Naples International Airport, april 9, 6:00 a.m. and I am ready to embark on a new adventure to Portugal. An exciting project awaits us, promoted by the Portuguese Association Casa d’Abóbora, based in Aldeia in the Cinfães region. The mission of the association is to preserve, promote, and enhance the cultural heritage of the low-density rural area of Cinfães, and to boost cultural activity in the area. This through different kind of activities (workshops, expositons, content creation, etc.), and also through socio-cultural and artistic actions that aim to integrate different generations and people of the community.
Our journey aims to participate in the project “Sustainability in Action 2.0 – Preserving Cultural & Local Heritage,” which is part of the Erasmus+ program.
What is the Erasmus+ program?
Erasmus+ is the European Union program for the youth’s education, training, and sport for the period 2021-2027, aimed at:
- Promoting the mobility of students and groups for learning;
- Supporting collaboration and promoting quality, inclusion, excellence, creativity, and innovation in the educational and training sector;
- Encouraging mobility for non-formal and informal learning, stimulating active youth participation, and strengthening collaboration and creativity in youth policies;
- Promoting the mobility of sports staff, and improving collaboration, quality, and innovation in sports organizations and policies;
The Erasmus Generation
A generation of dreams, ambitions, and a forward-looking perspective that shares a set of deep values— peace, brotherhood, love, and education. European programs like Erasmus+ forge connections among thousands of young people, enabling them to share visions, exchange revolutionary ideas, and together build dreams of a better future.
At the heart of the project, I had the opportunity to represent the business world of Sannio and share one of my most heartfelt articles on the depopulation of Southern Italy.
Youth from Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Romania, TĂĽrkiye and Georgia shared their experiences and perspectives.
Sense of Belonging and European Vision: a recurring theme was the strong sense of national belonging expressed by the participants. However, alongside this, a clear aspiration for a more united and collaborative Europe emerged. This desire translates into the demand for more projects, events, and activities that can connect people across national boundaries.
Economic Issues: economic issues were another major theme in the young people’s stories. Almost all highlighted significant economic problems in their countries. Italy, in particular, was mentioned for its lower wages compared to other European nations.
German Excellence and Challenges: the German participants praised the efficiency of their transport and educational systems but did not hesitate to emphasize that Germany also faces significant political and economic challenges.
Proposed Solutions: among the solutions discussed, many suggested the importance of supporting agriculture and helping the inner areas of all of Europe. This could counteract the tendency of large companies to dominate the market, which instead promotes a more balanced and inclusive growth.
Situation in TĂĽrkiye: the analysis of the situation was particularly significant. The young Turks displayed a strong sense of national identity alongside an even stronger aspiration for freedom and progress. Compared to the previous generation, the young Turks appeared extremely technological and innovative.
Under the stars of Porto
April 16th, Porto, at the first light of dawn, I sit alone with my notebook, letting my gaze wander over the details of the city coming to life. I reminisce about the faces we met, the smiles exchanged, the hugs that warmed our farewells, and the intense political discussions that filled our evenings. Every reflection and every shared dream during the Erasmus+ project remains etched in my memory.
This experience allowed me to see the true face of Europe, a youthful, vibrant face that dreams and discusses innovative ideas, that tackles problems with initiative and seeks concrete solutions. Through this article, I want to convey to all our readers an invitation to believe more in the European project. I encourage you to feel part of a unique and indivisible community, to inform yourselves and to actively participate in projects and events that unite people that open minds.
Great ideas and revolutions often arise in unexpected moments: under a starry sky, to the sound of a guitar, next to a new friend from another part of the world.
Ernest Hemingway famously referred to his contemporaries as the “Lost Generation,” but we embody a different spirit: we are the generation of dreams, the Erasmus Generation. bearers of hope and builders of bridges, determined to leave a positive mark on our continent and beyond.
