Strong Tomorrows with Children: Giving Children a Voice Through Creativity, Communication, and Social Awareness

Between 8–14 October 2025, Asociación LEGO hosted the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project “Strong Tomorrows with Children” in Seville, Spain (Project Reference No: 2025-1-ES02-KA152-YOU-000297708). The project brought together participants from Spain, Türkiye, Albania, Hungary, and Ukraine with the common goal of raising awareness about the lives of children living in child protection institutions, promoting social inclusion, and encouraging young people to become active advocates for children's rights and well-being.

One of the key activities of the day was “Junior Journalism: KIDNEWS Chronicles,” coordinated by Albania. During visits to child protection institutions, participants engaged directly with children through creative workshops, interviews, and games. Children were encouraged to express their thoughts, dreams, and feelings by answering reflective questions and creating drawings inspired by their imagination. Their anonymous stories, ideas, and messages were then collected for the creation of KidNews, a special newspaper designed to amplify children's voices and strengthen the connection between children and the wider community. Through this activity, participants learned the importance of active listening, empathy, and creating safe spaces where children feel valued and heard.

Another important activity was “Sharing Our Story: Spreading the Message,” coordinated by Spain. Participants collaborated with local primary school students in a large dissemination event in Seville. Together, they decorated reusable cloth bags, shared information about Erasmus+, introduced the goals of the project, and distributed copies of the KidNews newspaper to local citizens. The activity encouraged interaction between young people, children, and the local community while challenging stereotypes about children living in care institutions. Participants developed communication, teamwork, and intercultural dialogue skills while learning how awareness campaigns can create positive social impact and inspire greater community involvement.

Throughout the day, participants explored how creativity, storytelling, and public engagement can become powerful tools for social change. By working directly with children and community members, they gained a deeper understanding of the emotional and social challenges faced by children in care, while also discovering practical ways to promote inclusion, solidarity, and equal opportunities. The activities highlighted the importance of giving children a voice, respecting their perspectives, and building supportive environments where they can thrive.

The day concluded with the project’s Daily Evaluation and Leaders’ Meeting, coordinated by Hungary. Participants reflected on their experiences, assessed their personal learning outcomes, and shared observations about the impact of the activities. Through reflection, discussion, and evaluation, they strengthened their critical thinking, self-assessment, and teamwork skills while identifying ways to further improve future activities. These sessions ensured that every participant’s voice was heard and that the project continued to evolve through collective learning and continuous improvement.

Through meaningful interaction, creative expression, and community engagement, the Strong Tomorrows with Children project continued its mission of empowering young people to become advocates for children’s rights and building stronger, more inclusive societies for future generations.