Youth exchange · 2022–2023
An Erasmus+ project focused on recognising and challenging disinformation, turning participants’ learning into resources that can be shared beyond the mobility.
The project
Fight Fake News involved five European partners from Poland, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece. The project began on 1 October 2022 and lasted seven months; the youth exchange took place in Ostuni from 17 to 26 January 2023.
The experience focused on recognising disinformation and developing a more critical approach to the information we encounter online. Non-formal education activities went beyond discussion: participants turned ideas into a book and a series of short videos about fake news.
From learning to tangible outcomes
The most recognisable outcomes are the resources made directly by young people, designed to make disinformation easier to understand and to keep the conversation going after the exchange.
Project booklet
The booklet was conceived and coordinated by participants. It brings together techniques for countering fake news and reflections on their effects, turning the exchange into a resource accessible beyond the group.
The information was compiled into one PDF by Radu, a participant from the Romanian group.
Open PDF ↗Videos
During one workshop day, participants devised and produced short videos that exaggerate and ridicule the mechanisms of fake news, using an immediate, playful language to convey an educational message.
Watch all six videos ↓Learning
The conclusion included reflection on skills developed during the exchange and Youthpass certificates. More than proof of attendance, Youthpass helps young people evaluate learning gained through non-formal education.
Critical thinking and reading information carefully.
Collaboration in international groups.
Producing and communicating content.
Project materials
The participant-created book, six videos, photographs and Youthpass work show the different forms taken by the exploration of disinformation.
Photographs, videos and a collectively produced book document how participants worked with misinformation.
Created and coordinated by the young people taking part in Fight Fake News.
This booklet was devised and coordinated by the young people who joined the Erasmus+ youth exchange Fight Fake News. It grew out of teamwork, discussion and a shared commitment to helping people recognise misleading information.
Readers will find accessible explanations of techniques for countering fake news, alongside reflections on the effects misinformation can have on younger generations.
Special thanks go to Radu, a participant from Romania, who brought the contributions together in a single PDF.
Non-formal education can also convey important messages through humour, everyday moments and creative activities.
On a rainy day, participants wrote and filmed a series of short scenes that playfully exaggerate the mechanics of misinformation. The videos were conceived and produced by the group itself.
Youthpass is a certificate issued to participants in Erasmus+ youth activities. It provides a framework for recognising and describing the competences developed through non-formal learning.
The Youthpass ceremony marked both an achievement and a farewell: participants reflected on the learning journey they had shared and the relationships formed during the exchange.
Youthpass originated within the Youth in Action programme, now part of Erasmus+ Youth, to make learning more visible, transparent and recognisable.
It is also a tool for giving recognition to non-formal education, helping participants identify and explain the skills, knowledge and attitudes they have developed.
Learn more about Youthpass.
The certificate is structured in two parts. One records the participant and the project; the other describes learning outcomes and competences reflected upon by the participant.
As well as confirming participation in activities, it encourages awareness of learning through a process of self-assessment.
Youthpass is more than a certificate: it invites young people to reflect on how and what they have learned and to recognise the value of that experience.
Although it does not constitute a formal qualification in Italy, Youthpass can help communicate non-formal learning experiences in educational, training and professional contexts.
Historical data cited in the original project materials refer to 53,457 certificates issued in Italy between 2007 and 2017 and approximately 750,000 in Europe during that period.
Secret Friend is an informal group activity popular in international youth exchanges.
Its aim is to make sure everyone feels included and cared for throughout the experience.
At the beginning, each person who wishes to take part draws another participant’s name. Without revealing the name, they then find small ways to show attention and kindness to their Secret Friend during the exchange.
For example, someone who draws Andrea’s name might leave an encouraging note, offer help or make a thoughtful gesture. The point is not to buy gifts but to pay attention to one another.
The photographs document the Secret Friend reveal, when participants discover who has been looking out for them during the exchange.
