Stories Instead was an 8-day KA152 Erasmus+ Youth Exchange hosted by the Copenhagen Youth Network and held in Ganløse, Denmark, this May. The project brought together 35 young people from across Europe and beyond, including a group of motivated participants and youth leaders from Poland representing our Foundation “PIM” – Paulina, Maja, Karolina, Karol i Kuba.
The exchange aimed to raise awareness among youth about radicalization and introduce methods of prevention and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). More than just a learning experience, the project became a preventive tool in itself, fostering dialogue, critical thinking, and connection among young people and their communities.
The programme was designed around non-formal education methods, with creative storytelling as its core approach. Participants followed a unique learning journey—from self-exploration and discussions on belonging and diversity, to a deeper understanding of radicalization, activism, and extremism. Key topics included the contested nature of radicalization in policy and academia, risk factors, and the role of ideology and social groups.
As the exchange progressed, the focus shifted to unlocking participants’ creative potential through storytelling techniques. This culminated in the creation of powerful storytelling leaflets—visual materials that reflect the participants’ insights, teamwork, and commitment to making a difference. These leaflets will be shared across our channels soon!
“This project not only brought me a lot of joy but also helped me learn a lot. I’m glad I had the opportunity to gain such experience” – says Maja. Participants not only worked on the sessions, but built friendships through games, exciting trips, and exploration of each others’ cultures.
As part of the project’s dissemination activities, a public presentation was held on May 16th, 2025, in front of the Palace of Culture in Warsaw. The event aimed to raise public awareness about the risks of radicalization while highlighting the Erasmus+ programme as a powerful platform for intercultural exchange and youth empowerment.
