On the 11th of May, the Partnership Building Activity (PBA) "The RIGHTs Connection" ended after several inspiring days in Coma-ruga. The 14 participating organisations and the AHEAD team are now heading home, carrying with them not only new ideas and connections but also a shared commitment to continue the work that began here. The reflection and follow-up that come after the activity will be just as important as the days we spent together, helping to turn conversations into concrete actions.
A journey through the project
The programme was designed to create a space of trust and collaboration where everyone could actively engage from the very beginning. The activity encouraged dialogue, exchange, and co-creation. Looking back on the experience, the programme unfolded through three key stages:
1. Building a shared space – the programme began by creating the conditions for trust to emerge. Before discussing projects or partnerships, participants needed to get to know one another. Through activities such as The Human Map and the use of Dixit cards, participants shared expectations, explored common values, and established the group agreements that would guide the rest of the week.
The afternoon was dedicated to mapping interests, expertise, and areas of work, revealing from the outset the many connections and shared concerns among the organisations represented.
2. Mutual learning and exchange of practices – The second day focused on the real challenges faced by young people across our communities. Polarisation, authoritarian narratives, hate speech, xenophobia, and gender inequality were among the issues brought to the table.
Each organisation shared its own experiences, approaches, and methodologies, offering perspectives shaped by very different local realities. Despite these differences, many of the questions and concerns proved remarkably similar. The exchange of practices opened up honest conversations about what works, what does not, and why. It also created opportunities for collaboration and mutual support.
The day concluded with a speed-networking session for exchanging ideas, leaving participants with a strong sense that there was fertile ground for future cooperation.
3. Building partnerships and defining a roadmap - The final stage of the programme focused on turning ideas into action. Participants explored the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, discussing funding opportunities, accreditation processes, and upcoming deadlines.
More importantly, the conversations centred on how to build sustainable cooperation beyond a single meeting. Together, participants reflected on ways to maintain momentum, strengthen relationships, and develop future initiatives capable of creating a lasting impact.
The activity concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and the establishment of a follow-up plan, transforming shared intentions into concrete commitments.
When we launched The RIGHTs Connection, our goal was to translate shared values into strategic partnerships. This week in Coma-ruga marked the first step in that journey.
Now, the real work begins. The next chapter will be written not only by each organisation individually but also by the network we have built together.
Project co-funded by the European Union.
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 (EACEA).
Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.