Unleashing Your Creative Voice Through the Media – Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

From the very first day, the goal of the Unleashing Your Creative Voice through the Media project was to advance digital media and critical thinking skills to combat disinformation and allow participants to recognize biased media. We approached this objective through non-formal learning activities that encouraged active participation and created a safe and fun learning environment for all the participants.

Throughout the week, participants took part in interactive workshops, programs based on international teamwork, simulations, and other non-formal learning activities. Through activities like story circles, role-playing, desk simulation, and mock press conferences, participants developed their public speaking and interviewing skills and gained the ability to express themselves confidently on various topics through different media.

One of the most engaging sessions was 'The News Factory,' inspired by the popular game Undercover. Participants took on roles as journalists or saboteurs, navigating the challenges of identifying misinformation while striving to produce reliable news. This activity not only sharpened their critical thinking but also promoted teamwork and strategic approaches to tackling fake news.

Another highlight, 'Media Detective – Clues and Cues,' saw participants collaborate to investigate news snippets, images, and statements. This session empowered them to distinguish credible sources from misinformation, significantly increasing their media literacy in today’s digital landscape.

Finally, during the 'Live News Desk Simulation,' participants stepped into the shoes of presenters, reporters, and producers. Working as a cohesive newsroom team, they managed a constant flow of information based on realistic scenarios that mirrored actual reporting challenges.

We created a supportive environment through intercultural nights, reflection sessions, and movie nights. Our city quest in Eger was dedicated to engage with locals through interviews and conversations. It allowed participants to practice their communication skills and improve their confidence in interacting with diverse communities.

SOYA is extremely proud of everyone involved in the 'Unleashing Your Creative Voice through the Media' project. The project has underscored the vital role of media education in building a media-literate generation and promoting active European citizenship.

A huge thank you to our wonderful partners: Move2Europe APS (Italy), Erdélyi Magyar Film (Romania), Youth Association Step (Croatia), and Miejska Strefa Kultury w Łodzi (Poland).

The project has been supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. Project code: 2024-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-000292742