Belarus Follow-Up Activities – Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC)
Introduction
The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC)" brought together young people from seven countries in Pissouri, Cyprus, from 27 March to 4 April 2026. The project aimed to empower participants to use digital storytelling, photography, theatre, filmmaking, and media literacy as tools for addressing social issues such as discrimination, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Through non-formal educational methods and intercultural cooperation, participants developed digital competences, communication skills, creativity, and a deeper understanding of social change.
Following their participation in the youth exchange, the Belarusian team organized a local dissemination activity to share the knowledge, experiences, and inspiration gained during the project with other young people. The activity focused on promoting Erasmus+ opportunities, intercultural dialogue, digital storytelling skills, and the importance of active youth participation in international projects.
Follow-Up Activity
University Dissemination Event
Location: Belarus
Date: May 2026
The Belarusian participants organized an informal dissemination event at their university to present the outcomes of the Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC) project. The activity gathered students interested in international mobility opportunities, digital media, and youth participation.
During the event, participants introduced the main objectives of the youth exchange and explained the educational journey they experienced in Cyprus. They described the different workshops and activities implemented throughout the project, including storytelling sessions, filmmaking activities, photography workshops, intercultural learning experiences, preparatory research activities, and cultural evenings. Particular attention was given to the creative process of producing short films and using digital media as a tool for addressing social issues and promoting positive change.
The participants highlighted the importance of Erasmus+ projects in developing key competences such as digital literacy, teamwork, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding. They presented photographs from the exchange, screened selected mini-movies created during the project, shared personal stories and learning experiences, and answered questions from students interested in joining future Erasmus+ opportunities.
The atmosphere was interactive and welcoming, encouraging open dialogue between participants and attendees. Many students expressed increased interest in participating in international youth exchanges and learning more about Erasmus+ programmes after the event.
2nd Follow-Up Activity
As a follow-up activity after the Erasmus+ youth exchange in Cyprus, I and Sofia organized an online workshop focused on improving photography skills. During the project in Cyprus, we learned new techniques, approaches, and ideas related to visual storytelling and photography. We wanted to share both our previous experience and the new knowledge we gained during the exchange.
The main goal of the activity was to help participants (young Belarusians livining abroad) better understand how to create stronger and more meaningful photographs. During the workshop, we discussed composition, storytelling through images, perspective, light, and ways to make photos more engaging. Participants also learned how photography can be used as a tool for communication, self-expression, and cultural exchange.
As an interactive part of the workshop, participants showed 3 photos representing their everyday lives: their home or apartment, the view from their window, and their favorite café or place in their city. Other participants tried to guess where the person was from. This activity helped everyone discover cultural similarities and differences while creating a friendly and open atmosphere.
The workshop promoted several important Erasmus+ and European values, including intercultural dialogue, respect for diversity, active participation, and mutual understanding. Through photography, participants were encouraged to look at everyday life from different perspectives and appreciate the unique experiences of people from different backgrounds. The activity created a space for learning, discussion, and cultural exchange. Participants improved their photography knowledge, shared personal stories, and connected with people from different countries. Overall, the workshop successfully continued the learning process started during the Erasmus+ project in Cyprus and helped spread the knowledge and values gained during the exchange.
Evaluation from Participants
Ilya
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Erasmus project in Cyprus! Honestly one of the best experiences of my life! In this informal atmosphere you don't just learn about other cultures, you sincerely connect with them. These projects truly unite and inspire. I also loved that we could focus only on learning, exchange and being present without worrying about accommodation or food, which made everything feel easy and meaningful. The free time for reflection gave space to think, grow and fully absorb the experience. Truly one of the most inspiring projects I've ever been part of.
Sofiya A.
I'm really thankful for the opportunity to take part in this Erasmus project. It was a truly meaningful experience for me, not only because of everything we learned, but also because of the people I met along the way. The project helped me step out of my comfort zone, see things from new perspectives and grow both personally and emotionally. I will remember the conversations, the energy of the group and all the small moments that made this experience special.
Alina
The DiGiSC project in Cyprus was my third Erasmus exchange programme and one of the most educationally and culturally enriching experiences I have had. The debates improved my ability to structure arguments, reflection activities helped me explore my identity, and group projects strengthened my responsibility and teamwork skills. Creating short films was a turning point for me, as I discovered a genuine interest in filmmaking and gained valuable digital competences. I am grateful to the organisers, facilitators, and participants for this unique experience.
Sofiya N.
Participating in this project was one of those rare experiences where the format, the people, and the content fit together almost perfectly. I felt that my opinions were genuinely heard and that there was room not only to learn new tools and methods but also to contribute my own ideas and experiences. The balance between structured activities and open discussion helped me reflect more deeply on how digital media, culture, and participation are connected in everyday life.
Bogdan
I was very happy to participate in the Erasmus+ project "Digital Storytelling for Social Change" in Cyprus. The programme provided many activities related to photography, storytelling, theatre, and filmmaking. The most exciting task was creating a short film from scratch with an international team. Working with participants from different countries allowed us to explore social change from different perspectives and experiences. It was also a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and make new friends.
Summary
The Belarusian follow-up activity successfully extended the impact of the Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC) Youth Exchange by sharing project results with students and young people interested in international cooperation and digital creativity. Through presentations, discussions, photographs, films, and personal testimonies, participants promoted Erasmus+ opportunities and demonstrated how digital storytelling can be used to raise awareness about important social issues. The activity encouraged intercultural dialogue, inspired future participation in youth exchanges, and strengthened the dissemination of the project's educational outcomes within the local community.