News
Action Alpha -“Eat With Confidence” Youth exchange in Slovakia
Palárikovo, Slovakia — February 2026.
On January 28, a group of seven enthusiastic Romanian young people set out on a journey that would broaden their horizons and challenge their thinking about one of the most fundamental aspects of daily life: how and why we eat. Their destination was the small Slovak town of Palárikovo (known in Hungarian as Tótmegyer), where they participated in the international youth exchange “Eat With Confidence.”
The program, held between January 29 and February 6, brought together participants from five countries: Slovakia, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, and Romania. The aim of the exchange was to explore healthy eating habits, build awareness around nutrition, and strengthen young people’s confidence in making informed decisions about food.
Rethinking Food: Trusting Our Bodies Over Trends
Despite the seemingly simple title, the participants soon discovered that the world of nutrition is filled with conflicting advice, trendy diets, myths, and fears that shape modern eating habits. Early in the program, it became clear that many of us move blindly through this maze of information.
One of the key takeaways from the exchange was the importance of listening to our bodies and trusting our intuition. The message was not to indulge in every craving, but to understand what our body truly needs and to nourish it accordingly. The group learned that maintaining a critical mindset and verifying new dietary information from multiple reliable sources is essential for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
First Days: Games, Challenges, and Tasting Nights
The first day welcomed participants with lively energy—although everyone began a bit shy in the unfamiliar environment. Creative icebreakers helped the group get to know each other, followed by a collaborative session where participants created a shared rule system for the week.
In the afternoon, teams competed in a playful local challenge:
- taking photos with townspeople,
- drinking 10 liters of water together,
- filming 30 squats,
- or writing and performing an original poem.
The evening concluded with the much‑loved snack-tasting event, where each country presented traditional sweet and salty treats. It quickly became a highlight of the exchange.
Workshops on Nutrition and Self‑Reflection
The first half of the week focused on workshops about food, health, and self-awareness. Participants learned practical skills such as brewing kombucha and growing microgreens, while also reflecting on the personal and cultural influences that shape their eating habits.
Exercises in self-reflection shed light on how childhood experiences and local traditions impact the way we approach food today.
Stop‑Motion Film Production: Creativity Meets Education
The second part of the exchange revolved around creating stop‑motion videos related to the project’s main theme. Working in small groups, participants developed their own storyboards, crafted props from everyday items, and produced short films from scratch.
The finished videos were later presented at the local school, where interactive discussions with students opened the door to meaningful conversations about healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
Cultural Nights and Lasting Connections
Throughout the exchange, each participating country hosted a cultural evening, introducing others to traditional foods, famous figures, customs, and national symbols. These nights strengthened friendships, encouraged intercultural dialogue, and celebrated the rich diversity of the five nations involved.
A Meaningful and Memorable Exchange
The “Eat With Confidence” youth exchange proved to be a powerful experience for all participants. Beyond learning about nutrition and media literacy, the group gained valuable insight into cultural identity, teamwork, and creative expression through film-making.
The Romanian team returned home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories, and the confidence to approach food and life with greater awareness and intention.
