MTÜ Rabarada

Lisette participated in womens only outdoor adventure youth exchange "PowerUP!" in August in Belgium and shared her thoughts:

"I decided to take part in this adventure because it was nothing like I had ever seen before. New challenges, people, and places—everything sounded so exciting and new, and it was! I have taken part in a couple of Erasmus projects before, so I had an idea of what to expect, but this project was nothing like my previous ones, and that’s what I liked about it.

I learned a lot during this trip. First of all, that nature is just amazing! The walking, camping, and everything else were so calming, and we should always respect nature. I didn’t know that Belgium had any mountains at all! But I was clearly wrong. I also learned that trains can take you basically everywhere—amazing!

I learned that I basically don’t know anything about surviving in nature without electricity and everything else we are used to. But the crew was more than helpful, so everything went well.

I think the whole project was amazing. I especially liked the idea of having a cultural night where every night we learned about the different cultures of the people who were there. Otherwise, everything was great.

I loved the rock climbing and so-called cave exploring. I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ll never do anything like that again! I also really liked cooking with everyone. It felt really good and brought us closer together.

I would recommend Erasmus projects to everyone I know because you really get to see the world and meet new people at such a young age, and it truly is amazing. Love, love.🥰"

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-lisette

Youth exchange "PowerUp!" brought together girls from Belgium, Estonia, Italy and Greece. Kärt from Estonia shared her moments:

"I decided to participate in youth exchange in Belgium because I wanted to experience camping away from home and meet people from other countries. When I discovered that the camp was only for girls, I was even more excited because I thought it would provide a safe and supportive environment where everyone could comfortably share their thoughts and experiences.

It was my first Erasmus+ project, so before travelling to Belgium, I felt excited but also nervous. I looked forward to visiting another country, trying new activities, and communicating in English. However, I wondered whether I would be able to speak English well enough and make friends. Despite these worries, I decided to be brave and give it a try.

Before the exchange, I prepared for the journey and approached the project with an open mind. During the camp, I contributed by participating in group discussions, creative workshops, and teamwork activities. I shared my ideas, listened to the other participants, and supported the girls around me. When I arrived, I met girls from different countries and backgrounds. At first, I was quiet because I did not know many people, not even all of the participants from my own country. As we began taking part in activities, the atmosphere became friendlier and more relaxed. We introduced ourselves, worked together, and slowly formed connections. Realizing that some of the other girls had also felt nervous made me feel less alone. Sometimes, it was difficult to express myself in English, but everyone was patient and supportive. This encouraged me to continue speaking without being afraid of making mistakes. Each conversation helped me improve my communication skills and become more confident.

Being part of a girls-only group made the experience especially meaningful. It created a comfortable environment where we could speak openly and support each other. Although we came from different backgrounds, we found many things that connected us. I learned how important it is to respect and understand other people. The camp also taught me to be more independent. I had to take responsibility for myself and manage my time. Although this was challenging at first, it became easier each day. I began to trust myself and realized that I could adapt to an unfamiliar environment.

One of my favourite activities was cliff climbing. It challenged me and encouraged me to try something unfamiliar. I also enjoyed the creative workshops and spending time with the others outside the organised activities. These moments allowed us to talk, laugh, and get to know each other better. For future exchanges, I would suggest including more outdoor and team-building activities. I would also provide more free time for participants to form friendships. More introductory activities at the beginning could help shy or nervous participants feel comfortable more quickly.

My three most memorable experiences were travelling to Belgium, forming friendships with the other girls, and participating in the outdoor activities. Travelling was special for me because I haven't had many opportunities to visit other countries. The outdoor activities encouraged me to leave my comfort zone and try new things. By the end of the exchange, I felt more confident speaking English, meeting new people, and facing unfamiliar situations. I learned about teamwork, communication, independence, and respecting cultural differences. The camp showed me that people can form strong connections even when they come from different countries. Saying goodbye was the most difficult part because we had created many happy memories together, although I was also glad to return home. I came home with new friendships, greater confidence, and many stories to share.

I would recommend an Erasmus+ youth exchange to other young people because it is a wonderful opportunity to travel, learn, make friends, practice languages, and become more independent. It may feel scary at first, but it can become an unforgettable experience. The girls-only camp in Belgium helped me learn more about other people and about myself. It is an experience that I will always remember."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-k%C3%A4rt

Youth exchange PowerUP! objective was to empower girls in outdoors. Lisänn was one of the six Estonian girls who participated and shared her experience:

"I decided to join the project because it took place in the summer when I had more time and I didn't have to stress about school. I haven't participated in projects before and didn't have any special expectations, I was more curious about what would happen.

