The project focused on inclusion, outdoor activities, environmental awareness and intercultural learning. Hiking, outdoor activities, team challenges and other experiences in nature created opportunities for participants to cooperate, communicate and simply spend time together outside their usual environments. The project was designed to bring together young people with and without sensory impairments, and this interaction became one of its most interesting aspects.

Participants were not only meeting people with and without disabilities, but also discovering different ways of communicating and interacting with people with different sensory impairments. In particular, there were many attempts to connect between visually impaired and hearing-impaired participants. Communication was not always straightforward, but this was precisely what made these interactions meaningful. People had to find their own ways of understanding one another, adapting and taking the initiative.

The diversity went even further. Although the participating organisations officially came from five countries, the group itself represented many more cultural backgrounds, including people with origins in Ecuador, India, Pakistan, Portugal, Afghanistan, Turkey and Morocco. With such a large and multicultural group, communication and organisation could easily have become complicated. Nevertheless, the group managed to create a positive atmosphere and make the exchange work well.

For some participants, the experience also meant stepping outside their comfort zone. One participant, who described himself as normally not being a very social person, said:

“the project was a real challenge for me. At the same time, I learned a lot about sensory impairments and about interacting with people whose experiences were different from my own”.

Another visually impaired participant particularly appreciated the rhythm of the activities: rather than feeling overwhelmed by a demanding programme:

“I felt that the exchange had something of a holiday atmosphere: being in nature, enjoying outdoor activities and having time to experience the surroundings”.

For those who have already participated in many international projects, the activities themselves may not necessarily be new. What remains interesting, however, is seeing how differently people from different backgrounds approach the same experience. Expectations, concerns, ways of communicating and even what participants consider satisfying can vary considerably from one country or culture to another.

That may be one of the most valuable things about an exchange like Step Into Action. It is not only about doing activities together. It is about discovering how differently people can experience the same situation, finding ways to connect despite those differences, and realising that inclusion is something we build together through everyday interactions.

Any plans for this summer?

From 17 to 26 August 2026, VIEWS International is looking for four young people living in Belgium to join VIPSport without Barriers, an inclusive youth exchange taking place in Botassart, in the Belgian Ardennes. The activity is funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Over ten days, you will discover adapted sports, spend time outdoors, meet young people from Belgium, Finland, France, Romania, Slovenia and Türkiye, and experience how sport can bring people together. Whether you have already tried adapted sports or are simply curious to learn something new, this exchange is a chance to stay active, make new connections and share experiences in an inclusive environment.

Who can apply?

We are looking for:

• two young people with visual impairments;
• two sighted young people;
• aged between 18 and 30;
• living in Belgium;
• able to communicate in English.

What can you expect?

During the exchange, you will:

• discover inclusive and adapted sports;
• enjoy outdoor activities in the Belgian Ardennes;
• meet participants from six European countries;
• take part in team challenges and intercultural activities;
• learn more about accessibility, inclusion and teamwork.

Accommodation, meals and activities are provided throughout the exchange, and travel costs are reimbursed according to Erasmus+ rules.

Interested? To apply and for any questions contact us at office@viewsinternational.eu!

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Des projets pour cet été ?

Du 17 au 26 août 2026, VIEWS International recherche quatre jeunes vivant en Belgique pour participer à VIPSport without Barriers, un échange de jeunes inclusif qui se déroulera à Botassart, dans les Ardennes belges. Cette activité est financée par le programme Erasmus+.

Pendant dix jours, tu découvriras des sports adaptés, profiteras d’activités en plein air, rencontreras des jeunes venus de Belgique, de Finlande, de France, de Roumanie, de Slovénie et de Turquie, et découvriras comment le sport peut rassembler les personnes. Que tu aies déjà pratiqué des sports adaptés ou que tu sois simplement curieux·se d’essayer quelque chose de nouveau, cet échange est l’occasion de rester actif·ve, de faire de nouvelles rencontres et de partager une expérience dans un environnement inclusif.

Qui peut participer ?

Nous recherchons :

• deux jeunes ayant une déficience visuelle ;
• deux jeunes voyants ;
• âgés de 18 à 30 ans ;
• vivant en Belgique ;
• capables de communiquer en anglais.

À quoi peux-tu t’attendre ?

Pendant l’échange, tu pourras :

• découvrir des sports inclusifs et adaptés ;
• profiter d’activités en plein air dans les Ardennes belges ;
• rencontrer des participant·e·s de six pays européens ;
• participer à des défis en équipe et à des activités interculturelles ;
• en apprendre davantage sur l’accessibilité, l’inclusion et le travail d’équipe.

