8-14/9/ 2026 Kassel, Germany
Through creative photoshoots, interactive theatre, innovative workshops,
karaoke nights, and intercultural activities, participants explored the
meaning of Diversity & Inclusion while celebrating their differences. More
over, they discovered Kassel’s rich history and culture through museum
visits, educational quizzes, guided city walks and an unforgettable trip to
the Hercules Monument and Wilhelmshöhe Castle.
Their impressions:
Georgia:
Taking part in this Erasmus+ programme in Kassel was one of the most
meaningful and unforgettable experiences I have ever had. The main
focus of the programme was diversity and inclusion and during the
week, we explored these topics through a variety of creative activities,
including photography, acting, workshops, and discussions about the
experiences and situations in different countries.
One of the things I appreciated most was the opportunity to reflect
together after each activity. We shared our opinions, listened to different
perspectives and discussed what we had learned. This made the
activities feel much more meaningful and helped me understand the
topics from different points of view. I also, really enjoyed meeting people
from different countries and backgrounds. Despite our differences, I felt
that we quickly became connected, and I learned something from every
person I met.
Although the programme lasted only a few days, it feels like I experienced
much more than I expected in such a short time. I am going home with
new knowledge, a more open-minded perspective, unforgettable
memories, and most importantly new friendships. Since this was my first
Erasmus+ experience, I am especially grateful for the opportunity and for
everything I was able to experience. It has definitely made me want to
take part in another Erasmus+ programme in the future!
Aggelos:
What can one say?
Never in my life would I have thought that September ’26 would change
me forever.
Apart from the fact that Kassel as a city left me with a very positive
impression what truly made a difference was the environment createdNever in my life would I have thought that September ’26 would change
me forever.
Apart from the fact that Kassel as a city left me with a very positive
impression, what truly made a difference was the environment created
among the participants and facilitators. The theme of Diversity &
Inclusion was a key factor in sparking endless discussions, educational
activities, and an atmosphere of acceptance for people from all
backgrounds, regardless of religion, mental health, disability, sexuality,
or any other differences.
I will never forget any of it, but special mentions must go to the Hercules
Monument and the Artist’s Necropolis. We had the chance to experience
a green, stone Gothic monument surrounded by heavy fog and rain, as
well as a vast forest containing some of the most engaging, moving, and
human burial sculptures one can imagine — a true homage to the
philosophical question of legacy.
Once again, Erasmus has shown me that humanity, culture, and
international connections are the utmost importance and can be an eye-
opening experience for many people. From leaving your comfort zone by
communicating in another language and taking on leadership roles,
breaking the ice through fun exercises and learning to coexist in shared
rooms and bathrooms, it is self-explanatory how anyone can grow
significantly in such an environment.
The world is so much bigger — and in so many ways, so much better —
out there. You just have to experience it.
As for the Greek team: I love you guys
Stamatia:
These days felt like a fever dream. I had so much fun meeting new
people, learning new words, coexisting with different cultures and of
course discovering my self. Before this Erasmus I didn’t know the
existence of Kassel and now I am already thinking about the time I will
go back there. I felt so welcomed by everybody and I made strong
friendships in the duration of 7 days, something that before this program
seemed unbelievable.
The workshops, the activities, the parties, every moment of the day
passed so quickly. I am sad that it had to end, but I am looking forward
to make more memories and experiences with the same people again!
I wanna thank everyone for all the amazing memories you gave me.
Nikos:
Taking part in the Youth Exchange in Kassel was such a meaningful
experience for me. More than just a project, it was a week filled with
genuine conversations, laughter, new perspectives, and the chance to
connect with people from different countries and backgrounds.
Two moments especially stood out to me. The first was our visit to
T*räumchen, the queer community centre. It was really moving to sit
down with the people there, listen to their personal stories, and see the
safe and welcoming space they have created. It made me realise how
important it is for everyone to have a place where they can feel accepted
and free to be themselves.
Another highlight was the city tour with the Malteser group. Instead of
simply discovering the city, we got to see a more human side of Kassel
and learn about people who dedicate their time to helping others in their
everyday lives.
Between the workshops, shared meals, conversations, and exploring the
city together, I’m taking home much more than just memories. I’m
leaving with great friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper
understanding of what diversity and empathy can truly look like in
everyday life.
Viviana:
My Erasmus+ experience in Kassel, Germany, was truly unforgettable!
From the very beginning, I had an amazing time with the Greek team
and with people from different countries and backgrounds. We shared
our cultures, stories and experiences, creating so many beautiful
moments together.
The topic of Diversity and Inclusion was especially interesting and
meaningful to me. Through the workshops and activities, I got the
chance to see things from different perspectives and understand how
important it is to create an environment where everyone feels accepted
and included.
The “I Participate” team was always supportive and encouraged us to
get involved and make the most of every moment. I learned a lot, met
incredible people and made memories that I will carry with me long after
the programme.
I’m truly grateful for this experience, the friendships I made and all the
moments we shared. Kassel will always have a special place in my
Erasmus memories! ❤
Orestis:
From 8 to 14 September 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ programme in Kassel, Germany, called “Diversity and Inclusion”, together with young people from Greece, Spain, Germany, Finland and Poland.
