Day 6 of Youth Voices Matters was one of the most powerful and emotional experiences of the entire youth exchange.
The morning started with final preparations — participants reviewed their event plans, materials, and creative ideas for the day. Everyone knew that this visit would be different — not just an activity, but an encounter that would stay with them long after the project ends. 💭
🕊️ A Visit Beyond the Surface
The group then travelled to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Tserovani, located around 25 km from Tbilisi. The camp was established after the 2008 conflict between Georgia and Russia, when thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in South Ossetia.
Today, Tserovani is home to over 7,000 people, including many young people who were born there and have never seen their families’ original villages.
Walking through the settlement, participants saw rows of small identical houses — each one representing a story of loss, resilience, and adaptation. Despite the hardships, the community has built schools, youth clubs, and creative spaces where children and young adults can learn, express themselves, and rebuild their sense of belonging.
🤝 Connecting Through Dialogue and Creativity
The participants spent the afternoon hosting an event with local youth — filled with games, art, music, and storytelling. What started as shy introductions quickly turned into laughter, teamwork, and heartfelt conversations.
Through these activities, both groups discovered how much they shared — dreams, challenges, and a deep belief in the power of community.
Later, during the Discover Youth Field in Tserovani Refugee Camp session, participants met with local youth workers and community leaders who shared inspiring stories of perseverance. They learned how initiatives in the camp aim to promote education, creativity, and social inclusion, often with very limited resources.
💬 Reflections from the Group
This visit left a profound mark on everyone. It was not only an educational experience but also a human one — showing the true meaning of solidarity and empathy.
💬 “It was humbling to see how people create hope even in the most difficult situations.”
💬 “Meeting local youth showed us that empowerment can start anywhere.”
💬 “Tserovani reminded me that resilience is stronger than displacement.”
The day concluded with a traditional Georgian dinner, where participants shared their impressions and emotions, realizing how much they had learned not just about others — but also about themselves. 🍷🇬🇪
📣 The project Youth Voice Matter is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Union 🇪🇺 and administratively supported by the National Agency Erasmus+ Youth – NIVAM. 💙
Erasmus+ Youth Exchange Youth Voices Matters
Project No. 2025-1-SK02-KA152-YOU-000303995.
