Article writing by Badea Raluca
I’d like to share some words from the heart, as I do after most trips, to share my experience and to encourage people to apply to these extraordinary opportunities for self development, travelling, and networking.
The UPLIFT project aimed to support young people in understanding and combating discrimination through non-formal education, storytelling and theatrical activities.
During the week, we were involved in team building activities, interactive workshops and cultural visits, having the opportunity to explore essential themes for a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The most memorable example is visiting kids in foster houses, where we got to know their background, listened to their stories from their caretakers’ while gathered at the table, sharing lunch together. We connected with them through dance, music and a positive uplifting atmosphere. After this profound experience, the group had some debriefing time where we expressed our opinions, and we all realized the strong impact these kids had on us and all the deep thoughts, emotions of empathy, tolerance, love, gratitude that struck within us, paired with the realisation that often times we take things for granted and don’t appreciate enough all the blessings we have in our lives. I felt like a changed person because these kids taught me a lesson of real strength and awakened a soul desire to help people and to make a difference in the world. Ideally, I want to be part of a future where no kid needs to struggle and people in general are more tolerant, loving, and empathetic. Of course, some fundamental things need to change in the system, but I believe each one of us can contribute to the change by fostering a more inclusive environment. 
Our first time trainers (who deserve a round of applause for the hard work and dedication
), Azra and Tamar gave us the opportunity to explore our creativity with theatre play, tasking us to film a video about a success story of someone with a tough background. The process was so fun for everyone, creating the script, acting, filming, editing, and the results were simply amazing. Through this, and all the other team building activities and interesting workshops, we’ve developed and expanded some useful skills like leadership, communication, team work, critical thinking, problem solving, adaptability, public speaking, and many others.
On the day when we explored the beauty of Naples, we also did an exciting treasure hunt where we took pictures of monuments representing freedom, discovered the history and authenticity of the city, while also interacting with the locals and interviewing them explaining phrases in the neapolitan language and talking about subjects like religion and human rights. I actually love talking to strangers on the streets so the idea of this activity sparked so much joy in me.
I’d like to thank the romanian association Fundația Iubire și Credință for this great opportunity, Felix Godeanu for all the support, and Cristiano & Ryry for organising everything and helping us every step of the way. 
All in all, to me this was such a character developing and unforgettable experience that I’m surprised I even managed to put into words. I’m so grateful for being part of this group which really turned into a family, and I love Erasmus+ exactly for this reason, giving me the chance to expand myself, my knowledge, my interpersonal relationships, through fun non-formal education and cultural exchange. 
P.S: shout out to georgian music and dances, they won my heart for real