In August a group of Shokkin members and other young people from Estonia embarked on the adventure of “Disconnect to Reconnect”, a youth exchange that aimsed to create a space where participants could disconnect from technology to connect again with themselves, offering them tools to focus on their self-development process. Read here below their impressions:
“For me, the youth exchange was a unique project I have never experienced before in this particular format. Aside from being my first ever youth exchange in another country as a participant, this project was also my first time being a group leader.
At the begging it was quite scary for me to be in the role of the leader, but whilst being on the spot – in the beautiful Catalonian nature – I managed to improve my leadership and team-working skills. My team was also one of a kind.
I had great connection with them and the other participants. I would say this was my first time I felt such an intense connection and understanding between all the participants. The things we learned and activities we did during the YE were very interesting and made me rethink stuff about oneself and one’s everyday habits.”
Emilia (Group leader)
“I would describe this project with three words: ‘refreshing’ and ‘naturaly calming’. I got a chance to feel weather and conditions that I have never felt before. I would say it was always perfect, sometimes it was so hot during the day that we went straight to the pool and I talked to each other in an invironment unusual for me personally.
The whole project was aimed to disconnect from the busy city, social media, crowed town and reconnect to yourself. I didn’t have any distractions, so I got the chance to take that time just for myself, and ask myself what I feel, how to feel, why I response in the way I respond, etc. If I ever get the chance to participate in this kind of project again, I would definitely take part in it.“
Alan
‘Disconnect to Reconnect” was a great experience that gave me an opportunity to learn new skills, meet amazing people, explore different cultures and develop myself.
Throughout the project I practiced my communication and language skills as well as learned some self analysis tools and reunited with nature and my inner self, it helped me to understand the value of self-love and acceptance, as well as to become more open towards other people and the world.
I’m extremely grateful for this project to be the part of my life and to all the people who made it such an unforgettable experience.“
Eva
“My name is Janno, and my time as a participant in the youth exchange “Disconnect to Reconnect” was incredible! Thanks to this project I was able to do something I desperately needed to do for a while: get off my phone. Since we were in a place with no mobile data to be found, I really understood how refreshing it is to live without the constant need to check your device every few minutes. It truly felt incredible, I must say!
I enjoyed the activites that we did during the project. Of course, I liked the cultural nights especially, because they were done by people whose cultures I had not discovered before even though I’ve been in a few youth exchanges/training courses.
I also loved activites where the goal was to think for yourself or be with yourself. It was quite eye-opening and I came to a few important realizations about myself and my future for which I am truly greatful. I would like to thank the participants, facilitators and the organization for making this project happen the way it did.
P.S. A big thanks to Anna-Liisu, Carla, and Georgi, you guys are the coolest facilitators I’ve ever met! :))”
Janno
“Thanks to the youth exchange ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ I finally understood how exciting and interesting social life can be outside of social media. I met some amazing people with whom I got the chance to share some unforgettable moments. Perhaps my favourite memory was a long mountain hike with a refreshing pool time after it!”
Julia
“In ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ , the topics were ranging from teambuilding, healthy eating habits, art and meditation to sustainability. Participants had the chance to organize their own workshops through which I had a chance to share my skills and knowledge with others.
While being in Spain I learned a lot of valuable lessons. I learned how to live and coexist with a small group of people in secluded nature. I learned how to organize myself and lead the group when necessary, how to take care of enviroment around us, connect with nature and live without a digital device.”
Roman