From the very first day, I realised that this was not going to be just another trip abroad. It was going to be a week full of activities, discussions, games, creativity, new experiences and, most importantly, people with different stories, backgrounds and ways of seeing the world.
On the first day, at the Haus der Jugend, we started with introductions, ice-breaking and cooperation activities, which helped us get to know each other and quickly overcome the initial awkwardness. We discussed what diversity and inclusion mean to us, exchanged ideas in smaller groups and talked about our experiences and the different conditions in our countries.
In the afternoon, we were divided into smaller groups and visited different organisations in Kassel. Together with young people from Spain and Finland, I visited FAB – Aktiv Teilhabe Gestalten. There, we learned about the work they do to support people with disabilities, helping them deal with practical and bureaucratic issues and supporting them in becoming more independent in their everyday lives. It was a very interesting visit that made me think more deeply about what independent living and equal participation really mean.
Later, we returned to the Haus der Jugend and took part in the photo shooting “My ideas about Diversity – Inclusion means to me…”. It was a more creative way of expressing what these concepts mean to each of us, without necessarily having to explain everything only through words.
The following morning, we exchanged our experiences from the visits of the previous day. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to talk about our own experiences of diversity, inclusion and also exclusion, using non-formal methods such as Playback Theatre and Forum Theatre. There was a lot of improvisation, self-expression and acting. I really enjoyed this part because it gave us a different and more personal way to talk about situations and experiences that we may have faced in our lives.
Later that afternoon, we moved to the Philip-Scheidemann-Haus, where the official welcome of the ECE took place. There was music, welcoming gifts and EU souvenirs, dinner and, of course, a lot of time to get to know each other better. It was basically the moment when we all felt that the programme had really begun.
On 11 September, I took part in a very interesting workshop together with participants from Poland and Germany called “Simulating game: Passing laws in Europe”. We discussed ideas about how the European Union could potentially be organised differently, including the idea of transforming the EU into independent and equal federal states, similar to the structure of Germany. Through the simulation game and the discussions, we had the chance to think not only about how Europe works today, but also about what kind of Europe we, as young people, would like to see in the future.
Later that evening, we had the European Dinner, with music and a Pub Quiz. It was one of those moments when you stop thinking that you are taking part in an organised programme and simply have fun with people you didn’t even know a few days earlier.
On 12 September, we completed the Diversity Workshops. We worked together in groups, created posters and presented the results of the previous workshops through the World Café method. It was really nice to see how people from different countries and backgrounds could work together and come up with ideas and conclusions.
During the afternoon, we also had the opportunity to discover more of Kassel through a city tour with an audio guide. We visited important landmarks and monuments, walked along the river Fulda and eventually reached the city hall. In the evening, we had the European Party, where each country presented pictures, information, traditions and, of course, food and flavours from home. With music, dancing and the presence of the Mayor of Kassel, it was a really beautiful way to celebrate all the diversity that had brought us together.
Then came Sunday, 13 September. Despite the very typical German rainy weather, we visited Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me, this visit had a special meaning as well.
As a wheelchair user, the organisers had taken care of my accessibility needs in advance. They provided me with a personal assistant, who accompanied me and guided me along an accessible route. Whenever there were a few steps that I could not manage on my own, the other Erasmus participants were there to help me. At the end of the route, the staff also arranged transportation for me with a special accessible van.
What I appreciated the most, however, was not only the practical support. It was the overall attitude of everyone.
Throughout the entire programme, I felt that my accessibility was genuinely a priority. I had a personal assistant who accompanied me throughout the programme, and at the hostel I had a separate fully accessible room with an adapted bathroom and toilet for people with disabilities.
But the most important thing for me was that I never felt like “the different one” in the group.
I felt like an equal member of it.
The other participants supported me whenever I needed help, but at the same time they made me feel that I was simply one of them. We laughed, played, talked, went out, got to know each other and eventually made real friendships. I never felt that my disability was an obstacle that everyone had to constantly focus on. It was simply one part of who I am, while I could still participate in the same activities as everyone else.
After visiting Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, we returned to the Haus der Jugend, where we had our final evaluation of the programme. We talked about everything we had experienced, what we were taking home with us and how the week had affected us. Afterwards, we had dinner and exchanged gifts as part of our Secret Friends activity, which was a really nice way to finish the programme.
If I had to describe in just a few words what this Erasmus+ experience gave me, I would say people, experiences and a different perspective on diversity.
I met people from five different countries, listened to stories and opinions I had never heard before, took part in activities that pushed me outside my comfort zone and understood even more that inclusion does not simply mean allowing someone to be present in a place. It means making sure that they can actually participate, express themselves, have fun and feel that they belong.
For me, that is exactly what this programme achieved.
It made me feel that I belonged.
I made friends, laughed a lot, learned new things, discovered a new city and experienced a different culture. Most importantly, I had an amazing time.
If someone asked me whether I would do it again, my answer would be yes, without a second thought.
And I would definitely recommend an experience like this to other young people my age, whether they have a visible or invisible difference or not.
Because in the end, what I understood in Kassel is that diversity is not something that should separate us. It is one of the reasons why it is worth getting to know each other.
