SPARKling Youth Exchange: Turning Youth Participation into Action
“SPARKling” (YES) was an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange organised by Formation et Sensibilisation Luxembourg (FSL) from 13 to 19 July 2026 in Druogno, Italy. The project brought together young people aged 18–20 and youth leaders from Luxembourg, Spain, North Macedonia, Greece and Italy to explore different forms of participation, strengthen civic competences and develop practical ideas for youth-led community initiatives. Through non-formal education, intercultural exchange, cooperative learning and educational games, SPARKling encouraged participants to discover how they can influence decisions, overcome barriers to participation and become active contributors to their communities.
Location
Druogno, Italy
Duration
13 – 19 July 2026
Funding Program
Erasmus+ Youth, co-funded by the European Union through Anefore
Focus Areas
Youth participation, active citizenship, democratic engagement, intercultural learning, inclusion, educational games and community action
Participants
Young people aged 18–20, particularly those with fewer opportunities, accompanied by youth leaders from Luxembourg, Spain, North Macedonia, Greece and Italy
Key Activities & Learning
Understanding Participation Beyond Politics
The exchange explored four interconnected dimensions of participation: political, social, cultural and economic. Particular attention was given to the barriers that can prevent young people from participating, including discrimination, social exclusion, limited access to opportunities, misinformation, economic difficulties and a lack of confidence or trust in institutions.
Learning Participation Through Games
The Youth Exchange served as a “participation laboratory”, providing an opportunity for young people to test and contribute to the development of educational games created within the Erasmus+ KA2 project SPARK – From Inspiration to Action: Empowering Youth in Peripheral Regions. Participants also contributed to the development of the games by providing feedback on their accessibility, fairness, clarity and educational value.
From Individual Ideas to Collective Solutions
The programme included activities focused on youth participation, educational games such as NEXES, solution development, teamwork and the exploration of participation through human rights education. Activities inspired by the Council of Europe's Compass human rights education approach also provided opportunities to connect participation with democratic values, equality, solidarity and respect for diversity.
From International Exchange to Local Action
Each national group was supported in developing a realistic follow-up activity that could be implemented after returning home. These activities could include educational workshops in schools or youth centres, community discussions, youth consultations, awareness-raising campaigns or sessions using the participation games developed through SPARK.
Outcomes & Impact
Young People as Co-Creators of Educational Tools
By involving young people directly in the testing and development process, SPARKling promoted an approach to educational innovation based on co-creation, experimentation and learning from the people who will ultimately use the tools.
Recognising Competences
Reflection and Youthpass-oriented learning recognition helped participants identify the competences they developed, including teamwork, leadership, initiative, communication, creativity and problem-solving.
Intercultural Learning and European Solidarity
Bringing together participants from five countries, SPARKling created an environment where cultural diversity became an essential part of the learning experience, strengthening European solidarity, mutual understanding and the importance of creating inclusive spaces where different perspectives are respected.
Questions Explored Through the Games
Through the games, young people explored questions such as:
- How do groups make decisions when members have different interests?
- What happens when some people have more influence or resources than others?
- How can communities address disagreements and competing priorities?
- What makes participation fair, accessible and inclusive?
- How can young people advocate for changes they would like to see in their communities?
Young people do not have to wait until they hold formal positions or political power to make a difference. Participation begins when they recognise their ability to contribute, work together and turn ideas into action.
