From 24 April to 1 May the project "Equal Not Same" took place, bringing young people from 5 European countries: Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Lithuania and Germany; to participate in a cultural exchange in Chania, Crete.

The project was based on the theme of gender discrimination and how daily behaviour and reactions are strongly influenced by it.

The mission of the project was to discuss and share thoughts and experiences, to compare the situation in different countries on the issue of discrimination in a neutral and non-judgmental environment.

We asked the kids to share their feedback about this experience with us and here are their thoughts:

ALICE, 23
"I did not think that the second exchange could exceed the first and instead it will be for the fantastic group that has created with Italian guys and all countries, the beautiful place or the theme of gender discrimination very current at this time, But this exchange far exceeded the expectations I had made thanks to the first experience I made.
The opportunity that Erasmus+ gives you through these experiences makes you more and more, thanks to the intercultural exchange with the people with whom you live these experiences.
So I thank eurodesk and all the special people I have met who will be in my heart, but I hope to meet many more in other exchanges!"

MATILDE, 23
"The Erasmus lived in Chania with focus on gender violence has surprised me positively in several ways. It was my first experience of this kind and I did not know what to expect from the activities, from the other participants and from myself.
To be able to confront myself on such a delicate and topical subject with people from different countries and ages than mine was wonderful, especially because the way in which the debate was organized allowed everyone to express their opinion without feeling judged or wrong, Creating a truly serene and enriching exchange environment.
Credit to the wonderful place, the organizers really super on the piece and always available and every person in the group, I carry in my heart and thank you for sharing this experience with me.
As for the Italian side, being able to start all together, getting to know each other before the trip even just with a meeting has made it possible to create a bond from the very beginning, which I hope will go forward in time.
Thank you very much Eurodesk for the opportunity, Alice for being a super group leader and all those present at this exchange!"

MICHELANGELO, 25
"The experience in Crete was fantastic and educational. The topics covered in the project are extremely important and topical, and confronting young people from different countries helps to understand the different perspectives of different nations, and reflect on how to overcome the problem once and for all. Also the Camping and the organizing staff are great and will always stay in my heart."

LAURA, 18
"The experience I had was amazing, I had the opportunity to meet great people and to deal with a topic that I think we can never talk about enough. The activities were engaging and very fun, and at the same time led me to think critically about inequality, also considering the views of people from other countries in the world. I would definitely repeat the experience, the people I met there were open and sunny and I will never forget them."

BRANDO, 27
"This experience I had in Crete was one of the most beautiful trips I have made for several reasons.
It was a time to get involved, compare and make connections with people from different nationalities.
As far as I’m concerned, getting out of the routine of my daily life was like taking the reset button and it did me good both academically and mentally.
This trip and experience I highly recommend!"

MATTIA, 19
"Personally I really enjoyed this experience. Starting from the guys with whom I shared this moment, with whom I really bonded a lot, to the activities and organization in general. I will definitely come back with a good memory and a bag of new experiences "