The “Cultural Mosaics” Youth Exchange took place in Izvoare, Harghita, Romania, gathering 51 young participants aged 16–25 from Romania, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Serbia, and the Czech Republic. Inspired by the challenges young people face in appreciating cultural diversity in an increasingly interconnected world, the project sought to bridge cultural gaps and promote mutual understanding through creative and non-formal learning experiences.

Over the course of seven days, participants engaged in a wide range of artistic and intercultural activities designed to build empathy, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Through workshops, collaborative art projects, and cultural role-play exercises, they developed key communication and teamwork skills while discovering the richness of different traditions and perspectives.

The exchange focused on three main objectives:
O1: Enhancing intercultural communication through interactive discussions and role-play activities.
O2: Encouraging cultural openness and creativity by exploring artistic expressions rooted in diverse cultural backgrounds.
O3: Deepening intercultural understanding through digital storytelling and reflective journaling that captured participants’ personal experiences.

At least 60% of participants came from backgrounds with fewer opportunities, ensuring an inclusive and enriching learning environment. Each national group consisted of seven participants and one group leader.

More than just a cultural exchange, “Cultural Mosaics” served as a transformative experience that empowered young people to embrace diversity, express themselves through art, and carry forward the values of tolerance and intercultural dialogue within their own communities.