Cultures in Harmony

In March, the quiet town of Bartninkai in Lithuania became a vibrant melting pot of cultures, ideas, and friendships, as it hosted an unforgettable youth exchange titled Cultures in Harmony. Young people from Lithuania, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary and Portugal gathered for a week filled with meaningful conversations, shared traditions, and powerful lessons about diversity, inclusion, and the beauty of unity. The program encouraged them to think critically about issues like discrimination, prejudice, and privilege, while also celebrating the richness of their cultural heritage. By living, learning, and creating together, the young people experienced inclusion firsthand—not just as a concept, but as a way of being..

The exchange wasn’t just about discussions in a room—it was about living the values of inclusion and diversity. Each day began with energizers and team-building activities that helped break barriers and encourage open communication. Participants took turns sharing aspects of their cultures, from traditional dances and dishes to personal stories of identity and belonging.

Interactive workshops focused on challenging stereotypes, understanding privilege, and exploring how different cultures address social inclusion. Youths explored questions like: What does it mean to feel included? How can we promote equality in our everyday lives? and most importantly, How does our ideal inclusive community look like? The answers weren’t always easy, but the dialogue was rich, honest, and transformative.

The cultural nights were truly the heart of the Youth Exchange, turning each evening into a colorful and immersive celebration of the countries represented. Every team had the opportunity to present their culture in a personal and creative way—bringing homemade traditional dishes that filled the room with incredible smells, preparing thoughtful and sometimes humorous presentations about their customs, history, and national identity, and showcasing their music, dances, and even national costumes. Some shared childhood games or taught the group popular phrases in their native languages, while others performed songs or folk dances that had everyone clapping along. These evenings were much more than just entertainment—they were a powerful reminder of how culture shapes who we are and how much we can learn from each other. The joy, laughter, and curiosity shared during these nights created a strong emotional connection among participants. It was a beautiful experience of cultural exchange that fostered respect, broke down stereotypes, and helped everyone feel proud of their roots while becoming more open to others. By the end of the exchange, these cultural nights had become cherished memories that left a lasting impression on all of us.

The exchange also included visits to local landmarks, collaborative art projects, and even a treasure hunt set in a nearby forest, turning nature into a playground for teamwork, creativity, and discovery. This exchange didn’t just create international friendships—it built a bridge between the visiting youth and the Lithuanian community.

The participants also had the chance to dive deeper into Lithuanian culture and history through a guided tour of the museum. They learned about the country’s rich heritage—from its ancient roots to its path to independence—while exploring historic sites, traditional crafts, and folklore. These experiences offered a meaningful context to the exchange, helping participants connect more deeply with the local community and appreciate the unique spirit of Lithuania.

Harmony in cultures and inclusion are not just ideals to strive for—they are essential foundations for peaceful, thriving communities.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected yet still marked by division, the ability to live together with mutual respect, understanding, and empathy is more important than ever. Cultural harmony means recognizing that every tradition, language, and belief system carries value and that no single culture holds all the answers.

When we foster inclusion, we create environments where everyone—regardless of their background, ethnicity, religion, ability, or identity—feels seen, heard, and valued. This not only enriches our collective experiences but also leads to more innovative, compassionate, and resilient societies. Inclusion invites us to challenge stereotypes, to listen before we speak, and to open ourselves to perspectives that may be different from our own. It is through this openness and willingness to learn from one another that we find true harmony—not through uniformity, but through the celebration of difference.

When young people are given the tools and space to explore these values, as they were during the Cultures in Harmony exchange, they carry the message forward, shaping a future where diversity is not just accepted but embraced as a source of strength. Cultural diversity became a powerful learning experience throughout the exchange—participants not only shared their own traditions but also gained a deeper understanding of others’, fostering empathy, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the richness of different backgrounds.

Manuel, Portugal

”The first time you do something, it is usually more impactful. For me, this was the first time I participated in an E+ youth exchange. Going in, I decided not to have expectations—a precaution that proved not to be needed. From my Romanian roommates to the silly group projects, in 10 days the unfamiliar faces in the quiet Bartninkai town became this singular social ecosystem that thrived in joy and laughter—a truly amazing experience.”

Rūta, Lithuania

”My experience in this project was really memorable. I made new friends, built my confidence, improved my communication and English skills, I had the best time and enjoyed every minute of it. The topic- about cultural diversity, was really interesting and engaging. The activities were really fun and creative. One of the most valuable things I learned was how powerful it is to step out of your comfort zone and truly listen to different perspectives. It helped me grow both personally and culturally, and showed me how much we can learn from one another when we come together with open minds and hearts. But the most lovely thing about this Youth Exchange was the most beautiful people who participated in it. And beautiful in every way- how much care, love and support they showed to me! How friendly, understanding, active, inspiring, talented, kind and intelligent in many ways they were! This project really filled my heart and soul not only with insanely gorgeous moments together, but also with love and gratitude. I really appreciate all the wonderful atmosphere and vibes that you guys have given me there:)”

Márk, Hungary

”The Cultures in Harmony youth exchange was by far the best activity I have ever attended. It was a really good topic, with a lot of potential, and I think it reached its goal. The sessions were diverse and I actually felt like I was learning something new and interesting. I met so many nice people too, which just added more to this awesome experience.”