In mid-September 2024, we participated in a youth exchange called EcoEduQuest. The exchange took place in the coastal Croatian town of Poreč, with participants from NGOs in Poland, Croatia, Sint Maarten, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

The HEurekian group set off early on September 16, needing to reach Modlin Airport for our flight to Venice. The bus connections worked perfectly, and we arrived two hours before our flight. The flight went smoothly, and upon landing in Venice, we took a bus arranged by the organizers for a scenic two-hour drive through Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, arriving just in time for dinner at the venue.

We were accommodated, and the next day, group integration began with ice-breaking activities, where we learned each other's names and motivations for participating in the exchange. The integration activities included language animation and intercultural communication workshops.

We then engaged in youth debate simulations focused on ecology, preparing us for later workshops where we developed our own styles of Eco-Debates.

A highlight was a trip to the charming town of Pula, where we participated in a team-building game at the ancient arena. Free time allowed us to explore the nooks of Pula.

Upon returning to our center, we began preparations for a theatrical play, also themed around ecology, creating decorations and familiarizing ourselves with our roles, alongside voice workshops to embody our characters. The performance lasted over two hours and left us with unforgettable memories.

Next, we formed small international groups to create our own debate styles, which took time but allowed us to discuss various ecological issues and prepare effective tools for future local and international actions.

In between sessions, we enjoyed free time exploring Poreč and relaxing at the nearby beach.

The exchange passed quickly, culminating in evaluation sessions as we prepared to return to Poland.

HEurekians about EcoEduQuest Youth Exchange:

Tosia: During this project, I learned a lot of things. I have always been interested in ecology and the things we can do to save the natural environment. Thanks to participating in the debates, we were able to learn many things, especially self-confidence and speaking skills when the whole group is watching us. I improved my ability to create arguments and defend my statements. While creating new debate styles, we talked a lot about how to care for the environment in our local surroundings. I will share the knowledge I gained with my friends.

Kamil: I really enjoyed this project. The best part was the theater play. I had a very interesting and fun role in it. I also liked the place where the exchange took place: the sea and the town near our hotel.

Dominik: This project was a great opportunity for young people like us to develop social skills and public speaking skills. Additionally, theater games help in seeing things from a different perspective, which will be useful for us in the future.

Milena: This project was a great adventure. I really liked the place. What I liked the most was the theater play. Besides that, I enjoyed the debates and the trip to the city of Pula.

Irena: During this project, we had a lot of activities and workshops. For me, the best part was the debates about ecology because I learned new things about ecology. I also liked the location, the new friends I made, and I’m happy that I could be there.

Ola: The most interesting activity for me was creating new styles of debates in groups. I was also very curious to see how the other groups handled this task. I enjoyed testing the created debates with the other participants.

Andrzej: Over 40 people from 8 culturally different countries participated in the exchange. Preparing activities and cooperating with group leaders was a big challenge. I believe the exchange fulfilled its purpose and brought our group many important experiences, which we will soon use in our organization’s activities.