Between 15 and 23 April 2026, including travel days, 40 participants from Romania, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia and Georgia took part in the international youth exchange “Next Step Skills” in Durrës, Albania. The activity was implemented within the Erasmus+ KA151 Youth project, coordinated by Asociația Babilon Travel.
The youth exchange brought together 30 young participants aged 20–30, including young people with fewer opportunities and young people with sensory impairments, as well as five youth leaders, five accompanying persons and two facilitators. The activity was organised in partnership with Peace Volunteering Network from Albania, Novotarijum from Serbia, Multicultural Group from Georgia and BRANCH from North Macedonia.
“Next Step Skills” responded to the growing need for young people to develop transversal competences that are important for employment, entrepreneurship and future professional development. In a labour market that changes quickly, technical knowledge alone is not sufficient. Communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, adaptability and self-awareness are increasingly important for young people who want to participate actively in professional life and develop their own initiatives.
Throughout the youth exchange, participants took part in non-formal education activities, teamwork-based challenges, simulations, role-playing exercises, discussions and reflection sessions. They explored how transversal skills can be used in real professional situations and how young people can identify their own strengths, interests and areas for further development.
A central element of the programme was the work on simple business ideas and mini business plans. In mixed international groups, participants developed creative business concepts, prepared posters and presentations, identified possible roles within their businesses and defined the skills needed for each role. The process encouraged them to connect communication, leadership, teamwork and decision-making with practical professional situations.
The practical outcome was a career fair-style activity, during which each international group created a business stand and presented its idea to the other participants. Participants visited the different stands, asked questions, explored the proposed job openings and applied for roles based on their own CVs, skills, interests and strengths. This activity created a practical and engaging environment in which young people could reflect on employability, teamwork and professional opportunities.
The youth exchange was implemented in an inclusive learning environment, where young people with and without sensory impairments worked together throughout the programme. Accessibility, mutual support, respect for different abilities and active participation were integrated into the daily activities, allowing participants to learn from one another and contribute in different ways.
The activity “Next Step Skills” was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
For more information about the project and future activities, please visit https://babilontravel.eu or contact us at [email protected].
