Erasmus + program and DNA NGO

“Looking for Nemo“

In a world increasingly shaped by fragmentation and rapid social change, the search for identity and a true sense of belonging has never been more challenging for young people. From October 8 to 16, 2025, DNA NGO participated in the Erasmus+ Training Course “Looking for Nemo.” The project was hosted by the Young Effect Association in Castelletto di Cuggiono, Italy. This program brought together youth from across Europe to discuss youth exclusion and its connection to radicalization.

Supported and co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, the training aimed to equip participants with inclusive tools and methods to foster dialogue, empathy, and active participation among young people. The project served as a space for learning, connection, and cultural exchange, all within the framework of promoting inclusion as a daily practice. Most importantly, it didn’t include just a concept, but also an experiment.

In today’s world, many young people feel disconnected from society, isolated by social or cultural barriers, and sometimes drawn to harmful narratives. “Looking for Nemo” was created to address this challenge by empowering youth to create safe spaces for self-expression and belonging.

Throughout the training, the focus was on developing practical and creative strategies to help young people overcome marginalization. By combining non-formal education techniques, art-based activities, and open discussions, we learned how inclusion can be built through trust, creativity, and cooperation.

The project’s goals were clear. First of all, to strengthen the youth’s ability to identify and respond to social vulnerability. To enhance facilitation skills and promote empathy-driven communication, and to share successful community strategies and design new initiatives for inclusive youth work.

Our 10 days in Italy began with an official opening session, where participants from diverse backgrounds met, shared expectations, and connected through introductory games and discussions. Despite different cultures, we quickly saw shared interests, especially a common goal of positively impacting our communities.

The second day was dedicated to diving into the project’s main topics. Through engaging group activities and thought-provoking games, we explored the roots of social exclusion and how certain ideologies take advantage of young people’s sense of alienation. We also discussed real-life experiences from our countries, gaining valuable insight into the social and political factors that shape youth identities.

One session invited us to reflect on our personal and collective histories. Participants shared stories from their home countries, identifying similar events and turning points. It showed that, while cultures differ, our experiences often connect us regardless of where we live.

The training itself, besides the practical part, also uses psychological experiments to deeply dig into participants’ emotions and feelings.A highlight of the training was a colorful activity where each participant was asked to paint using their favorite colors, later comparing and discussing the meanings behind our choices. This artistic exercise helped us express our emotions visually, discovering how colors can reflect personality, emotion, and even cultural identity. The similarities we found in our paintings showed that creativity truly transcends language and borders.

Beyond indoor sessions, we also enjoyed a hiking trip in the stunning natural surroundings of Castelletto di Cuggiono. The walk offered not only breathtaking views but also moments of calm reflection and bonding. Walking with our diverse team helps us to get closer and out of the session, see each other as not Erasmus participants but close friends. Nature became part of our learning experience by reminding us of the importance of balance, mindfulness, and connection with the environment in our work with youth.

As the week progressed, our discussions became more collaborative. We worked in teams to design inclusive youth activities that could be implemented back home. Each group presented creative ideas for community projects promoting empathy, cooperation, and intercultural understanding.

The final day was devoted to evaluation and closing, where we shared our feedback, reflections, and the personal growth we experienced throughout the training. It was emotional to realize how deeply the project had affected us, both professionally and personally. We didn’t just gain knowledge, we built it.

Participating in “Looking for Nemo” reminded us that inclusion is not an abstract idea; it’s something we must practice every day through empathy, openness, and action. We learned how powerful non-formal education can be when it comes to addressing serious social issues, and how creativity can bring people closer in ways that words sometimes cannot.

The project strengthened our belief that small actions, like listening, understanding differences, and creating safe spaces, can make a big difference in preventing exclusion and promoting peace.

The “Looking for Nemo” project was made possible thanks to the Erasmus+ program, which fully covered participants’ travel, accommodation, and meals. Erasmus+ remains one of the most impactful European initiatives, supporting youth development, intercultural dialogue, and non-formal education.

Looking back, “Looking for Nemo”, besides being a training and a big experience, was a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Surrounded by inspiring people and guided by passionate trainers, we learned that inclusion starts with understanding, continues with dialogue, and flourishes through cooperation.

As we return home, each of us carries the lessons, memories, and friendships built during those days in Italy. This was a renewed motivation to create a more inclusive, empathetic, and peaceful future for all of us, for the young.

Written by Nare Voskanyan