As a volunteer from Kehsia, I recently had the opportunity to attend a week-long training organised by ANEFORE, held in Luxembourg, for beginners interested in developing Erasmus+ youth exchange projects. The training brought together participants from across Europe who all shared similar values, ambitions, and a passion for creating meaningful opportunities for young people. It was inspiring to connect with such a diverse and motivated group while exchanging ideas and experiences.
Throughout the week, we were guided by experienced trainers with more than 20 years of expertise in European projects. They introduced us to the fundamentals of designing and implementing a successful Erasmus+ youth exchange, covering both the practical aspects and the theoretical framework behind these projects. Their knowledge and real-life examples made the learning experience both engaging and accessible.
One of the highlights of the training was a partner-finding simulation held on the second day. The exercise challenged us to repeatedly pitch our organisations and project ideas while searching for partners whose goals and values aligned with our own. It was both demanding and rewarding, helping us build confidence in networking and collaboration while demonstrating the importance of finding the right partners for a successful project.
To conclude the training, we worked on drafting a complete Erasmus+ youth exchange application. This practical exercise was the perfect way to apply everything we had learned throughout the week. What made it especially valuable was receiving personalised feedback from a representative of the Luxembourgish National Agency, who provided constructive advice, highlighted areas for improvement, and shared practical insights that will undoubtedly support my future work in developing Erasmus+ projects.
Overall, the training was an enriching experience that strengthened my understanding of Erasmus+ youth exchanges, expanded my European network, and gave me the confidence and skills to begin developing future international projects.
I would like to thank everyone who made this experience possible and I am looking forward to many more !