“Learning to think critically, one media message at a time.” Last week, young people from Bulgaria, Austria, Greece, and Spain came together for the "MediaLab" youth exchange—a dynamic, week-long adventure focused on understanding the digital world and strengthening media literacy skills. This exchange, hosted by CEGE, brought participants to a shared space of creativity, learning, and growth, setting the stage for a deeper connection with media engagement.

More about the project can be found on the project's website HERE

What was the goal?

The MediaLab youth exchange aimed to empower young people with essential media literacy skills, enabling them to critically analyze the information they consume and be more responsible digital citizens. Participants explored topics such as fake news, media manipulation, and digital well-being. By the end of the program, they were equipped not only to recognize media bias and propaganda but also to become advocates for truth and integrity in their own communities.

This exchange was part of an Erasmus+ project № 2024-1-BG01-KA152-YOU-000210922, further enhancing the international spirit of collaboration and learning. Using non-formal education methods, we focused on providing young participants with the tools needed to engage with media thoughtfully and actively contribute to society.

Project Aims:

1. Media Literacy Mastery – Developing the critical thinking skills necessary to understand and deconstruct media messages.

2. Combatting Fake News – Learning how to detect misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda in the digital sphere.

3. Promoting Digital Balance – Fostering a healthier relationship with technology to improve digital well-being.

4. Encouraging Civic Engagement – Inspiring young people to use their voices and media literacy skills for positive change in their communities.

Participant Testimonials: What Did We Experience?

Participants had a transformative week, filled with new insights and friendships. Here’s what some of them had to say:

🇬🇷 Despina from Greece:
"During my Erasmus Plus program in Bulgaria, I learned how to critically analyze information, identify misinformation. Also, I learned how to effectively use social media platforms to create engaging content and build a personal brand." 

🇧🇬 Plamen from Bulgaria:
"This project has proven to be a great success for me as I've gathered essential knowledge about media literacy. With the amazing organization of CEGE, we have collaborated to create a safe space of expression and learned digital competency.” 

🇪🇸 Andrea from Spain:
"I learned how to make my content better and more interesting. This project has been an incredible experience and I feel l know more cultures and perspectives now. I know too that my personal and

professional competencies have been improved.” 

🇦🇹 Paul from Austria:
"I attended MediaLab as my first ERASMUS+ project and am very very glad that I did. Not only did 1 learn a lot about media literacy, but also about Bulgarian, Spanish and Greek culture. this is a great way to make new friends from different cultures and | would recommend attending this project to everyone.” 

More testimonials and more about the project can be found on the project's website HERE

Key Activities and Highlights

During the MediaLab youth exchange, participants didn’t just sit in a classroom—they actively engaged with every session, learning through games, discussions, and creative exercises:

• Media Manipulation and Propaganda: One of the core activities was exploring how media can be used to manipulate opinions. Participants worked in pairs using a web platform to test their knowledge, which led to insightful conversations about how to avoid falling victim to biased information.

• Critical Thinking Workshop: We spent an afternoon outdoors, soaking in the sunshine while discussing conspiracy theories and how they spread in today’s media landscape. The open-air setting made it feel less like a lecture and more like an engaging group discussion.

• Energizers and Creative Breaks: Each day included energizers like group dancing, where we had the chance to let loose, build bonds, and simply enjoy the company of fellow participants from different countries.

• Instagram Challenge: As a fun conclusion to one of the sessions, we formed groups and created responsible and engaging Instagram profiles, focusing on positive content creation. This was a highlight for many of us, blending creativity with what we had learned about media ethics.

• Erasmus+ Workshop: Participants also learned about the Erasmus+ program, exploring how they could benefit from similar exchanges and what opportunities lay ahead.

Conclusion: A Week of Learning, Friendship, and Growth

The MediaLab Youth Exchange was more than just an opportunity to improve media literacy—it was a life-changing experience for everyone involved. Through thought-provoking activities, fun energizers, and powerful discussions, participants walked away not only with new skills but with a deeper understanding of the media’s role in shaping society.

It wasn’t just about learning to recognize fake news or understanding digital well-being. It was about connecting with others, sharing ideas, and growing as individuals. The friendships formed and the memories created are proof that this exchange went beyond the activity room and became a transformative experience.

This is just the beginning of the journey for these young people. The lessons learned at MediaLab will resonate far beyond the project’s end, influencing their personal and professional lives in profound ways. We’re excited to see how they’ll continue using these skills to become the next generation of informed, critical, and responsible media consumers—and leaders in their communities.

If you’re passionate about media literacy, creativity, and making a real impact, stay tuned for the next youth exchange. This is your chance to join an unforgettable adventure and become a part of something bigger.