THE IDEA BEHIND
Every journey begins with a story.
Every day, millions of people leave their homes in search of safety, education, work or a better future. Behind every migration journey there is a human story, yet these stories are often reduced to stereotypes or political debates. Crossroads was created to change this perspective.
Crossroads is a youth exchange that gathers 37 participants from 6 countries, to explore migration through dialogue, creativity and shared experiences. Through theatre, storytelling, simulations, art, digital media and intercultural dialogue, we will explore what belonging really means and how young people can contribute to building more welcoming communities.
For 7 days, young people from countries with different migration realities will live, learn and create together through non-formal education. Some participants come from countries where many young people leave. Others come from countries that receive migrants every day. By meeting face to face, participants will discover that migration is not simply a political issue but a shared human experience.
The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and implemented by an international partnership of organisations from Italy, France, Hungary, Lithuania, Georgia and Ukraine.
Crossroads is built around several objectives
🌍 Understand migration beyond statistics
Explore the realities of migration from both countries of departure and countries of arrival, recognising its social, cultural and personal impact on individuals and communities.
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🤝 Build empathy through experience
Take part in simulations, storytelling, role-playing and intercultural encounters that encourage participants to see migration through different perspectives and develop solidarity with others.
💬 Challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogue
Create safe spaces for honest conversations where diversity is valued, prejudice is questioned and intercultural understanding can grow.
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🎨 Develop creative and digital skills
Learn how to communicate meaningful messages through visual storytelling, digital campaigns, social media, video production and other creative tools that can be used for advocacy and youth work.
🌱 Empower young people
Support young people from different backgrounds to gain confidence, develop new skills and become active members of their communities.
🇪🇺 Strengthen European citizenship
Discover how migration connects every European country and explore how young people can contribute to more inclusive, democratic and welcoming societies.
📚 Experience the power of non-formal education
Learn through participation, cooperation and reflection, discovering how experiential learning can foster personal growth, active citizenship and social inclusion.
Learn by Doing
At Crossroads, participants don't just attend activities, they help create them. Throughout the week, everyone takes on an active role by contributing to different aspects of the project.
• Lead energisers and ice-breakers in small international teams.
• Co-facilitate workshops and discussions, with the support of experienced facilitators and group leaders.
• Run daily reflection groups and document learning for the Youthpass process.
• Join thematic teams according to their interests:
• Media & Digital – create videos, design visuals, take photos and manage social media content.
• Eco Team – promote sustainable practices, coordinate recycling and encourage environmentally friendly habits.
• Well-being & Inclusion – support the buddy system, create welcoming spaces and help everyone feel included.
• Logistics & Events – assist with room setups, timekeeping and preparation of the final public event.
• Create meaningful project outputs, including short videos, digital stories, theatre performances, photo essays and a practical booklet on how to talk about migration with young people.
• Design and deliver the final dissemination event at the venue, presenting the project's messages, methods and creative outputs to local organisations and the wider community.
What Will You Learn?
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Self-confidence & resilience – step outside your comfort zone, overcome challenges and grow through international teamwork.
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Intercultural communication – collaborate with people from different cultures while building empathy and breaking stereotypes.
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Active citizenship – understand migration from a European perspective and discover how you can contribute to more inclusive communities.
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Critical thinking & media literacy – recognise misinformation, analyse media narratives and communicate responsibly online.
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Digital communication – create videos, social media content and digital campaigns using creative online tools.
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Creative expression – use storytelling, theatre, photography and art to communicate ideas and inspire dialogue.
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Teamwork & leadership – work in international teams, facilitate activities and take responsibility for shared tasks.
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Conflict resolution & respectful dialogue – learn how to navigate different opinions, manage disagreements and build understanding.
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Public speaking & presentation skills – confidently present ideas and project outcomes during the final public event.
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Our Working Methods
Throughout the exchange, you will experience:
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Simulations & role plays – step into real-life migration scenarios to better understand the experiences, challenges and choices faced by displaced people.
