From 29 June to 8 July 2026, the Municipality of Belvì hosted RAISE – Rural AI, Solidarity and Empowerment, an international youth exchange promoted by Malik ETS within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme. The project involved 30 young people aged between 13 and 17, coming from Italy, Greece, Romania, Spain and Estonia, who spent eight days of exchange, learning and discovery through non-formal education methodologies. The initiative was co-funded by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia and the Municipality of Belvì, which recognised the value of the project and its positive impact on the local community.
The experience combined moments of reflection, practical activities and creative workshops, all sharing a common goal: helping participants understand how young people can actively contribute to the development of rural areas. Through simulations, role-playing activities, teamwork and problem-solving exercises, participants explored the meaning of democratic participation, the importance of peer cooperation and the value of solidarity as a tool to address common challenges. A strong focus was also placed on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, explored through a critical perspective as opportunities to improve communication, promote local territories and develop new ideas supporting local communities.
Among the most appreciated activities were the simulation of a municipal council meeting, where participants experienced shared decision-making processes and negotiation dynamics; the creation of podcasts, digital content and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at giving young people a voice and strengthening their role in shaping the future of rural areas; as well as numerous moments of international exchange that encouraged the sharing of experiences among young people from different cultural backgrounds. Each workshop represented an opportunity to develop personal skills, communication abilities and initiative, always placing teamwork at the centre of the learning process.
Alongside the educational activities, participants also had the opportunity to discover the local territory and experience community life. The nature walk to the Is Caddaias natural pools, accompanied by guides from the Belvì Trail Association, the participation in the rural celebrations dedicated to Saint Margaret, and the meetings with local residents allowed young people to discover the traditions, environmental heritage and cultural identity of Belvì, experiencing authentic integration with the hosting community.
A particularly meaningful moment was the intercultural evening, during which each national group presented the traditions, customs, music and typical food of their own countries. It was not only a celebration, but above all an opportunity for mutual understanding, transforming cultural diversity into a chance for dialogue, friendship and the strengthening of a shared European identity based on openness, inclusion and solidarity.
At the end of the exchange, each participant received the Youthpass certificate, the European recognition tool that highlights the competences developed through Erasmus+ activities and acknowledges the learning journey experienced through non-formal education. During the final day, participants shared their reflections, emotions and experiences, explaining how RAISE represented not only an opportunity for personal growth, but also a chance to look at the future of rural areas with new perspectives and to recognise the role young people can play within their communities.
Malik ETS would like to express its sincere gratitude to the partner organisations from Greece, Romania, Spain and Estonia, to the youth workers, facilitators, volunteers, families, associations, local institutions and the entire community of Belvì which, with enthusiasm and commitment, welcomed the participants and contributed to the success of the initiative.
RAISE once again demonstrated how European programmes represent an extraordinary opportunity for the growth of younger generations, creating connections among young people from different countries, promoting active citizenship and enhancing local territories through dialogue, participation and international cooperation. The hope is that the relationships built during these eight days will evolve into new projects, collaborations and opportunities, allowing the spirit of Erasmus+ to continue living far beyond the end of the exchange.
