The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “SDG Stories” took place from 12 to 20 September 2025 at Freudenstadt Youth Hostel in Germany. The project was organized by Youth+ and gathered enthusiastic young people from Germany, Serbia, Türkiye, Italy, Estonia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria.

The aim of the project was to help young people better understand the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to use art and storytelling to make these global challenges more relatable and inspiring.

About the Project

In today’s world, young people have access to endless information, but many still feel disconnected from the big global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. The “SDG Stories” project helped bridge this gap by showing that the SDGs are not abstract ideas — they are directly connected to everyday life and the choices we make.

During the exchange, participants discovered how comics and visual storytelling can be used to simplify complex topics and encourage action. Through drawing, writing, and teamwork, they learned to express how local stories can reflect global problems and solutions.

Learning Through Creativity

The programme combined fun, learning, and creativity. Every day, participants took part in interactive workshops that mixed education, art, and intercultural learning.

They learned about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, discussed their importance, and shared how these goals are addressed in their own countries. Facilitators used non-formal education methods, including games, storytelling sessions, and digital art activities.

One of the highlights was the Comic Creation Lab, where participants designed short comics about topics like gender equality, climate action, and responsible consumption. The aim was to communicate big messages in simple, powerful ways that could inspire others to think and act.

“It was amazing to see how art can make difficult topics easier to understand,” said a participant from Estonia. “We learned that a good story can reach people’s hearts faster than any report.”

Developing New Skills

Through the workshops, young people developed several key skills, such as:

• Creative thinking and communication – by turning ideas into stories and visual messages.

• Digital competence – by using tools for comic and graphic creation.

• Teamwork and intercultural understanding – by working in mixed groups from seven countries.

• Critical thinking – by exploring how small actions can help achieve global change.

In addition, participants gained a better understanding of the Erasmus+ Programme and its role in empowering young people across Europe.

From Stories to Action

The week concluded with a public exhibition of the comics created during the project. The event was open to the local community in Freudenstadt, giving young people the chance to present their work and explain the messages behind their stories. Visitors were impressed by how creatively the participants connected global goals to real-life examples.

Many participants said that the project changed their perspective on global challenges. They realized that awareness can start with simple actions — like creating a comic that makes someone think differently about sustainability.

Lasting Impact

The “SDG Stories” youth exchange created a strong sense of connection among the participants. They left the project with not only new artistic and digital skills but also greater confidence to speak about sustainability in their own communities.

Several national groups planned to continue their work after returning home. They agreed to share their comics online and to organize local workshops to teach other young people how to use art for social change.

The results of the project also contributed to Youth+’s mission of empowering young people to take active roles in promoting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.