From 24th April to 1st May 2025, the beautiful city of Chania, Crete became the meeting point for young people from Greece, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, and Lithuania, who gathered for the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Equal Not Same”. The project was coordinated and implemented by the Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs (IRTEA), with the support of international partner organizations, including Youth Power Germany.
The exchange tackled the timely and complex issue of gender-based discrimination, particularly how daily behaviors, language, and societal norms contribute to inequality. Set against the backdrop of a post-pandemic reality, the project also examined how the COVID-19 crisis has deepened existing disparities and impacted the mental health of individuals facing gender injustice.
The aim of Equal Not Same was to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusive attitudes. Participants explored these themes not only through critical discussion, but also through creative expression designing and producing a video campaign to reflect on their learnings and speak out against discrimination.
The methodology of the project was rooted in non-formal education, offering participants an experiential learning environment. Over the course of the program, young people took part in:
Workshops, group reflections, and storytelling
Role-playing games, physical exercises, and creative labs
Case studies on gender inequality and mental health
Study visits and interviews with local communities
Intercultural evenings, celebrating diversity and shared values.
These activities not only encouraged learning and participation but also helped build empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a deeper personal connection to the subject matter.
One of the key outcomes of the exchange was the empowerment of young participants to become advocates for equality. By using audiovisual tools including the creation of campaign videos, participants could translate their experiences and reflections into impactful public messages. In parallel, research tasks like community interviews and questionnaires helped them develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Special attention was also given to how gender stereotypes affect mental wellbeing, recognizing the importance of emotional resilience and support in the fight for equality. The project provided safe spaces for sharing, listening, and reflecting, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued.
Set in the beautiful natural surroundings of Agioi Apostoloi, just outside Chania, participants were hosted at Camping Chania in shared bungalows, creating a close-knit and supportive environment. Daily activities, shared meals, and evening cultural events fostered strong bonds between groups, making the week not just educational, but deeply human.
The exchange concluded with a commitment from all groups to continue sharing what they learned, through social media, local actions, and future Erasmus+ projects.
Equal Not Same stood out as an impactful youth exchange where meaningful learning met creativity, cooperation, and social responsibility. IRTEA’s coordination and the involvement of partner organizations like Youth Power Germanymade this project a shining example of how international collaboration can help young people challenge injustice and become active agents of change in their communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.