YE Youthcracy
Between 17th and 26th July 2026, we participated in the Youthcracy Erasmus+ project in Belgium. Six young people from Slovakia represented our country during this unforgettable international experience. The project took place in the small village of Botassart, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, which created the perfect environment for learning, cooperation, and making new friendships.
The main theme of the project was democracy, voting systems, and the functioning of parliaments. Throughout the project, we explored how democratic societies work, discussed important political topics, and experienced decision-making processes through interactive activities.
Every morning started with a delicious breakfast, followed by energizers that helped us wake up and prepare for the day. After that, we took part in the main programme, where we learned about democracy, elections, and parliamentary systems through workshops, simulations, and discussions.
One of the most interesting parts of the project was that we held three different elections, during which the government changed each time. This allowed us to experience how elections influence leadership and decision-making. We also had several court sessions, which were necessary whenever participants failed to follow the rules or respect the agreed guidelines. These activities made the project both educational and engaging.
Besides the official programme, we had plenty of free time. We spent it walking around the beautiful countryside, playing sports, listening to music, and having conversations with participants from different countries. These moments helped us build strong friendships and learn more about each other’s cultures.
The second evening was one of the most memorable because it was Intercultural night. Every country introduced some of its traditional food, sweets, and customs while preparing a short performance, such as a dance or a quiz. The Slovak team presented a small part of our folklore, and soon everyone joined us in dancing together. This evening brought us even closer as one big international family.
During the project, we also had the opportunity to travel. We visited the European Parliament and explored the beautiful city of Brussels. Another memorable trip took us on a hike to the charming town of Bouillon, and we also spent a day discovering the capital city of Luxembourg.
The second-to-last day was the most emotional. We shared feedback about the project, reflected on everything we had learned, and took part in our final activities together. Saying goodbye to the people we had spent ten unforgettable days with was not easy. After that, all that remained was our journey home, carrying countless memories, new friendships, and valuable experiences.
The Youthcracy project gave us a deeper understanding of democracy and active citizenship while improving our communication skills, broadening our horizons, and connecting us with young people from all over Europe. It was an experience that will stay with us for a lifetime, and one we would gladly take part in again.
