Towards the end of August 2026, Struga became a hub for young minds. From August 22 to 29, the city hosted the “Young Civil Society” bilateral youth exchange, organized by Volunteers Centre Skopje in cooperation with Europa Iuvenis from Poland.
A total of 24 young people aged 15 to 21 from Macedonia and Poland gathered to discuss, learn, and share ideas regarding youth participation in society and how they could become agents of change in their own communities. Through interactive workshops, debates, and non-formal education, the eight days were filled with diverse experiences, cultural discovery, and the forging of countless new friendships.
However, the most important thing is to hear what they learned from this project:
Jana: Being the team leader of such a wonderful team was a truly great honor. I am grateful and delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate with such amazing people. Although we come from different backgrounds and cultures, the activities, conversations, and time spent together created a welcoming atmosphere that fostered close friendships. Language and cultural differences were no obstacle to bonding with our friends from Poland; on the contrary, those very differences made this youth exchange truly memorable.
Lara: I would definitely like to highlight a few things that made a strong impression on me during the project. First of all, we realized—especially through our daily sessions and workshops—that we, as young people, play a significant role in the process of transforming our community. Each of us can share ideas or solutions that would benefit our community. Another highlight that stands out in my memory is the cultural evenings where Macedonia and Poland showcased their cultures. We shared traditional dishes—such as Polish dumplings and Macedonian ajvar—and enjoyed learning new dances; some were harder than others, which made the experience even more exciting, and we really bonded in the process. For me, that was an unforgettable part of the project.
Nino: Through this project, I had the opportunity to learn more about the power we, as young people, have to bring about change in our community. It helped me understand how to take initiative, launch a campaign or a petition, and analyze local issues to find solutions. It definitely helped me realize that young people have a voice, and it inspired me not only to understand the problems in my community but also to take action to address them. We exchanged various ideas and experiences on this topic with the participants from Poland, while also learning about each other’s cultures—which is one of the best aspects of projects like this. This wasn’t my first Erasmus project, but it was definitely one of my favorites.
David: Participating in this project was a fantastic experience; I learned more about teamwork, communication, and the importance of being active in my community. I truly enjoyed meeting new people, sharing ideas, and taking part in activities that helped me become more self-confident and open to new perspectives.
By the end of projects like this, we realize that Erasmus+ is much more than just a trip or a certificate. Through “Young Civil Society,” Struga became a place where 24 young people showcased their visions, ideas, and courage to drive positive change—and now, they are ready to launch initiatives and make a difference in their own communities.
Nino Gjorgievski
