Preparation Activities

Preparation activities play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, inclusion, and smooth implementation of the Digital Storytelling for Social Change (DiGiSC) Youth Exchange. All partner organizations will actively engage participants in structured preparation tasks between January and March 2026, allowing them to arrive motivated, informed, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the project.

These activities will support participants in getting to know each other in advance, understanding the project theme, strengthening digital and intercultural competences, and contributing creatively to the common project identity.

1. Personal Posters

Deadline: 15 February

Each participant will create a personal poster introducing themselves to the group. The poster will include basic information (name, country, interests), personal motivations for joining the project, expectations, and a short reflection on what "social change" means to them.

These posters will be shared in the project's online spaces (Facebook group / WEBPAGE) to:

• Encourage early bonding among participants

• Reduce anxiety before the exchange

• Foster a sense of belonging and diversity within the group

An example of personal posters of other project in the link: https://cant-you-sea.webnode.page/participants/ 

2. Participation in the Logo Contest

Deadline: 15 February

Participants will be invited to actively contribute to the DiGiSC Logo Contest, proposing visual designs that reflect the project's values: social change, diversity, inclusion, and digital storytelling.

This activity:

• Strengthens participants' sense of ownership of the project

• Encourages creativity and digital expression

• Helps establish a strong visual identity for dissemination

The winning logo will be used across project materials, the website, social media, and dissemination outputs. Regulations of the Logo Contest that will take place in all countries at the link: https://digisc2.webnode.page/logo-contest/ 

3. Research on the Theme of the Project

Deadline: 15 March

Participants will conduct individual or small-group research on topics related to the project theme, such as:

• Social change in their local communities

• Human rights, inclusion, diversity, or environmental justice

• Representation of social issues in media and digital storytelling

The aim is to help participants arrive with:

• A shared understanding of key concepts

• Real-life examples from their countries

• Ideas they can later transform into digital stories during the Youth Exchange

4. National Team Posters (4 Posters per Country)

Deadline: 15 March

Each national team will prepare four thematic posters presenting:

• Social issues relevant to their local context

• Challenges faced by marginalized groups

• Existing initiatives or good practices

• Messages they want to communicate through storytelling

These posters will be used during the Youth Exchange as discussion starters, visual learning tools, and exhibition material, supporting intercultural learning and peer exchange.

5. Preparation of the Intercultural Night

Each national group will prepare an Intercultural Night, showcasing elements of their culture such as:

• Traditional food, music, dances, or games

• Short performances, videos, or storytelling elements

• Cultural symbols and customs

This activity promotes:

• Mutual respect and intercultural dialogue

• Active participation and teamwork

• A safe and joyful space for cultural exchange

Coordination and Support

All preparation activities will be coordinated by the project coordinator in cooperation with group leaders. Clear guidelines, templates, and deadlines will be provided, and all materials will be uploaded to the shared project folder. Partner organizations will support participants locally and ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and active engagement throughout the preparation phase.

A short preparation activities report will be submitted by each organization by 15 March, summarizing participation and outcomes.