L’hébergement, les repas et les activités sont pris en charge pendant toute la durée de l’échange, et les frais de voyage sont remboursés conformément aux règles du programme Erasmus+.

Ça te tente ? Pour postuler ou si tu as des questions, écris-nous à office@viewsinternational.eu.

Despite this, when I arrived in Spain, I was very stressed. I am not very sporty and I am not used to cycling. I knew I was one of the few people in the group who did not have much endurance or experience with tandem biking, while some participants were already very experienced.

But in the end, I absolutely loved the experience. Of course, some moments were difficult, especially in the mountains, and in the evenings I could barely feel my legs. However, all of this helped me grow and push beyond my limits.

I already knew part of the group, and throughout the week we created even stronger bonds. The support and encouragement from the others gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like giving up.

The landscapes were breathtaking, and I felt deeply connected to nature. Cycling so much also gave me a sense of freedom and lightness in my body.

Spain is a beautiful country. People often know its famous cities, but you can also discover small hidden treasures in the mountains.

The hostel where we stayed had a rustic and family-like atmosphere. The staff were very welcoming, and the traditional Spanish food was delicious.

During our free time, we spent a lot of time together with the other participants. We talked, played card games, and listened to music. These simple moments made the experience even more special.

I would like to thank the Views International and the other associations that made this project possible. Without this experience, I do not think I would ever have imagined myself cycling 25 km in a single day.

by Zoe

Inclusion is more than just a seat in the classroom; it is about ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to a professional career. The InHo (Inclusive Horizons) project operates on the principle that true accessibility requires providing the tools necessary for a seamless transition from education to the workplace.

Currently, the project is entering its next phase of development as specialized research and data collection instruments are finalized to empower both educators and youth across Belgium. Unlike traditional educational frameworks, InHo focuses specifically on the unique potential of youth with sensory impairments.

By addressing the specific pedagogical needs, the project works to dismantle the systemic barriers that often stand between talented young people and their professional aspirations. To ensure this research is grounded in real-world expertise, the initiative involves collaboration with a network of partners specialized in guidance, training, and inclusion.

By focusing on the tools educators use every day, the objective is not just to teach skills, but to foster an environment where accessibility is the standard, not the exception. The goal is to ensure that the transition from the school environment to the Belgian labor market is a journey of opportunity rather than a series of obstacles. With the finalization of translated research modules, preparations are underway to launch a series of specialized focus groups. These sessions will gather deep insights from stakeholders and directly involve the community in shaping the future of inclusive vocational paths. This journey continues toward building Inclusive Horizons for all, turning the vision of an accessible workforce into a reality.

Sofia Mangiaterra

Building on this mission, the project’s second training session is set to move from theory to action.

From May 11 to 15, 2026, the scenic town of Agres, Spain, will host the specialized training “Inclusive Cycling: The Practice”. This gathering will bring together a dedicated cohort of youth workers from Romania, Spain, and Belgium, including participants who are blind or visually impaired, to master tandem cycling as a powerful tool for mobility and outdoor education.

The training is designed to move beyond the classroom and get participants into the saddle. Over three intensive days of practice, attendees will focus on the unique mechanics of tandem cycling, where the “pilot” (front rider) and “co-pilot” (rear rider) must operate as a single unit.

Key learning objectives include:

• Strengthening technical cycling abilities through direct outdoor sessions.
• Refining the specific verbal and physical cues required for effective pilot/co-pilot teamwork.
• Mastering risk prevention and learning how to plan routes that prioritize accessibility.
• Testing these skills in authentic outdoor environments to build confidence and autonomy.

Beyond the technical skills, the training aims to forge deep bonds of collaboration and trust. These lived experiences will contribute directly to the project’s flagship resource “Tandem for Inclusion: A Practical Guide to Inclusive Cycling”.

By the end of the week, these youth workers will return to their home communities not just as better cyclists, but as empowered leaders ready to ensure that the joy of the open road is accessible to everyone.

Dates: 10 to 16 October 2025. Place: Durrës and Golem, Albania – close to the sea, with beautiful beach walks throughout the week. Programme: Erasmus+ ACT-YOU training on inclusion and active youth participation.

Why I was there

ACT-YOU (project number 2024-3-BE04-KA153-YOU-000279439 ) brings youth workers and youth leaders together to make everyday youth work more inclusive and practical. It develops skills for human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence, and builds a European network that lasts beyond the course.

Main objectives I worked on:

• Build a strong , cross-border network supporting young people with fewer opportunities;
• Strengthen daily youth work with locally rooted, usable methods;
• Design accessible, inclusive initiatives from the start;
• Share knowledge that directly benefits both youth workers and marginalised young people.