What I did before the program was to make sure that I had all the necessary paperwork and insurance. During the project, I contributed by participating in activities and talking to people.

During the project, my English improved, and I also realized that you don't need perfect English to communicate with others because body language is always there. And there wasn't one specific activity that I liked the most because all the activities were very enjoyable and fun.

Next time I will think more carefully about what to bring and what not to bring.

Most memorable are those moments when people are just chatting and it's all surrounded by laughter. The most painful but at the same time heart-warming moment was saying goodbye and making agreements that this would not be the last meeting. I didn't have to feel homesick during the project because the people I spend time with are just so nice and lovely.

Yes, I would recommend youth exchanges because you can't get that kind of experience and immersion in the language anywhere but on projects like this."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-lis%C3%A4nn

Jasmiin had a good time with peers in Belgium during youth exchange organized by NGO NATURE. Read her story here:

"I decided to participate because that project seemed fun and full of new experiences. I had never done some things that the introduction said, so I decided to try it out. I hadn’t been part of any Erasmus projects before, but I had heard much good about these projects from friends and family, so my expectations were high.

My contribution during this week was helping the kitchen (we had a schedule of when each country group would do the dishes), putting the tent up where we slept, being friendly and fun towards others, and just bringing good energy to the girls.

I learned a lot of things, some words from other countries, about others national dishes. Developed my English skills, social skills. I learned how to rock climb, shoot an arrow, how to tie a knot, how to become one with nature. The most enjoyable experiences were when we just laid on the grass, in the dark, and watched the stars. It was so relaxing and quiet. The same amount I liked the times when we were in a circle and telling each other, based on our dixit card, how our week has been so far and what are our problems and joys. This place with those people was really a safe space for me and I loved the sharing part.

I think that they should do even more time needing things, beside the rock climbing and the caves. The activities were fun, but maybe add some more. I think that this kind of project should be for boys and girls, not just for girls. Other than that, it was great.

The most memorable emotions that I experienced were happiness, peace, gratitude etc. The most memorable activity was going in the cave. And I can’t forget the people. They were amazing. So full of life and always ready for a new adventure.

I would a hundred percent recommend it. Because it will give you so much different experience and you will meet so many people from around the world. It will change your perspective of life."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-jasmiin

In August 6 brave Estonian girls had unique opportunity to participate in youth exchange in Belgium focused on outdoor adventures. Johanna was one of them and shared her experience:

"I decided to participate because I felt like the project seemed like something I would be interested in, and also something new to experience. I didn’t really have any expectations for this project because I had been to one other project before and it was completely different from this one. We mostly sat inside and just talked about our topic.

Before the project I was just getting myself mentally ready to talk to people and be ready to take some risks and to meet some goals of mine. During the project I was always trying to make the most out of every activity we had and get to know different people.

I learned how to rock climb, how to put up a big tent and also to enjoy being in the nature. I really enjoyed the hike😀

Talking more with other people definitely because I’m a little bit scared to talk in English because I’m not really confident enough.

I experienced girlhood, I was also never sad there and I loved the cave diving and hiking.

I would really recommend it! Just because it was such a different experience and also a really helpful one. I got to be one with nature and look more deeply into myself."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-johanna

Elisabeth participated in youth exchange "PowerUP!" in Belgium in 3–10 of August 2026. Read her feedback! :)

"I decided to participate in this youth exchange because I really liked the idea of spending time in nature and doing activities that I do not normally get to do in everyday life. The things that attracted me the most were cave diving and rock climbing. I have already participated in many Erasmus+ projects and youth exchanges before, so I do not really have the same expectations anymore. I have done so many projects that I mostly just go into a new project with an open mind and see what happens. I know from experience that every project is different, and sometimes the best moments are the ones you did not expect.

Before and during the youth exchange, I tried to contribute by sharing my ideas and the experience I have gained from my previous projects. Since I have participated in many different projects, I was able to give advice and suggestions to other participants when it was useful.

