Between July 18–27, six young people from Greece took part in the "Youthcracy" Youth exchange program, which took place at the Loryhan Youth Center in the Belgian Ardennes. Read the impressions of one of the participants Marilita.
"The Youthcracy program was a very interesting experience for all participants. It was a simulation of a democratic society that unfolded within the small community of participants in the program. Through this program, many people understood how our society works, because things that actually happen in our everyday lives were also happening within the simulation.
It was a very pleasant environment and, beyond the educational nature of the program, participants also had fun. The fact that there were many people from different countries was very important for the exchange of opinions and cultures. It was a very enjoyable and interesting experience, and every participant came out enriched, as they now have a better understanding of how the mechanisms of democracy and society function.
The simulation worked as follows: every 2–3 days elections were held, and parties created by the participants had the opportunity to present activities they had planned to carry out if their party won. These activities could be excursions, such as the trip to Brussels on the second-to-last day, or games like treasure hunts, or even parties!
The program also had a constitution, meaning the basic rules. The party that was in government at the time could change it with the approval of the president. If someone acted against the constitution, then a trial would take place. Judges were chosen by the president. There was also a media team and a police force, both appointed by each government.
This program gave participants a lot of freedom thanks to these mechanisms."
