Written by Marine, one of the participants of the “LOVE ME (Love You) 2.0” youth exchange in Collado Mediano, Madrid. The project brought together 24 young people from 8 different countries for a week of creativity, emotional exploration, and cultural exchange.
The “LOVE ME (Love You) 2.0” youth exchange project in the tranquil town of Collado Mediano, Madrid, Spain, brought together 24 participants from 8 different countries for a transformative journey of creative activities and profound discussions.
Each morning began with breathing exercises, grounding us and creating a calm, safe environment for the day’s activities. The first day focused on introductions, fostering connections, and engaging with locals through a playful object-exchange game. We wrapped up the day with a vibrant cultural night where each country showcased their traditional food, games, and dances.
Throughout the program, mindfulness sessions emphasized exploring emotions and feelings. On the second day, we participated in small-group activities designed to facilitate personal conversations and identify emotional responses. We delved into the question, “Who are you?” to uncover past experiences that may have blocked certain emotions. The day concluded with dance therapy, releasing bodily tension.
The following day centered on reconnecting with our inner child through games and theater improvisations. We visited a local elementary school, where we engaged with children in fun activities. The day ended with a soothing sound therapy session to promote calm and healing.
Another day was dedicated to self-reflection and evaluating our past, present, and future. We practiced acro yoga, which helped us build balance and trust through partner positions. The day culminated in a beautiful and empowering self-wedding ceremony, where we wrote vows to love and care for ourselves always.
We concluded the project with an exciting day trip to Madrid. On the train, we revealed our secret friends and enjoyed sightseeing together.
A standout highlight was Paco, the owner of a local Spanish restaurant, who treated us to delicious meals twice a day for lunch and dinner.
The entire project was filled with emotional moments, and we forged deep connections with one another. We’re all eagerly looking forward to the next stage in September.