One of the biggest things I learned during this youth exchange was how to survive and manage yourself in the wild. I learned practical things that I can actually use, instead of only learning about them theoretically. I also learned how to use a map properly, which was especially useful during outdoor activities. Another important skill I learned was rock climbing. I learned not only how to climb myself, but also how to help another person while they were climbing by holding and managing the rope. It was interesting to experience both sides of the activity and understand how important trust and teamwork are. Of course, I also learned some very important things that were slightly less serious — for example, how good blackberries can be when you find them in nature. These small moments made the experience even more enjoyable. Spending so much time outside also made me appreciate nature more and showed me that you do not always need technology or entertainment to have a good time.

The activities I enjoyed the most were definitely rock climbing and cave diving. Both were completely different experiences, but they gave me a similar feeling of doing something exciting and slightly outside my comfort zone. Rock climbing required concentration, trust and teamwork, while cave diving was an experience that I will remember for a long time because it was something very different from my normal life. I also really enjoyed simply being outside and exploring the surroundings with other participants.

There are three moments that stand out as the most memorable for me. The first is rock climbing, especially helping other people with the rope and seeing everyone encourage each other. The second is cave diving, because it was such a unique experience and something I had really been looking forward to. The third is looking at the stars. It was a much calmer moment than the other activities but being outside at night and looking at the sky together created a really nice atmosphere. These three experiences were very different, which is probably why they stayed in my mind so strongly. If I could change or add something to the next youth exchange, I would definitely suggest having cultural evenings. This is probably the one thing I missed from previous projects. Cultural evenings are a great opportunity for participants to learn more about each other’s countries, try different foods, listen to music and simply spend time together in a different way. Since participants usually come from many different countries, I think this would make the exchange even more complete.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend an Erasmus+ youth exchange to my friends and peers. For me, it has been one of the best things that has happened to me. I have met so many different people, experienced things I would probably never have tried otherwise, and learned skills that I can take with me afterwards. Every project gives you something different, whether it is a new skill, a new friendship, a new perspective or simply a really good memory. This youth exchange was no different, and I am really happy that I decided to participate."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/youth-exchange-blog-powerup-in-viroinval-belgium-by-elisabeth

Hei noor vanuses 13–25 aastat! Sul on lahe projektiidee, aga sa ei tea, kuidas see teoks teha.
Parim viis on õppida oma ala asjatundjatelt!

PROJEKTIKIRJUTAMISE LAAGER ON TAAS TULEMAS!

TOIMUMISAEG JA -KOHT
Laager toimub 11.–13. septembril Hestia Hotel Europa konverentsikeskuses Tallinnas (Paadi 5).

Laager algab reede pärastlõunal (kogunemine kell 15:30) ja lõpeb pühapäeva lõunal (kell 14:30). Reedel ja laupäeval pakume õhtusööki 19:30–20:30, millele järgneb vaba aeg.

KES OSALEVAD?

Laagris osalevad 2–5-liikmelised tiimid. Kaasa võib võtta juhendaja/mentori (noorsootöötaja, õpetaja, projektikogemusega täiskasvanu). Kui kõigi grupiliikmete vanus on alla 18, siis on juhendaja kaasamine tungivalt soovituslik.

KORRALDUSLIK INFO

Laagri töökeeleks on eesti keel, aga jooksvat tõlget ja abi pakume ka vene ja inglise keeles.

Laagris osalemine on TASUTA. Tallinnast väljastpoolt tulijatele organiseerime majutuse ja samuti katame transpordikulud.

KANDIDEERIMINE

Laagrisse kandideerimiseks kirjeldage palun oma esialgset projektiideed ja osalemise motivatsiooni hiljemalt 30. augustiks kandideerimisvormis.

Valitud osalejatega võtame ühendust kohe pärast kandideerimise tähtaega.

Kandideerimislingi leiad kommentaaridest!

Projektikirjutamise laager Väikeprojektid, koostööprojektid, noorsootöötajate õpiränne, vabatahtliku kaasamine, akrediteering ja DiscoverEU kaasatus.

OSALEJAD LEITUD! :)

Hei, 17–22 aastane Eesti neiu!