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Creative workshops – explore migration and identity through theatre, storytelling, music, photography and art.
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Digital learning – create videos, digital stories, campaigns and other creative content using tools such as Canva, Padlet and social media.
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Debates & discussions – exchange ideas on migration, democracy, misinformation, climate change and other topics affecting today's Europe.
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Intercultural evenings – discover the cultures, traditions, food and music of participating countries through activities prepared by the national teams.
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Reflection groups – take part in daily guided reflections to process your experiences, share insights and track your personal learning journey through Youthpass.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
No previous Erasmus+ experience is required.
The project especially welcomes participants with fewer opportunities, including young people from rural areas, NEETs, migrants, displaced youth and other groups facing social or economic barriers.
✔ young people between 18 and 25 years old. No previous Erasmus+ experience is required.
✔ National Group Leaders 18+. With previous experience in youth work, Erasmus+ projects or non-formal education
✔ people interested in intercultural dialogue, migration and inclusion
✔ willing to actively participate throughout the entire exchange
✔ want to create positive change in their communities
Project Steps
PREPARATION
Online preparatory meetings: interactive sessions to establish a connection within participants, group leaders and facilitators and address possible questions.
Establishing communication inside the national teams, announcing and explaining predeparture task
youth exchange
Working in international teams, participants will explore migration through dialogue, storytelling and digital tools, develop new competences, and create meaningful outputs to be presented during the final dissemination event.
FOLLOW-UP
Follow-up tasks will be presented at the end of the youth exchange. Upon return participants will support the dissemination of the project online and organise one local action back in their country together with the support of their Sending Organisation.
the programme
Please note: This programme represents our planned schedule. As we work with non-formal education methods, some activities, timings or topics may be adapted during the exchange to better respond to the group's learning needs, participants' interests, weather conditions or opportunities within the local context. Any changes will always aim to improve the overall learning experience.
20/10
Day 1
Welcome to Crossroads
21/10
Day 2
Starting the Exchange
22/10
Day 3
The Journey
23/10
Day 4
A Path Together
24/10
Day 5
Learnings
25/10
Day 6
Storytelling
26/10
Day 7
Wrap it Up
27/10
Departure
Departure
Our Youth Exchange will take place at I.S.M.S. Le Sorgenti - Comunità Emmanuel, which has been hosting our project for several years. It is a peaceful venue surrounded by nature, located outside of Lecce, rarely connected with city centre by public transport, that's why we organise the shuttle bus for arrivals and departures.
Le Sorgenti is part of the Emmanuel Foundation, a long-established network of social organisations and cooperatives active at local, national and international level. Through its various initiatives, the Foundation works in areas such as social inclusion, migration, addiction recovery, community development and support for vulnerable people. It also has extensive experience hosting international groups and implementing Erasmus+ and other European projects.
During our stay, Le Sorgenti serves as the venue and a valuable local partner. All educational activities of this Youth Exchange are independently designed and facilitated by our international team, following the principles of non-formal education, inclusion and respect for diversity.
As part of the programme, participants will have a guided tour of the Foundation's facilities and learn about its social initiatives, including its work with migrants and local communities. The Foundation has spiritual roots and promotes values of solidarity, dignity and respect, while welcoming people of every religion, belief and background. Participation in any religious or spiritual activity is never expected or required. This is an opportunity to discover an inspiring model of social engagement.
Centre LE SORGENTI which provides accommodation in rooms for 3 or 4 people with private bathrooms.
The basic equipment like sheets, blankets and towels will be provided.
There's on-site kitchen with fresh meals provided by kitchen team.
Outdoor areas for reflection and connection, the rooms for working sessions are also based inside the complex.
The venue is located approximately 6 km away from the city centre of Lecce, and 4km away from the closest supermarket. The road from and to the venue is not pedestrian. Transportation from and to the venue is provided at arrivals, departure, emergency and urgency cases, arranged group activities in Lecce. We do not provide private transportation for private reasons.
Part of Le Sorgenti Centre serves as a recovery centre for people who are fighting addictions.
