Stefania's experience in Slovakia

At first, I left for Slovakia with the idea of learning more about a topic that was unfamiliar to me: human rights. Due to the lack of information provided by schools in Italy, most young people do not really know their rights, and this is a shame, because it allows those who are more cunning to take advantage of us. I had no real idea of what I would find during the exchange, and I never expected to bond so deeply with the other participants in just one week.

It was wonderful: during the workshop sessions we had the opportunity to awaken our awareness of being part of a bigger world, without ever getting bored. I was able to dive into fields I had never tried before: shooting videos, conducting interviews, preparing short theatrical pieces. I believe that having to work together to create something contributed to building very strong bonds, which became evident during our free time, when we ate, danced, discussed, and sang together—people from different countries and cultures.

Non-formal education is a truly effective way to learn, because when you do things with a smile, everything stays in your mind more easily. I loved having to act in the role of people with stories different from my own; this really made me put myself in their shoes for the first time.

In one week, we condensed months of life. We did many things I had never done before, and this convinced me even more that to truly feel alive you need to step out of your comfort zone and travel. However, even when you are forced to stay “at home,” you should try to do things with passion, enjoying as much as possible the positive aspects of your life.

When I returned home, I wanted to be able to show this feeling to everyone I know, but especially to my friends, to encourage them to do the same. If all young people like me could grow, get to know other cultures, and throw away stereotypes, we would build a more united Europe, standing against all those who believe they can do whatever they want at the expense of others. I am very satisfied with this journey and I already feel nostalgic for all the wonderful people I met.

Stefania