From September 25 to October 3, 2026, the youth exchange “Direction: Europe!” took place in Kaluža, Slovakia, as part of the Erasmus+ programme. The project was organized by the “STEP” Association, with the “Youth Development Center – Mutual Aid” serving as the sending organization. Young people aged 18–24 and their group leaders from Slovakia, Spain, Hungary, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania took part in the exchange.

The main aim of the meeting was to develop critical thinking, media literacy, and skills for recognizing disinformation and online scams. Through non-formal education and intercultural exchange, the participants discussed the challenges of the digital environment and shared experiences from their respective countries. Numerous workshops were held, focusing on raising awareness of the serious impact of artificial intelligence on politics and beyond. The participants also created videos and presentations on the topic.

One of the days was dedicated to a trip to Košice, the second-largest city in Slovakia. There, the participants spoke with local citizens about the topic of “Voting” and collected information that was later used to develop projects. Of course, they also had the opportunity to explore the many landmarks and attractions the city has to offer.

The project was presented to students at “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” School in Snina. Afterwards, the participants visited the town hall, where a meeting with the mayor of the city had been planned.

During the intercultural evenings, the young people presented their countries, cultures, and traditions. The Bulgarian team stood out with its traditional folk dances and cuisine.

The exchange was not only about acquiring new skills – it also created friendships, brought many shared and meaningful moments, and gave young people the confidence to take action and inspire change. At the end of the project, each participant received a Youthpass certificate, recognizing their participation and achievements.

Following the exchange, the participants will organize local workshops, conduct a two-week online campaign, and contribute to the creation of a media literacy handbook designed for schools and youth organizations across Europe.