For this reason, no alcohol is allowed on the territory of the facilities.
What to Expect
Rules & Community
To create a safe, enjoyable and meaningful experience for everyone, we ask all participants to:
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Respect each other's stories, identities, opinions and personal boundaries.
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Be present and actively participate in all programme activities.
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Contribute to the shared living environment and support the group whenever possible.
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Keep the venue alcohol- and drug-free throughout the project, ensuring a safe space for everyone.
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Embrace diversity with curiosity, openness and respect. We welcome people from all backgrounds and expect everyone to contribute with a positive, mature and responsible attitude.
Food
All meals are provided throughout the project, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, the menu will be primarily vegetarian, offering healthy, nutritious and environmentally friendly meals. We will also accommodate dietary requirements, allergies when communicated in advance.
Sharing meals is an important part of the intercultural experience and an opportunity to discover new flavours while reducing our environmental impact.
Living Together
Crossroads is more than a training course, it's a temporary international community.
Participants are expected to help care for the shared spaces by contributing to simple daily tasks, such as keeping common areas tidy, or washing the dishes and respecting the accommodation and its surroundings.
Taking shared responsibility helps create a welcoming atmosphere, strengthens teamwork and makes everyone feel part of the experience. We believe that living together is an essential part of learning together.
Travel regulations
Travel costs, as well as accommodation, food, and the programme itself are co-funded by the European Union through the ERASMUS+ program.
According to Erasmus+ regulations, participants must travel from their country of residence to the venue and back, no alternative routes are allowed. As well as no late arrivals or early departures.
To be entitled to reimbursement, we ask you to participate fully in the 3 steps of the project: preparation, dissemination and follow-up.
The travel costs will be reimbursed for the amount shown in the original boarding passes, tickets, and invoices, up to the limits indicated in the chart below.
Amounts in the tabel below are the MAXIMUM amounts that will be reimbursed, all the costs exceeding these amounts should be covered by the participant
Arrival day -
20th of October
(arrive before 16:00 in Italy)
Departure day -
27th of October
(early morning)
Transfer will be provided by us between the train/bus station in Lecce and the venue. The cost of it is already deducted from maximum travel budget
According to Erasmus+ regulation, you can start your travel up to 48h before arrival day, and arrive back to your country the latest 48h after departure day
Travel Reimbursement
Italy - 28 EUR
France - 285 EUR
Ukraine - 285 EUR
Georgia - 370 EUR
Hungary - 285 EUR
Lithuania- 285 EUR
Participation Fee
Participation Fee
Participation
fee
For us, as a non-profit organisation, your contribution gives support to maintain our activities and keep spreading well-being among youth
We have introduced a “participation fee” as a form of contribution to the project implementation. It is used to organise logistics and provide third-party liability insurance during your stay.
If the participation fee represents a real obstacle for you, please let us know in the application form.
The participation fee ranges from 10 to 30 euros, with the amount determined by the economic context of the participant's country.
We ask you to contribute to the implementation of the project with a participation fee:
Italy and France: 30 €
Lithuania and Hungary: 20 €
Georgia and Ukraine: 10 €
Our vision. Our mission.
Our story.
In New Wellness Education we are passionate about creating educating opportunities for everyone, and especially young people who are looking for their own life path.
We believe in power of non-formal education, experiential learning, and outdoor education - thing that make your learning joyful and memorable.
We organise Erasmus+ projects and ESC Volunteering projects in Bergolo every year bringing more and more people together.
New Wellness Education offers opportunities to raise mental and physical well-being for youth and adults, individuals and institutions, in daily life, while studying and at the workplace.
Need Help Before You Apply?
Contact Your Sending Organisation
Every participant joins Crossroads through a trusted partner organisation in their own country. Reach out to your local partner, they'll help you with the application, answer your questions and support you before, during and after the project.
Project Code: 2025-3-IT03-KA152-YOU-000371921
via Scardino Peregrino 34,
73100, Lecce (LE), Italy
© 2026 by New Wellness Education - APS
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