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“Sense the World” – A Week That Changed How We Perceive the World
A youth exchange that left a lasting impression not only on the participants but on the life of Cristuru Secuiesc as well.
During the first week of July, our small town became the scene of a truly special event: the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Sense the World,” organized by the Youth Association from Transylvania (ATA), brought together young people from six different countries to create, learn, and explore the richness of human perception, the importance of social inclusion, and the daily realities of visually impaired people.
Participants from Poland, North Macedonia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Romania engaged not just in theoretical discussions – the core of the program was experiential learning. Through interactive activities, the young participants experienced what it means to move safely, get dressed, or prepare breakfast while blindfolded and guided by one another. They also got a glimpse into the world of Braille writing and discovered the creative power of the senses through blindfolded painting with scented paints and working with clay.
While the program featured many inspiring guests and activities, one of its undeniable highlights was the opening of the “Élménytár” – a sensory exhibition experienced entirely in the dark. Designed and curated entirely by the participants, the exhibition drew inspiration from everything they had learned and experienced throughout the week. This interactive installation offered not just a creative space, but a powerful message: “The world can be discovered and understood beyond sight!”
The youth exchange also looked beyond personal growth, focusing on the local community as well. On the very first day, a specially designed “city treasure hunt” guided participants through Cristuru Secuiesc, while raising awareness about the accessibility of public spaces. These firsthand experiences, combined with discussions involving experts and visually impaired young people, led to the creation of a comprehensive set of proposals. This petition is currently open for signatures – including at the Élménytár exhibition in the Town Library – and will be formally submitted to the local authorities by ATA.
All in all, “Sense the World” was much more than a series of activities – it was a truly community-driven and perspective-shifting experience. Participants reflected on their journey, received their Youthpass certificates, and said emotional goodbyes. But they didn’t return home empty-handed: they left with new friendships, deeper self-awareness, lasting memories, and a more inclusive, conscious view of the world. These eight days truly taught us to sense the world in a different way!
