TWIST: Embracing Your Own Story

July 3–7, 2024 Porto, Portugal 

At the beginning of July 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a unique Erasmus+ project called TWIST – Thriving With Integrated Support and Teaching, held in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal. The main theme of this youth exchange was understanding our personal life journeys, accepting the past, and developing the skills necessary for independent and successful living.

Why was TWIST created?

This project was a response to a serious issue affecting thousands of young people across Europe: the impact of difficult and traumatic life experiences on their future. Statistics show that youth from challenging backgrounds (e.g. poverty, domestic violence, neglect, migration, loss of a loved one, serious illness in the family, etc.) often face greater obstacles when it comes to education, self-confidence, social inclusion, and future employment.

TWIST aimed to change this reality. It gave young people a safe and supportive space for self-reflection, emotional work, and storytelling – all crucial tools in processing the past and finding strength for the future.

What did we do during the exchange?

The central method was personal storytelling. Through a variety of non-formal methods and creative techniques, we learned how to:

• tell our life stories and value them as part of our identity,

• identify risk factors and protective factors that influence our lives,

• strengthen our emotional intelligence and relationship skills,

• cooperate within an international group and find shared challenges and solutions,

• develop empathy, respect, and the ability to appreciate diversity as a natural part of life.

The program also included discussions, creative workshops, group activities, and moments of sharing in a circle – always guided by the principles of Trauma-Informed Education & Care, which recognizes the importance of each person’s individual story.

What did we gain?

TWIST was a transformational project – not only in terms of what we learned but also in what we discovered within ourselves. We realized that every story matters, and even difficult experiences can lead to growth, strength, and inspiration for others.

We built new friendships with participants from different countries who face similar struggles. Most importantly, we understood that we are not alone – there’s a network of support, empathy, and shared human experience.

Who is TWIST and projects like it for?

For any young person who wants to understand themselves better, find their place in the world, and learn new ways of dealing with life’s challenges. It is especially beneficial for those who grew up in tough conditions – and that’s exactly what Erasmus+ is here for: to provide support, inclusion, and new opportunities to those who need them the most.