Experiences That Stay With You
Real stories of friendship, confidence, connection and personal growth from young people who experienced our programs firsthand.
“Years after participating in the Future Empowered Youth Program, I realized that I didn’t just gain new skills or experience different cultures—I also made lifelong friends from different countries. We still talk, meet, and support one another, and for that, I am truly grateful to this program.”
Mina
Cairo, Egypt
Future Empowered Youth Program · France
“I’m truly grateful to have been part of these sessions, which focused on helping young people make the most of Erasmus+ opportunities. The experience was all about raising awareness, empowering youth, and reminding us that our voices truly matter. Young people are among the most important voices in our communities. It was an incredible experience, and I wish everyone my age could have the opportunity to take part.”
Saif
Alexandria, Egypt
Legalize Youth Dreams Program
“I am really glad that I participated in this project. It was a unique opportunity that taught me a lot about myself. Although my first Erasmus+ experience took place in my home country, I was happy to experience the joy of helping others...”
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I also made new friends from different countries, and I am still in touch with them.
My expectations were very different from reality. During the first two days, I mostly observed and listened, as I like to understand the people I work with before fully engaging. I was impressed by everyone's professionalism, attention to detail, and strong listening skills.
By the third day, I became much more involved in the activities. Through the DISC framework, I gained a better understanding of myself, strengthened my communication and organizational skills, and learned to value listening as much as speaking.
One important lesson was realizing that I sometimes hesitate to share my ideas because I doubt whether they fit the discussion. During a reflection session, another participant shared an idea very similar to mine, and it was highly appreciated. That reminded me that I should not wait until I am completely sure before speaking up.
This experience also reinforced the importance of empathy and inclusion. I admired how the coordinators encouraged quieter participants to contribute, creating a space where everyone felt valued.
I also gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of cultures and realities across different countries. Despite our differences, I learned the importance of understanding and respecting them.
I would highly recommend this experience to anyone. It is a great opportunity to explore different cultures, develop valuable skills, build meaningful friendships, and grow both personally and professionally.
Huda
Cairo, Egypt
Legalize Youth Dreams Program