From 24–26 April 2026, 25 young participants from five countries gathered in Tirana, Albania, for the RomaRise Youth Exchange. The Erasmus+ event focused on leadership, community engagement, anti-discrimination, and Roma empowerment through workshops, institutional visits, and intercultural activities. Participants developed community action ideas and strengthened international cooperation for social inclusion.
The exchange was designed as a non-formal educational activity aimed at empowering young people through intercultural dialogue, leadership development, community engagement, and artistic and social expression. The programme created a safe and inclusive environment where participants could share experiences, reflect on challenges faced by Roma communities, and explore the role of young people in promoting inclusion, equality, and active citizenship.
Particular importance was given to leadership development and community engagement. Several presentations and interactive sessions focused specifically on the importance of leadership within Roma communities and other marginalized groups, highlighting how young people can become active agents of change within their local environments. Participants explored concepts related to youth participation, social responsibility, teamwork, community mobilization, and civic engagement through workshops, discussions, and collaborative activities.
Another important component of the exchange was the institutional learning dimension. The institutional visits were designed to give participants the opportunity to better understand how institutions can function as tools of empowerment, protection, and social inclusion. Through direct interaction and discussion with institutional representatives, participants were able to explore the role of anti-discrimination mechanisms, public institutions, and civic structures in supporting equal rights, participation, and access to opportunities for marginalized communities.
The main objectives of the event were to strengthen the self-confidence and identity of Roma youth, promote intercultural understanding and mutual respect among participants from different backgrounds, and encourage active participation in community life. Through workshops, discussions, institutional visits, and collaborative group work, participants developed communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills while exchanging experiences and good practices from their local contexts.
The exchange also aimed to increase awareness regarding discrimination, stereotypes, and social exclusion affecting Roma communities, while highlighting the importance of solidarity, participation, and international cooperation in creating more inclusive societies. Furthermore, the event contributed to strengthening cooperation between youth organizations and creating opportunities for future collaboration among participants and partner institutions.
Throughout the activity, participants were encouraged to actively contribute, express their ideas freely, and collaboratively design community-oriented initiatives that could later be implemented within their local environments. The exchange therefore served both as a learning experience and as a platform for youth empowerment, intercultural cooperation, and social engagement.
