The NetAware youth exchange kicked off with an exciting blend of energy and enthusiasm, setting the stage for a transformative experience in digital awareness and cultural exchange. Participants from seven countries—Romania, Portugal, Lithuania, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Czechia— gathered to share their knowledge and experiences of the given topic. This event took place from April 7th to 16th in the idyllic town of Mezőkövesd, Hungary. During this period, the young attendees had the opportunity to enhance their awareness of online risks and refine their ability to critically evaluate and comprehend the information encountered on the internet.

In the age of pervasive social media use, the initiative was focused on promoting responsible content sharing. Participants learned about the effects of shared information and the importance of online accountability. At the same time, the youth exchange improved media literacy skills, helping participants recognize fake news and encouraging critical thinking to fight misinformation effectively as well as addressing the urgent issue of cyberbullying, the program provided an open space for discussions and sharing personal experiences. By the end of the activity, we aimed for participants to become independent digital users with a strong understanding of online safety.

The event extended outside the framework of digital skills; it emphasized cultural exchange and the cultivation of lifelong friendships. Throughout the exchange, participants partook in an intercultural evening, where they presented the rich tapestries of their respective cultures. Those evenings were marked by celebration, laughter, and learning.

At the heart of the exchange was a carefully designed itinerary aimed at equipping participants with valuable skills and insights. The initial days were devoted to icebreakers, team-building activities, and energizers.

From the second to the seventh day, the focus transitioned to the core theme of the exchange: safe internet usage. Using non-formal learning methods such as interactive games, storytelling, presentations, brainstorming sessions and discussions, the participants were able to amplify their knowledge about the topic and share personal experiences.

Digital Storytelling

During this activity, participants were organized into multinational groups and assigned the task of creating 4-5-minute attention-grabbing videos about online scams and their associated dangers. Utilizing the Animaker platform, they were encouraged to let their imaginations soar. Upon completing the assignment, each group presented their outputs to the others, followed by an open conversation to discuss their work and insights.

Two-Factor Authentication

Participants were divided into international groups and engaged in brainstorming sessions to deliberate on data protection and two-factor authentication. Each group created a flipchart to illustrate their initial ideas, which they then presented to all participants. They elucidated the importance of safeguarding our data and conducted research on enhancing data protection through two-factor authentication.

They were also required to illustrate the process of setting up two-factor authentication across various platforms such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Discord, and Instagram. Additionally, they had the chance to address questions from other groups, facilitating a wider discussion on the topic.

On the final day of the youth exchange, participants were awarded their Youthpasses in recognition of their engagement and achievements throughout the program. They spent the day devising dissemination strategies to share their newfound knowledge and experiences with others. Additionally, they reflected on the insights and skills acquired during the exchange, revisiting the highlights of their learning journey and discussing how these lessons could be applied moving forward.

As we wrap up our reflections on the NetAware youth exchange, it’s clear that the experience was nothing short of transformative. Participants not only had an incredible amount of fun but also forged lasting friendships that will undoubtedly continue to grow. The knowledge they gained about digital safety and the skills they developed have equipped them with the tools needed to navigate the internet confidently and securely. With renewed enthusiasm and a solid understanding of how to protect themselves online, they are more prepared than ever to face the digital world with vigilance and resilience. The memories made and lessons learned during this period will surely leave a lasting impact.