ŻAK Malta has successfully concluded an Erasmus+ funded international youth exchange with Ateitis Lithuania, bringing together 49 young people from Malta and Lithuania, titled Unite. The exchange, which took place between 29 July and 2 August at the Sacred Heart College in St Julians provided participants with a unique opportunity to strengthen friendships, develop leadership skills and experience the value of unity despite differences in language and culture.
The programme began with a team-building challenge in which participants were tasked with constructing a car using cardboard and wood. The activity highlighted the importance of effective communication, trust and teamwork, reinforcing the central message of the exchange; that by working together, challenges can be overcome. One of the highlights of the programme was the International Evening, where participants showcased the culture, history, music and traditional cuisine of their respective countries. The event encouraged intercultural dialogue and gave participants the opportunity to celebrate the diversity that enriches European communities.
Throughout the exchange, participants collaborated in mixed groups to prepare meals, organise creative performances, lead dances and animate liturgical celebrations. Members and volunteers from Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija (AKM) and ŻAK also joined the programme, sharing their experiences with the younger generation and encouraging participants to become active leaders within their communities. The exchange also included an interactive digital life simulation, allowing participants to reflect on the choices young people face as they grow up. Through this activity, they explored how decisions made today can shape the future, while reflecting on the importance of building their lives on Christian values, inspired by the Gospel parable of the house built on rock.
Participants also took part in a series of prayer spaces that focused on trust in God, healing from personal wounds, recognising Christ as the Good Shepherd, loving one's neighbour and nurturing hope for the future. These moments of reflection complemented the practical activities, encouraging participants to deepen both their faith and their understanding of themselves and others.
The exchange offered an enriching blend of learning, cultural sharing, faith formation and friendship, demonstrating that unity is built through cooperation, mutual respect and shared experiences. Following the success of this first phase, the young people now look forward to continuing the partnership during the second leg of the exchange, which will take place next year in Lithuania, where participants will further strengthen the friendships and connections established this year and continue to live the spirit of Unite.
This exchange is supported by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport
