Digital Horizon

In the picturesque town of Pálháza, Hungary, from October 4th to October 13th, 2023, something transformative was happening. A diverse group of 56 young individuals hailing from Czechia, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia gathered for a unique venture called Digital Horizons. This initiative aimed to explore the ever-evolving realm of digital skills and artificial intelligence, forging connections and creating lasting memories along the way.

Embracing Change in the Digital Ag

In our rapidly changing world, understanding digital technologies and AI has become essential for navigating the future. With this belief, the participants delved into an immersive experience where they not only learned about cutting-edge technologies but also gained hands-on experience with various digital tools. The goal was clear: equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age.

Cultural Exchange and Lasting Bonds

The event wasn’t just about digital skills; it was also about cultural exchange and building lifelong friendships. During the exchange, participants engaged in an intercultural night where they shared the rich tapestries of their respective cultures. It was a night of celebration, laughter, and learning, reinforcing the understanding that diversity is our strength.

Empowering Through Activities

The core of the exchange was a carefully crafted schedule designed to empower the participants with valuable skills and insights. The first couple of days were dedicated to icebreakers, team-building activities, and energizers. These activities weren’t just games; they were building blocks, forming the foundation of a tightly-knit group.
From the 2nd to the 7th day, the focus shifted to the exchange’s theme: digital skills and artificial intelligence. Through non-formal learning methods such as games, storytelling, presentations, brainstorming, discussions, and learn-by-doing activities, participants honed their digital skills. They learned how to be more productive, explore AI platforms, and engage in meaningful discussions about the pros and cons of technological evolution.

Here are some examples of the activities what we did:

Storytelling by ChatGPT

The participants were told to create a night story for children made by ChatGPT. They could use their creativity while giving the instructions to the program itself, all they had to bear in mind during the activity, that it needed to be short, simple, and easy to understand. After they had to story, they needed to create a short video out of it, using AI’s voice. If they wanted, they could add some pictures to it (made by AI as well) just to make it more colourful, but it wasn’t mandatory.

Creating an Instagram account and post pictures made by AI

Participants had to create an Instagram account and post different pictures made by AI. This type of activity helped them discover another side of using artificial intelligence. They also learned about how to highlight the most important keywords to get a better result at the end. The participants discovered that an AI which is made for creating pictures needs many data to be efficient. Most of groups used Hotpot AI to create their pictures. Here is one of the groups work: https://www.instagram.com/digitalhungary 

Planning Ahead and Farewell

As the exchange neared its end, the participants planned future dissemination activities, ensuring that the knowledge gained would continue to benefit their communities. On the final day, amidst a mix of emotions, the participants received their well-deserved Youthpass certificates, a testament to their dedication and growth. It was a day of reflection, where they looked back on their journey, appreciating how much they had learned and how far they had come.

A Future Ready Youth

In the end, Digital Horizon was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience that equipped young minds with the tools and skills to thrive in the digital landscape. The friendships forged and the knowledge gained during those days in Pálháza will serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path towards a future where digital skills empower and unite us all.
As we bid farewell to Digital Horizon, we carry with us the lessons learned, the memories shared, and the friendships made. With hearts full of gratitude and minds brimming with knowledge, these young individuals step into the future, ready to embrace the digital horizons that await them.