Forty-five youths from Malta, Finland, Norway, Ireland and Austria last week took part in a youth exchange entitled ‘It’s all about the food’ that dealt with themes such as eating habits, consumption, employment and the environment.
The exchange began with a series of team-building activities, discussions about fair trade and drawing up plans for an awareness campaign. An intercultural night was also held during which the youths presented typical foods and eating trends in their respective countries.
In another activity the youths had to buy ingredients and cook their own lunch, following which they discussed the theme of food carbon footprints.
In Gozo the group visited an agri-business farm were the participants got a taste of what is like to be a farmer.
The project was concluded with an awareness campaign in Valletta. It included an exhibition about food and a flashmob at City Gate aimed at raising awareness about the importance of supporting local produce, fair trade, reducing food waste and supporting farmers.
Besides making new friends from other countries and promoting the concepts of European citizenship and cooperation, the project helped participants to improve their foreign language skills and ability to take initiatives.
The participants came from Maltese youth club, ZTK, at St Margaret College, Cottonera, Varden 4, Norway, Puumala Saimaan Kaunein, Finland, Ballyfermot Youth Service, Ireland, and AK Tirol, Austria.
They were hosted at the Marsaxlokk Youth Activity Centre. The project was funded by the European education programme Erasmusplus.
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