Diversity and Group Games for Better Inclusion

29 September – 5 October 2024 Kosky, Czechia

In the autumn of 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a wonderful Erasmus+ project called Diversity and Group Games for Better Inclusion, which took place in the picturesque village of Kosky, near Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. This project brought together young people from five European countries – the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Estonia, and Portugal – with the shared aim of promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual understanding.

A week full of games, workshops, discussions, and creative activities opened our eyes and helped us realize how essential cross-cultural collaboration is, and how powerful respect and empathy can be.

Starting the Project – Getting to Know Each Other and Building a Team

Each day began with a group warm-up where participants could choose between jogging, yoga, or simple icebreaker games. These activities not only prepared our bodies for the day but also helped us break the ice and build new friendships.

Icebreaker games were the perfect tool to quickly overcome shyness and open up to new people and cultures. They helped us learn each other’s names quickly and laid a strong foundation for the days ahead.

Games and Discussions – A Path to Deeper Understanding

Throughout the week, we played various group games that taught us cooperation, communication, and problem-solving in teams. One of the highlights was a game held in the historical center of Český Krumlov, where we completed tasks while exploring the city’s rich history and architecture.

What impacted me the most were the discussions conducted using the World Café method. We exchanged views on important topics like inclusion, discrimination, and intercultural communication. This space allowed different perspectives to meet, and we realized that despite our cultural differences, we share many common values.

The international evening was also a memorable part of the program, where each team presented their country through music, dance, and traditional food. This evening wasn’t just fun—it also deepened our appreciation for cultural diversity.

Creative Workshops and Personal Development

Besides games and discussions, we also created artwork, posters, and short videos centered on diversity and friendship. These creative tasks helped us express our thoughts and emotions in a visual way and strengthened our team spirit.

A strong emphasis was placed on self-awareness, recognizing our own values and the stereotypes that can limit us. Through open sharing, we learned how important it is to respect others and accept differences as a natural part of life.

What Did the Project Bring Me?

This experience was not just about gaining new skills, but also about better understanding myself and others. I improved my English, became a better communicator, and learned to work more effectively in a team. But what touched me the most was meeting amazing people who face similar challenges and share a desire to make the world a better place.

I built friendships with participants from different countries and shared not only project activities but also dreams and future plans. I realized that our differences make us richer and that cooperation is the key to overcoming many barriers.

Who Is This Project For?

Erasmus+ projects like Diversity and Group Games for Better Inclusion are a fantastic opportunity for any young person who wants to develop personal and social skills, explore new cultures and friendships, and become actively involved in society. They are especially valuable for those seeking new perspectives and wanting to be part of an inclusive, respectful, and diverse community.