3.–10. augustil toimub Belgias üks üliäge noortevahetus, kuhu oodatakse tüdrukuid, kes sooviks väga:

🧗 proovida mägironimist
🕳 kiigata koobastesse
🧭 õppida orienteerumist ja matkaplaani koostamist
🔥 lõkkel toitu valmistada
🌲 telkida ja hingata ühes rütmis koos loodusega
💬 leida uusi sõpru ning saada targemaks ja tublimaks

Eestist oodatakse 6 osalist. Täpsem aja- ja reisikava avaldatakse juuni alguses.
Kui oled huvitatud, anna märku: [email protected]
Kui tead kedagi, kes on juba ammu sellisest võimalusest unistanud, saada talle see postitus edasi :)
___________________________________________________________________

🌿✨ POWER UP! Youth Exchange in Belgium ✨🌿

Ready for an unforgettable adventure in nature? 🇧🇪🔥
Join Power UP! — an international youth exchange designed for young women (17–22) who want to step outside their comfort zone, build confidence, and create lifelong memories together. 💪🌍

🏕 What’s waiting for you?
🧗 Rock climbing
🕳 Cave exploration
🧭 Orientation & route planning
🔥 Cooking together on open fire
🌲 Camping & connecting with nature
💬 Reflection, friendship & personal growth

The programme starts gently in a camp house and gradually moves into a real camping experience, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. ❤️

✅ No participation fee
✅ Travel support included (up till 309 euros)
✅ 6 spots available per country
✅ Free accommodation and meals

📍 Olloy, Belgium
📅 Travel days: 3 August & 10 August

If you’re curious, adventurous, and ready to challenge yourself in an empowering international group — this experience is for you! 🌟

📩 Interested? Let me know: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE: CERV-2024-Network of Towns GreenMove sixth meeting in Portugal was successful!

GreenMove FINAL MEETING IN VALONGO CELEBRATES INCLUSION, INNOVATION, AND EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY VALONGO, PORTUGAL – [07.05.2026]

The GreenMove consortium successfully concluded its 6th and final transnational meeting in Valongo, Portugal, from [3–6 May 2026], bringing together 17 partners from 16 countries to advance sustainable, inclusive, and gender equitable mobility across Europe. The meeting marked the culmination of a two year journey that transformed the network into a permanent European movement for climate democracy.

DAY 1: IMMERSION IN VALONGO'S CALM AND RESILIENT ECOSYSTEM

Participants arrived in Valongo – a serene, well organised municipality just minutes from bustling Porto, yet remarkably free from noise pollution and urban stress. The first day focused on getting to know the local ecosystem through a cultural tour of the region's heritage sites, green landscapes, and community spaces. Delegates experienced firsthand how Valongo has cultivated a calm, clean, and efficient urban environment that prioritises quality of life while remaining strongly connected to European networks. The day also coincided with Portugal's Mother's Day celebrations, adding a warm, family centred atmosphere to the gathering.

DAY 2: EMPOWERING WOMEN, BRIDGING GENERATIONS, AND CITIZEN SCIENCE IN ACTION

The second day opened with a powerful and authentic speech by the Mayor of Valongo, Mr. Paulo Esteves Ferreira, who reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to social innovation, resilience, and participatory governance. The core theme of the meeting – "Empowering Women in Mountainous Regions through Mobility and Gender Equality" – was addressed through a series of impactful presentations. Special focus was given to Valongo's Social Innovation Department, which presented a model that left all 17 partners convinced of its replicability across Europe.

Key elements of Valongo's best practice include:

• Empowering vulnerable groups, including the Roma community, through mobility and social inclusion programmes.

• Bridging the generation gap with innovative digital tools – notably the "YouTubeTrainers" initiative, where young people teach digital skills to the elderly, vulnerable groups, and minorities.

• A unique combination of programmes targeting both youngsters and the third age, creating intergenerational solidarity and shared learning.

This citizen science driven approach, rooted in sustainability and resilience, demonstrated how local ecosystems can generate scalable solutions for Europe's most pressing mobility challenges.

DAY 3: UNIVERSAL DESIGN ADOPTED AS A GREENMOVE LEGACY

The final day delivered a historic outcome. The Municipality of Fano, presented a visionary proposal on Universal Design – or "Design for All" – a planning approach that guarantees inclusion beyond physical barriers.

The core principles presented and adopted include:

• Planning investments to benefit those with special needs – families with strollers, women with children, groups of children needing safe outdoor play areas.

• Recognising that different users have different needs – for example, a mother with a stroller experiences paths and roads differently than the general public. Therefore, dialogue with users is decisive.

• Investing in training and co design sessions that bring together those who live with accessibility challenges and those who design public and private spaces. Only through this dialogue can barrier removal become a concrete goal.

Fano also highlighted the importance of collaboration and synergies between EU funded projects. The consortium unanimously agreed to adopt Universal Design as one of the main outcomes of GreenMove – a lasting legacy that will shape inclusive, human centred mobility planning across Europe.

