The exchange in Poland, “Voices to Inspire,” organized within the Erasmus+ training program by YOWO Poland and held in Osieck from March 14 to 22, 2026, was another in a series of rich international experiences for our volunteers, Milan Subotic and Nebojsa Kneževic- this time with a special focus on creativity, practical learning, and connecting with people from diverse organizations.
The program was carefully designed to combine theory and practice, with a clear emphasis on visual communication and presenting organizational values in an innovative way. Through group work, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences from their NGO sectors, while also jointly reflecting on potential future collaborations. The facilitators effectively distributed roles and approaches, ensuring a dynamic and easy-to-follow workflow, without difficulties and with continuous support throughout.
As Milan highlighted: “The program showed us the possibility of learning from one another, but also of practically presenting the values of our organizations through visual communication.”
A distinctive quality of this exchange lay in its methodology—learning through games and simulations. One of the most memorable moments was the “civic engagement” simulation task, where participants were challenged to present their ideas and secure support for a project within a very short time. In an unusual scenario, where the conversation with a “decision-maker” took place in an elevator and lasted only two minutes, creativity, resourcefulness, and improvisation came to the forefront. Milan approached the task directly and confidently, drawing on elements of popular culture and a compelling narrative to capture attention and “win over” his interlocutor. Nebojsa, on the other hand, took a completely different approach – relaxed and humorous, using informal communication and wit to establish a connection and leave a lasting impression. This diversity of styles clearly demonstrated how different communication approaches can be equally effective.
Beyond the working sessions, the exchange also provided space for informal socializing and networking with participants from other countries. Free time was filled with conversations, music, and shared activities, while the natural surroundings further enriched the overall experience. As Milan described: “We had plenty of time to get to know other participants, exchange experiences, and spend quality time together, whether through conversations or activities in nature.”
Logistical aspects were also well managed – accommodation and organization were at a high level, with minor challenges such as the distance between facilities, which occasionally required additional movement. The meals were diverse and adapted to different needs, while traditional Polish dishes further enriched the experience and opened space for cultural exchange through food.
For Milan and Nebojsa, this was not just another exchange, but an opportunity to enhance their skills, test new communication approaches, and strengthen their network of contacts. At the same time, the experience confirms the importance of such programs for the development of individuals, as well as the organizations they represent.
