VOICE OF THE YOUTH STRONGER THAN EVER: OVER 400 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM 4 COUNTRIES UNITED IN INCLUSION AND DIALOGUE

In the ” TwidSA ” project, young people with and without intellectual disabilities from Croatia, France, Egypt and Palestine talk, learn from each other and build a world in which everyone matters.

Zagreb, May 18, 2025 – More than 400 young people from Croatia, France, Egypt and Palestine have already participated in the international project TwidSA – Together with and without intellectual disabilities in self-advocacy , and more than 1,000 new participants are expected by the end of the project. The project brings together young people in a series of 16 online meetings that promote inclusion , mental health, intercultural dialogue and active citizenship – all that makes life richer and more meaningful.

Where does it all take place? Online!

TwidSA has successfully bridged the gaps between young people and connected them via the Zoom platform with translations into Croatian, French and Arabic provided. The main goal? To create a space in which all young people, regardless of their abilities, have the right to speak their mind, share experiences and change society together. What is special about these online youth exchanges is that people with intellectual disabilities are included as co-hosts .

So far, young people have talked about issues that affect us all:

  • “What recharges your battery?” – about mental health
  • “What is your recipe for happiness?”
  • “How to make a change?” – about social engagement

During the meeting, there is no excessive philosophizing, but rather sincere and heartfelt conversation. Young people exchange stories, listen and learn from each other . One participant from Egypt said: “This is true happiness through joyful communication between brothers and races.” Such comments speak louder than any statistics.

Still, the numbers are impressive:

  • More than 400 young people have already participated
  • Over 90% of participants say the meetings are useful and inspiring
  • People with intellectual disabilities are co-leaders – equal and active in every phase

The next exchange will take place on May 17, 2025 from 10 am to 12 pm, with the topic “How can volunteering improve your future?” Arka Korablja invites all young people aged 13 to 30 to get involved, and also invites teachers and assistants to involve classes and youth groups. No foreign language or special skills are required to participate – an open heart and curiosity are enough. You can apply via the platform: www.twidsa.eu

At the heart of this project are people, connections and the hope that the world can change – conversation by conversation, meeting by meeting. TwidSA is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus + programme.