🚀 United Against Violence: An Erasmus+ Journey of Learning, Culture, and Connection!

On July 14, a group of young people from Armenia, Italy, France, Turkey, and Romania gathered in the French city of Poitiers to take part in the Erasmus+ program. The theme of the training was "Violence, Out of the Game." The Armenian delegation was represented by INEDNET.

Throughout the program, we held discussions about different types of sports games and examined real-life examples to understand when and how violence manifests. We learned to identify the various forms of violence and how to avoid becoming victims ourselves. Through engaging and interactive activities, we developed strategies to resist psychological abuse and support those around us.

On the second day of our arrival in Poitiers, residents of a nearby village warmly welcomed us with a picnic. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow participants and local people alike. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, we enjoyed a boat ride and a hike through the forest. The event concluded with a heartfelt welcome speech by the Mayor of Queaux.

Sports games were an integral part of the program, and we actively participated in various energizers, many of which were introduced by our group. Alongside physical activities, we played cultural games to test and expand our knowledge about the participating countries. One memorable moment was when the Armenian team was tasked with drawing a map of Turkey, including famous mountains, rivers, and cities, as well as presenting the national flag, without using any physical materials. Everyone was impressed by our accuracy and creativity.

During the cultural evening, we showcased traditional Armenian cuisine, performed Armenian dances, and even reenacted an Armenian wedding ceremony, offering others a deeper insight into our rich culture. As the Erasmus+ program came to a close, we applied what we had learned by producing a short video campaign against violence, which we presented to the group. Of course, our journey wasn’t limited to workshops and training. We also had the chance to explore, visiting both Paris and Poitiers, discovering historical landmarks, and immersing ourselves in French culture.

Participating in this Erasmus+ project was an unforgettable experience that combined education, cultural exchange, and friendship. We not only learned valuable tools to recognize and combat violence, but also built lasting international connections and gained a deeper appreciation for each other's cultures. This journey empowered us to become advocates for peace and understanding in our communities, and left us inspired to continue spreading the message that violence has no place — on or off the field.