Seven Days in Madrid: A Journey of Youth, Participation, and Change
An international youth training experience focused on active citizenship, intercultural learning, and community impact.
Between 31 March and 7 April, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an international youth training course in Madrid, Spain. The program brought together young changemakers from Tunisia, Portugal, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine, all united by one goal: learning how meaningful participation can transform communities.
More than a training course, this experience became a journey of self-discovery, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and personal growth. Each day helped me rethink my role as an active citizen and showed me how young people can create real change when they work together.
🎥 Watch the Experience
Day 1: First Connections, Breaking Barriers
The journey began with curiosity, excitement, and a little uncertainty. Although we came from different cultures and backgrounds, the first activities helped us break the ice and create a safe space for communication.
What started as a group of strangers quickly became a community built on trust, respect, and shared values.
Day 2: Building Trust and Finding Common Ground
Through team-building activities, we learned the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Despite our differences, we discovered common dreams, challenges, and motivations.
This day reminded us that diversity is not a barrier. It is a powerful source of creativity, learning, and unity.
Day 3: Redefining Community and Participation
On the third day, we explored an important question: what does it truly mean to participate in a community?
We realized that participation is more than being present. It means taking responsibility, sharing ideas, listening to others, and contributing to positive impact.
Day 4: From Problems to Solutions
This day focused on real issues affecting young people today, including social exclusion, lack of engagement, and limited opportunities for participation.
Working in groups, we moved from identifying problems to creating practical solutions. It was a turning point that encouraged us to become part of the change we want to see.
Day 5: Conflict as an Opportunity
Conflict is often seen as something negative, but this training helped us understand it differently.
Through the Cooperation Lab, we learned how conflict can become an opportunity for dialogue, empathy, and collaboration when handled with respect and active listening.
Day 6: Communication and Skill Sharing
We explored Nonviolent Communication as a tool for expressing ourselves with clarity, honesty, and empathy.
Later, during the Bazaar of Competencies, participants shared their skills, knowledge, and experiences. It was a beautiful reminder that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Day 7: Reflection and Future Impact
The final day was emotional and inspiring. We reflected on everything we had learned, shared our personal takeaways, and discussed how we could apply these lessons in our communities.
This was not the end of the journey. It was the beginning of new ideas, friendships, initiatives, and collaborations.
A Moment of Solidarity in Barcelona
Beyond the training course, I also had the opportunity to experience another form of active citizenship by joining a demonstration in Barcelona supporting Palestine.
This moment connected strongly with the values we discussed during the training: participation, justice, solidarity, and the power of collective voices. As a Moroccan participant, it was especially meaningful for me to express my perspective and contribute to a wider conversation on human rights.
Conclusion: More Than a Training 🌟
My experience in Madrid was more than a training course. It was a turning point that strengthened my belief in youth participation, intercultural learning, and community action.
I learned that real change begins when people come together with openness, courage, and a shared purpose. No matter where we come from, we all have the ability to contribute, inspire, and lead.