Fifteen of us, Eco Heroes, set off on our journey on August 16th for the “Eco Heroes Across Countries” youth exchange to Izvoare, Transylvania. After a 20-hour bus ride filled with laughter, secret photos, and what we jokingly called our own “snoring symphonies,” we finally arrived in the small village of Izvoare.
Surrounded by forests and mountains, Izvoare offered breathtaking rural landscapes, peaceful and wonderfully connected to nature, perfect for bringing young people together, with a large outdoor area where we could enjoy group activities. Nature was truly all around us. We even received occasional alerts on our phones warning us that a bear had been spotted near our accommodation and reminding us not to wander too far away!
The wooden mountain houses quickly became places of friendship and laughter. The balconies were full of flowers, swings stood in the garden, and the fresh mountain air made every moment outside feel special. During our free time, we often gathered in front of the houses, talking, playing games, listening to music, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
One of our proudest little moments was hanging the Macedonian flag on the upper balcony of our house.
The nearest shop was about 4 km away, so going there became an adventure of its own; we only managed to make a few walks for soft drinks and crisps, which also meant that we did not spend much money during the exchange, so we returned home with most of it still in our pockets.
The women working in the kitchen were incredibly kind and prepared delicious meals for us. They did not speak English, which sometimes led to very funny conversations with gestures and body language. Somehow, we always managed to communicate!
A Taste of Macedonia
One of the highlights of the exchange was the Macedonian Cultural Evening, when we presented our country, our traditional food, dances, and songs
Soon, everyone was on their feet dancing. Some participants knew the steps, while others certainly did not—but they tried anyway, and their hearts danced to their own joyful rhythm!
Nature, Adventure, and Teamwork
Our most memorable adventure was the hike to Lake Zetea. The two-hour walk through the nearby forest was a bit tiring, but we were well prepared with hiking clothes, a packed lunch, and water. Along the way, we enjoyed the fresh mountain air and breathtaking landscapes. We swam, rode water bikes, played Treasure Hunt, and took countless photos and videos.
From Trash to Rhythm
The most creative activity was “From Trash to Rhythm”. We discovered that everyday waste could be transformed into something completely different: musical instruments!
We created drums, guitars, and other instruments from trash to make real music. We formed our own band and played using the instruments we had created. Surprisingly, the sound was actually amazing. Through this activity, we learned that something that would normally be thrown away can become something useful and even enjoyable.
And, of course, the morning energizers deserve a special mention! They were always a fun way to wake up, get moving, and bring positive energy to the whole group before another busy day began.
Until We Meet Again
Every activity brought joy, new opportunity, and inspiration, but perhaps the most special part was the bond we created with each other in a surprisingly short time that will stay with us long after the exchange ended.
As we said goodbye to our new friends and the organizers, we carried home much more than souvenirs. We carried the lessons we had learned, the experiences we had shared, and the friendships we had made.
This exchange reminded us that change begins with us—and spreads when we share it with others. When young people are given the opportunity to take action, they can become powerful representatives of change in schools, communities, by becoming an eco-hero in everyday life.
We are proud of every step we took on our learning journey, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have been Eco Heroes together.
Ilina Minoska
Project partner: ARAO
