Change Starts Now Concludes with Stronger Voices for Equality

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Change Starts Now" (2024-3-LV02-KA152-YOU-000266537) has successfully concluded in Riga, Latvia, after six days of intensive learning, intercultural exchange, and social engagement. Coordinated by KUFF Asociación de Solidaridad con Refugiados y Minorías, the project brought together young participants from Latvia, Romania, Turkey, Spain, and Austria with the shared goal of combating violence against women and promoting gender equality.

On the final day, participants completed their Youthpass reflection process, evaluating the knowledge, skills, and competencies they had developed throughout the project. They reflected on their personal growth in areas such as leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and active citizenship, recognizing the value of non-formal learning within the Erasmus+ Programme.

As part of the closing programme, participants visited the MARTA Centre, a Latvian organization that provides support for women and survivors of violence. The visit offered valuable insights into professional support mechanisms, prevention strategies, and the importance of cooperation between civil society organizations and local communities in addressing gender-based violence.

The project concluded with a comprehensive final evaluation, where participants reflected on the project's objectives, activities, and overall impact. They shared their experiences, discussed the knowledge they would bring back to their local communities, and evaluated how the project had strengthened their awareness of women's rights and gender equality.

Throughout the week, participants took part in workshops, panel discussions, symposiums, awareness campaigns, artistic performances, creative productions, and intercultural activities, all designed to inspire young people to become active advocates for social change. By working together across cultures, they demonstrated that preventing violence against women requires collective responsibility, education, and international cooperation.

"Change Starts Now" ended not as the conclusion of a project, but as the beginning of a long-term commitment. Equipped with new knowledge, practical skills, and a strong international network, participants returned to their home countries ready to promote gender equality, raise awareness about violence against women, and inspire positive change within their own communities.