DECODE the Digital World: Experiences I Brought from Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo to Turkey

Hello! This was my first Erasmus+ project, and I’m here to tell you about an adventure that fundamentally changed my experiences the DECODE Youth Exchange which I attended from Türkiye through the Gezider association.

The project took place in the peaceful Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo, Verona region of Italy, between September 9th and 18th. Its goal was to explore topics like disinformation, communication, teamwork, and, most importantly, digital literacy through theatre, creativity, and cooperation.

Heartfelt thanks to our Host Organization, Oriel APS. This youth exchange was co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program and the Italian National Agency.

DECODE: Not Just a Youth Exchange, an Awakening

Unforgettable Learning Moments

In this project, we didn’t just attend lessons; we actively participated and produced:

• The Art of Fact-Checking: One of the most enjoyable tasks on September 11th was both creating fake news and detecting real news. I will never forget the success of the team that fooled everyone with the story about Pietro stepping on a lizard (of course, he didn’t!). This showed us why we need to approach everything in the digital age with skepticism.
• The Real-Life Impact of Disinformation: As the Turkey team, we presented a session titled “The Real-Life Impact of Fake News.” We prepared short videos showing how fake news affects society in five main categories: Society, Politics, Mental Health, Physical Health, and Education, and we shared plenty of constructive feedback.
• Deepfakes and Digital Dangers: The Spanish team’s “Deepfakes and Artificial Intelligence” workshop highlighted how far digital manipulation has advanced. We learned how to recognize manipulated content and strategies for responsible media consumption.
• Sensitive Topics and Empathy: In the Portuguese team’s “Hate Speech” session, we discussed this sensitive but vital topic in a safe space by sharing personal experiences written on anonymous pieces of paper.

Bonding and Team Spirit: “We Are Whole When We Are Together”

Frankly, in the first days of the project, I had some reservations about my English, fearing I wouldn’t be able to communicate with the others.

However, this shyness didn’t last long. As Suzie beautifully expressed, those moments when we started breaking down the walls, trying to speak English so that all of us in the mixed-nationality groups could understand each other… That’s when those invisible walls between us crumbled, and I truly felt like a member of the group.

Nadia from Portugal’s words reinforced this feeling: When we started working together toward a common goal, belonging was inevitable. Thanks to this international family spirit, we overcame difficult tasks with laughter and established a support system for each other.

Farewells and Lessons Learned

Our final day was filled with emotional goodbyes. It was hard to say farewell to our facilitators, Pietro and Evelyn, who supported us in every way, and to our beloved chef Francesco, who made the best Italian pasta of my life.

This project broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of Erasmus+ and other European opportunities (ESC, DiscoverEU), and strengthened the meaning of my European youth identity. As Kung Fu Panda said: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Now, returning home, I am excited to put everything I’ve learned into practice!

My Future Plan: Dissemination

I won’t let this experience end here. Spreading the knowledge and inspiration I gained to my own community is an essential part of every Erasmus+ project.

Offline Dissemination: When I return to Turkey, I plan to organize a workshop at my local youth center or school, using the most important topics from DECODE: “fact-checking” and “digital safety” techniques.

Project Name: DECODE Youth Exchange

Host Organization: Oriel APS

Dates: September 9–18

Location: Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo, Verona, Italy

Topics/Objectives: Digital Literacy, Fact-Checking, Combating Disinformation (or the main objective of the project in your own words).

Funding Information: The mobility is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program and the Italian National Agency “Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù”.

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