First dinner, first voices – and the sea nearby

After a long travel day, our first dinner was inside the restaurant at Hotel Prince. Not on the beach, but near enough to feel it. During the week we took calm, restorative walks along the shore. Those walks helped us reflect, connect, and breathe between sessions. Around me were voices from Belgium, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Norway, and Albania. From the beginning, it was the sound of people – accents, laughter, the rhythm of new names – that set the tone for the week.

Drawing clocks, meeting people – with support that felt natural

We used a simple “ clock ” game to meet each other . Because I am blind, a colleague helped me draw the clock – a quick, friendly gesture that made the exercise smooth and fair. Then it was my turn to do what I do best: listen.

At each “hour,” I met a new voice and answered a short prompt: What inspires you? What kind of music do you like? When did you last feel truly included?

The activity was short, human, and effective . It turned introductions into real conversations.

A simulation I will not forget

We ran a simulation on access, trust, and communication. We wore blindfolds and rotated through stations: body gymnastics using touch, balance, and breath; barbershop role-play with eyes closed; listening to “rain” created by the waving of paper, with relaxing music and a gentle massage; a perfect-square challenge: one blindfolded leader guided the team. Success depended on clear, respectful communication.

Simple activities. Safe conditions. Strong lessons. Inclusion is not theory; it is coordination, consent, and care in motion.

What we explored during the week

Key programme themes:

• What Inclusion and Diversity mean in Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps;
• Challenges when involving young people with impairments and fewer opportunities;
• What youth work means in practice;
• Best practices that travel across countries;
• Networking and partnership building;
• Drafting recommendations and planning dissemination so our results keep living;

Intended learning outcomes that matched our practice:

• Understand specific needs;
• Improve inclusiveness through non-formal learning;
• Use practical tools from the start;
• Strengthen communication and collaboration with young people and partners;
• Explore identity and human rights in a global context.

Intercultural night – stories I could taste

Counting the travel day as Day 0, our intercultural night was on Day 3.
It was generous, joyful, and proud.

Tastes and stories:

• Norway: Smash! chocolate (sweet, salty , crunchy ) and brunost (brown cheese from caramelised goat’s milk );
• Bulgaria: lukanka ( dry-cured , spicy , pressed salami), walnut cookies , and lokum (rose and strawberry );
• Poland: Ptasie Mleczko (“bird’s milk ”), a vanilla marshmallow covered in dark chocolate .
• Slovenia: homemade elderberry juice;
• Belgium: a quiz and a clear walk-through of our famously complex political system;
• Romania: pride in their World Cup story in the USA in 1994. There was also a beautiful solo by Monika from Bulgaria.

One voice. A quiet room. A shared emotion.

Inclusion in the city – what must change

Durrës and Golem are beautiful. They are also honest about access. Roads and sidewalks were often not accessible, and independent mobility could be hard without assistance. These realities did not discourage me; they clarified our mission to design access from the beginning, not as an afterthought.

Small moments that mattered

We found time to relax at an Irish pub. We had deep , philosophical conversations. We laughed when we were stuck in Albanian traffic, especially during a chaotic “would you rather” game. One evening, we all supported Albania in a match. There was no rivalry. We were guests, happy to cheer with our hosts.

It was light, respectful, and fun – the kind of joy that builds friendship.

Who made this possible Coordinator: VIEWS International AISBL (Belgium). Host: Peace Volunteering Network (Albania). Partners included: Sakura and Babilon Travel (Romania), ASBL Loryhan (Belgium), Polski Związek Niewidomych (Poland), CuBu Foundation (Bulgaria), Slovenian Association of Disabled Students (Slovenia), and Peace Volunteering Network Norway (Norway).

Accommodation : Hotel Prince, “Mali i Robit, Rruga e Fshatrave Turistike , Golem 2504.” Check-in after 15:00. Check-out before 11:00. Rooms were double or triple. We were invited to bring an item from home for the intercultural night.

What I brought home

I left with more than notes. I left with a network and a standard.

My standard now:

• Design accessibility early;
• Communicate clearly;
• Collaborate across borders;
• Keep human dignity at the centre.

These match ACT-YOU’s objectives and outcomes. I do not picture rooms when I think of this week.
I hear it: the laughter during the clock game, the hush before a song, the waves and the beach walks that helped us reflect, and the sound of people helping one another navigate.

Inclusion is not a favour. It is the most honest way to say: your voice belongs here.

Youssri Mejdoubi