“It was an incredible week in which we learned a lot about public speaking and culture, while also having a great time. It was simply spectacular.“
From June 21 to 27 we had the pleasure of organizing MAGNET: an international exchange that took place in Helsinki. It brought together a total of 36 young people from Finland, Slovenia, and Spain. Aged between 15 and 17, the participants represented more than ten different schools and came from a variety of nationalities, which further enriched the experience.
“My favorite experience from this week has to have been the lighthearted award ceremony on the last day where we got to enjoy Spanish music, Slovenian food and Finnish dances. The celebrations really made you feel included in an international and diverse group.”
The main objective of the MAGNET project is to promote social dialogue, critical thinking, and the exchange of ideas among young Europeans through a non-formal learning approach. Throughout the week, participants worked on skills such as active listening, social leadership, argumentation, information interpretation, and commitment to solidarity.
For many of the participants, it was a step out of their comfort zone, as one of the participants recalls:
“If I have to be totally honest, I arrived in Finland with a bit of fear of the unknown, but as of today I can say that it has been one of the best experiences of my life. The cultural learning has been incredible. By coming together with people from such different places, I’ve been able to have conversations with various perspectives and diverse opinions that have helped me grow a lot on a personal level.“
One of the highlights of the program were the thematic workshops led by the students themselves. Divided into small groups, the young people prepared and led practical sessions on public speaking, source analysis, public debate, and critical interpretation of information. This dynamic allowed each participant not only to learn but also to play an active role in the training of their peers.
The effectiveness of this workshops was very appreciated by the participants: Claire, a student from Spain has said that
“One of the most important things I learned was how to think carefully and explain my ideas clearly; not just to win a discussion, but to truly connect with others. I finished the experience with more empathy and a better understanding of working together with people from different cultures.“
In addition to the training sessions, the program included moments of socializing and cultural discovery. Local students guided visitors on tours of Helsinki’s most emblematic monuments, and everyone went on an excursion to a nearby nature park, where they were able to enjoy Finnish nature and strengthen the bonds of the group. Those excursions were enjoyable for all of the participans, Finland’s natives included,
“Our schedule consisted of various workshops and social issues – related events in combination with a bunch of different trips and events that helped balance the workload. Some examples include a nature excursion to Nuuksio, a historical tour in Suomenlinna as well as a voluntary lecture on leadership accompanied by delicious Paella and great vibes.”
Currently, in the final phase of the project, the young people are keeping in touch through a network created during the meeting. This community allows them to continue sharing ideas, collaborating on new initiatives, and spreading the values of MAGNET in their respective environments, with the aim of expanding its impact and continuing to promote a more critical, committed, and supportive youth.
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