Active Life, Active Future Youth Exchange Project – Activity-Based Learning and Outcomes

The Active Life, Active Future project (Project No: 2023-3-AT01-KA152-YOU-000177084), implemented by FI Gesundheits- und Sportverein, was a Youth Exchange held between 02.05.2024 and 08.05.2024 in Klagenfurt, Austria. The project brought together young participants from Austria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Italy with the aim of promoting physical activity, intercultural learning, social interaction, and healthy lifestyle awareness while strengthening cooperation and communication skills among young people from different countries.

One of the main activities, the Fun Run Social, focused on helping participants adapt quickly to the project environment through interactive dialogue and physical engagement. Participants reflected on their understanding of sports, shared ideas, and completed association-based storytelling tasks in small groups. By transforming ideas into short performances, they improved their communication, creativity, and confidence. This activity supported trust-building, active participation, and psychological readiness for the upcoming project process.

In the Mindful Cube Workshop, participants explored the positive effects of sports on young people through both interactive discussions and creative production. Through rapid partner exchanges, they shared opinions and developed a deeper understanding of the topic. In the second stage, they designed a collective three-dimensional sports symbol using cubes representing different ideas. This process enhanced teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity while also increasing awareness of the physical, mental, and social benefits of sports. Participants also developed practical design and collaboration skills.

The Stakeholder Visit and Social Learning methods applied throughout the project provided participants with opportunities to present project goals and engage with external actors. Through presentations, dialogue, and question-answer techniques, stakeholders were informed about the project structure and expected outcomes. In addition, participants strengthened their ability to communicate in formal environments, express ideas clearly, and understand institutional cooperation processes. This activity also increased their awareness of how youth projects connect with wider community stakeholders.

The project concluded its learning cycle with Culture Night and evaluation activities, where participants worked in groups to present their countries’ sports culture through creative mapping and short documentaries. This encouraged intercultural exchange, teamwork, and tolerance while also improving presentation and storytelling skills. Daily reflection and feedback sessions allowed participants to evaluate both their experiences and the project quality. As a result, participants developed stronger intercultural awareness, communication skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the role of sports in uniting young people across cultures.