Summary of the Youth Exchange
The theme of Solidarity still needs to be promoted among young people. Still we are in times where can be seen great social and economic disparities between people. Also can be seen the ever-increasing fear of young people, which and thus a growing need – to define ourselves against those who are different, which leads not only to rejection others, but often also to hate speech in both the online and offline world.
This Youth Exchange "Solidarity without borders" is going not only to bring different young people from abroad together but also let them experience solidarity so that their personal attitudes towards others begin to change.
that it only takes a little to bring good among the people in your community;
to be sensitive to others around you, to their needs and their situation, and to learn how to respond with solidarity to them;
sharing and practising solidarity in every single moment of the exchange;
visiting some places with people in need to bring solidarity also to them;
moments of fun, games and getting to know each other and our beautiful countries;
everyday spiritual programme (Holy mass, testimonies, teaching etc.).
Petra Pograjc
Petra, from Slovenia, is an active member of Katoliška mladina. She has a deep love for singing and dancing, bringing joy and energy to those around her.
Elizabete Mežule
Elizabete came to Slovakia as an ESC volunteer and now works at VIAC – Institute for Youth Support and Development, coordinating international volunteers. With her own experience of being supported in a new country, Elizabete understands the importance of solidarity and is eager to promote it in this youth exchange.
Who can participate?
at the age from 16 to 22 from participating countries;
who are interested in the topic;
who can speak English at a conversational level.
From the group leader we expect:
active support of young people in the preparation part and within all the duration of the youth exchange;
aking responsibility in solving the problems that may occur in the group;
taking part in the common meetings according to the schedule.
reading all the information carefully;
communicating timely with the organisers;
preparing adequately for the youth exchange according to the instructions;
taking actively part in the full duration of the activities;
to participate in the evaluation process after the youth exchange;
to participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the youth exchange after the youth exchange is over.
Country / Organization / Contacts of organisations / Number of participants
Slovakia / VIAC – Inštitút pre podporu a rozvoj mládeže / mobility@ozviac.sk
Latvia / Diakonijas centrs
Slovenia / Katoliska mladina
Are you interested in this project, but it's not your country? We are open for new partners!
The Youth Exchange will take place at Zavod Marianum Veržej, located in the town of Veržej, Slovenia, not far from Ljutomer. Situated on the right bank of the river Mura, the site is home to a historic Salesian Centre with a tradition of over 100 years. Originally envisioned by donor Anton Puščenjak and brought to life by Dr. Franc Kovačič and his colleagues, the institute became a respected center for the education of young people from both sides of the Mura River. Despite the changes brought by the post-war period, it has continued to serve as a hub of learning and growth. Today, inspired by the vision of St. John Bosco, Zavod Marianum Veržej has evolved into a vibrant cultural, spiritual, and artisanal center with unique tourism offerings.
Participants will likely share rooms and enjoy communal meals in a warm, community-focused environment. Please bring indoor shoes, as they are preferred in many of the indoor spaces.
First of all you need to arrive on 26th (Saturday) of April, but depart on 2th (Friday) of May. And we recommend this option:
Take a flight or Flixbus to Vienna;
From Vienna bus station take a bus to Maribor;
From Maribor take a bus to Murska Sobota;
From Murska Sobota take a bus to Veržej.
Take a flight or bus / train to Ljubljana;
From Ljubljana take a bus to Murska Sobota;
From Murska Sobota take a bus to Veržej.
Take a flight or Flixbus to Zagreb;
From Zagreb take a FlixBus to Murska Sobota;
From Murska Sobota take a bus to Veržej.
Take a flight or bus / train to Budapest;
From Budapest take a Flixbus to Maribur*;
From Maribor take a bus to Murska Sobota;
From Murska Sobota take a bus to Veržej.
Technically, you can get off earlier at an unofficial stop Petrol near to Bakovska (Bakovska ulica 53, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia) at the petrol station and then get on the straight bus to Veržej.
Country / Organization / Max amount for traveling
Slovakia / VIAC – Inštitút pre podporu a rozvoj mládeže / mobility@ozviac.sk / 275 €
Latvia / Diakonijas centrs / 275 €
Slovenia / Katoliska mladina / 20 €
Are you interested in this project, but it's not your country? We are open for new partners!
To receive reimbursement of travel expenses (plane/bus/train) we need you to deliver us following documents:
Invoice of your flight tickets, originals of bus or train tickets (invoice received from the airline/bus company if you buy the tickets online or from the travelling agency if you buy the tickets via an agency);
Boarding pass (from both ways).
*Please note that that travel costs will be reimbursed only for those who:
stay for the whole period of the youth exchange (travel days are 26.04.2025 (arriving) and 02.05.2025 (departure));
who fills the final report after the youth exchange is over;
actively participate in sharing the results and outcomes of the exchange after the exchange is over.
Beakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks are all included. Also individual eating habits of participants will be taken into account, but don't be afraid to try Slovenian traditionals!
It is the participant's responsibility to obtain full insurance for themselves. This includes travel insurance, medical insurance or European Health Insurance Card.
The place is strictly non-alcoholic, so we kindly ask you to respect it.
Please prepare presentation (together with all group) of your country, culture, habits which:
is interactive (other participants must be involved);
must NOT be boring – be creative as much as possible.
In the programme of the exchange every group will have creative workshop to create small presents for people in need. Your group will lead the workshop for other participants to teach them how to create those gifts.
Please choose together with your group what do you want to create and send us the list of materials you will need for it, so we can arrange it before the exchange.
Please for making gifts choose any technique you want but that you are also able to teach others (it means no too complicated and taking too much time). For the workshop you will have maximum 1,5 hours.
Please bring some national food, treats or some souvenirs for all participants (all costs are on your side)!
The youth exchange will include outdoor activities. Please pack clothes which are also suitable for outdoor activities. And also be prepared that it can be colder here in Slovakia, or it may rain here.
On April 15 at 17.00 (Slovak time, GTM+2)
There is going to be an online meeting with all participants and group leaders before the activity takes part here in Slovakia. There we will meet each other and also clarify what is needed to be prepared.