengthened intercultural dialogue and demonstrated how artistic expression can bring people together despite cultural differences.

Community engagement activities provided opportunities for participants to interact with local residents and discuss topics related to refugee integration and social cohesion. Photography and visual storytelling workshops encouraged young people to create awareness-raising content highlighting refugee experiences, contributions, and rights. These activities also helped participants develop advocacy, communication, and media literacy skills.

Experiential learning methods allowed participants to better understand the refugee experience through empathy-based exercises and perspective-taking activities. Cultural exploration in Riga enriched the intercultural dimension of the project while visibility actions helped share the project’s messages with the wider community.

Intercultural evenings offered participants the chance to present their countries, traditions, cuisine, and cultural heritage. Representatives from Portugal, Spain, Austria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Latvia showcased elements of their national identities, fostering mutual respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.

Evaluation sessions enabled participants to reflect on their personal growth and learning outcomes throughout the exchange. A visit to a local stakeholder organization working in the field of refugee support provided valuable insights into practical initiatives promoting inclusion and social integration. Participants had the opportunity to learn directly from professionals and observe examples of good practice in action.

Reflecting on the project today, “Together We Unite, Together We Stand” remains a meaningful example of how Erasmus+ youth exchanges can bring people together around shared values of inclusion, empathy, and solidarity. The experiences, friendships, and lessons gained in Riga continue to demonstrate the lasting impact of intercultural dialogue and youth participation in building a more united and understanding society.