CULTURAL CELEBRATION: HISTORY, DANCE, AND BAKERY TRADITIONS

Between sessions, participants enjoyed a cultural immersion that showcased the best of Valongo and the Porto region:

• Visit to Quinta das Arcas – one of the region's finest wineries – followed by traditional dances performed by the Senior Dance Academy of Valongo, demonstrating that age is no barrier to passion and cultural pride.

• Oficina da Regueifa e do Biscoito – the Bakery Museum of Valongo – where partners from 16 countries engaged in an interactive baking experience, making their own traditional cookies and connecting with local heritage in a hands on, joyful atmosphere.

A LASTING LEGACY

With the conclusion of the Valongo meeting, the GreenMove consortium has:

• Finalised the sixth chapter of the Interactive Sustainable Living Guidebook (GISLG) , focused on gender equality, social inclusion, and mountainous regions.

• Formalised the GreenMove Digital Toolbox as a permanent open access resource.

• Adopted Universal Design as a core planning principle for inclusive mobility.

• Launching the European Day of Sustainable Mobility the 9th of May! Not just a date on the calendar – but as a call to action for every citizen, every municipality, and every nation. From the mountains of Valongo to the shores of Corfu, declaring that mobility is a fundamental right, and that green, inclusive transport is the backbone of a united, resilient, and democratic Europe. May 9th will forever remind us: together, we move forward.".

As stated by the consortium coordinator: "What we built in GreenMove is not just a set of tools – it is a movement. From the shores of Corfu to the mountains of Valongo, we have shown that citizens, municipalities, and EU values can together forge a more inclusive, sustainable, and democratic Europe."

ABOUT GREENMOVE

Funded by the European Commission under the CERV-2024-Network of Towns initiative, GreenMove is a groundbreaking project dedicated to protecting, promoting, and raising awareness of rural and island areas through sustainable mobility. The consortium of 17 partners from 16 countries has worked for two years to institutionalise citizen participation, embed fundamental rights into transport planning, and create a permanent European network for climate democracy. Project Website: https://greenmove.site

MEDIA CONTACT

Project Platform: www.greenmove.site
GreenMove Contact: Chris Mammides / [email protected]

GreenMove
https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/press-release-cerv-2024-network-of-towns-greenmove-sixth-meeting-in-portugal-was-successful

Karola Türi Ühisgümnaasiumist osales samuti Erasmus+ projekti ART is Green õpilasvahetuses Rumeenias ja pani kirja oma mõtted.
Me täname Bistrita kunstikooli võõrustamise eest! Liceul de Arte ,,Corneliu Baba" Bistrița – we thank you all! 😍

"I decided to participate in the Erasmus+ student exchange in Romania because I wanted to experience a new culture, improve my communication skills, and challenge myself outside my comfort zone. I had not participated in an Erasmus+ project before, so everything was new and exciting for me. My expectations were to meet new people, learn about Romanian culture, and gain valuable international experience.

Before the exchange, I prepared by learning about Romania, its culture, and some basic phrases. I also worked on the tasks assigned to me, such as preparing presentations and contributing ideas for group activities. During the exchange, I actively participated in all activities, collaborated with students from different countries, and contributed to discussions and teamwork.

During the project, I learned a lot about Romania’s history, traditions, and daily life. I experienced the local culture through food, music, and interaction with local students. The project theme also helped me develop a deeper understanding of international cooperation and cultural diversity.

This experience helped me grow both personally and academically. Personally, I became more confident, independent, and open-minded. As a student, I improved my English skills, teamwork abilities, and presentation skills. My favorite part of the program was working in international groups because it allowed me to exchange ideas and learn from others.

For future exchanges, it would be good to keep the interactive group activities and cultural experiences, as they were very engaging and meaningful. However, better time management and clearer instructions for tasks could improve the overall experience.

Three of the most memorable moments for me were meeting new friends from different countries, experiencing Romanian culture firsthand, and stepping out of my comfort zone. These moments left a strong emotional impact and helped me grow as a person.

I would definitely recommend this kind of student exchange to my classmates and friends because it is a unique opportunity to learn, travel, and develop important life skills. It broadens your perspective and creates unforgettable memories."

https://rabarada.ee/en/uudised/student-exchange-blog-art-is-green-in-romania-april-may-2026-by-karola