Roots & Beats Youth Exchange
Activity Schedule
Explore the complete Roots & Beats journey, from arrival and team building to music creation, community action, intercultural learning, Youthpass reflection and final follow-up.
- LocationMonemvasia, Greece
- Arrival Day20 October 2026
- Activity Days21–29 October 2026
- Departure Day30 October 2026
- Main Public Event25 October 2026
- Participating CountriesGreece, Bulgaria, Spain and Lithuania
Activity types
- Meal
- Workshop
- Cultural
- Reflection
- Travel
- Public
- Environment
- Youthpass
- Free time
- Break
- Briefing
Arrival DayTuesday, 20 October 2026
Welcome to Monemvasia
-
Arrivals and Accommodation
TravelWelcome the national groups, complete registration, allocate rooms and provide initial practical support.
-
Dinner
MealFirst shared meal and informal introduction between participants.
-
Welcome and Practical Information
BriefingProvide a short briefing about:
- the accommodation venue
- meal times
- meeting points
- important contacts
- the following day’s programme
No full educational session will take place because the national groups may arrive at different times.
Day 1Wednesday, 21 October 2026
Getting to Know Each Other, Team Building and Project Introduction
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Name Games and Getting-to-Know-You Activities
WorkshopParticipants begin with:
- name games
- icebreakers
- short activities in pairs
- the creation of mixed international teams
- cooperative group challenges
The aim is to help participants learn each other’s names, feel comfortable and begin forming one international group.
-
Break
Break -
Project Compass and General Safety Information
WorkshopPresent:
- the Roots & Beats project
- its main objectives
- the complete activity programme
- the four AI-created songs
- the traditional dance lessons
- the community interviews
- the public event
- the underwater cleanup
- the expected project results
Participants also create:
- a common group agreement
- an expectations wall
- communication and respect guidelines
- daily roles and responsibility teams
This session also includes general information about:
- emergency contacts
- meeting points
- evacuation procedures
- basic accommodation rules
- the buddy system
- communication with group leaders
The specialised first-aid and marine-safety training will be delivered by the diving instructor on 25 October.
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest and Free Time
Free time -
Starting Point – Initial Evaluation
ReflectionParticipants complete:
- an initial questionnaire
- a short competence self-assessment
- questions about their existing knowledge and attitudes
- their personal learning expectations
The results will form the project baseline and will be compared with the final evaluation on 29 October.
-
Youthpass and the Learning Journey
YouthpassIntroduce Youthpass and the eight Key Competences.
Distribute learning diaries and create the shared Learning Wall.
Explain that participants will record:
- what they did
- what they learned
- which competence they developed
- which specific experience demonstrates their learning
-
Dinner
Meal -
Welcome Evening
CulturalA relaxed social evening with music and group connection activities.
Day 2Thursday, 22 October 2026
Cultural Roots, Traditional Dance and Music
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Roots of Europe Map
CulturalThe national groups present cultural and historical elements from Greece, Bulgaria, Spain and Lithuania, including:
- cultural symbols
- historical events
- musical traditions
- local stories
- their connection to European identity
All contributions are added to a shared European map.
-
Break
Break -
Traditional Dance Lesson – Greece and Lithuania
CulturalThe dance teacher, together with the Greek and Lithuanian groups, introduces selected traditional dances.
Participants learn:
- basic steps
- formations
- rhythms
- the social and cultural role of each dance
The lesson should be participatory and based on peer learning.
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest and Free Time
Free time -
Sound Roots Lab
WorkshopEach country presents:
- traditional rhythms
- musical instruments
- characteristic sounds
- musical stories
- themes that could inspire the new songs
Create four mixed international music teams, one for each new song.
-
AI Music Lab I – From Roots to Prompt
WorkshopIntroduce the selected AI music tools and basic ethical principles.
Each group works on:
- the song’s theme and message
- lyrics
- musical style
- traditional cultural references
- prompt creation
- the distribution of responsibilities within the team
-
Daily Reflection
ReflectionParticipants record the main learning points in their learning diaries.
-
Dinner
Meal -
Greek and Lithuanian Cultural Evening
CulturalParticipants present music, customs, games and elements of daily culture from Greece and Lithuania.
Day 3Friday, 23 October 2026
European Values, Traditional Dance and Song Creation
-
Breakfast
Meal -
EU in Action
WorkshopRun an experiential simulation of the European institutions.
Participants take on roles connected to:
- the European Parliament
- the European Commission
- the Council of the European Union
- citizens and local communities
They discuss and negotiate proposals for sustainable rural and coastal communities.
-
Break
Break -
Traditional Dance Lesson – Spain and Bulgaria
CulturalThe dance teacher and the Spanish and Bulgarian groups introduce selected traditional dances.
Participants compare:
- rhythm
- formations
- movement
- the social character of each dance
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest and Free Time
Free time -
AI Music Lab II – Generate and Refine
WorkshopThe four music teams use their prompts to produce different musical versions.
They assess:
- sound quality
- connection with cultural traditions
- the central message
- lyrics
- authenticity
- suitability for a public presentation
Each team selects the strongest direction for its song.
-
Break
Break -
Community Interview Lab
WorkshopPrepare participants for their interviews with the local community.
The workshop includes:
- active listening
- open questions
- presenting the project clearly
- informed consent
- photography and video rules
- interview role-play
The teams prepare common questions about:
- life in Monemvasia
- local traditions
- music and dance
- tourism
- changes in the coastal environment
- cooperation between young Europeans
-
Daily Reflection
Reflection -
Dinner
Meal -
Spanish and Bulgarian Cultural Evening
Cultural
Day 4Saturday, 24 October 2026
Song Completion, Community Interviews and Public-Event Preparation
-
Breakfast
Meal -
AI Music Lab III – Final Public Versions
WorkshopThe music teams complete the first full versions of the four songs.
They work on:
- final lyric corrections
- musical structure
- cultural references
- preparation of the audio files
- presentation rehearsals
The songs must be ready for their first public presentation on 25 October.
-
Break
Break -
Public-Event Preparation
WorkshopRehearse the dances and songs and assign responsibilities for:
- welcoming the public
- presenting the project
- informing local residents
- photography and video
- recording the collected waste
- conducting interviews
- supporting the diving team
- collecting public feedback
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest and Team Preparation
Free time -
Interviews with the Local Community
PublicMixed international teams conduct scheduled interviews with:
- local residents
- professionals
- local businesses
- representatives of local organisations
- people familiar with the history and traditions of Monemvasia
With the necessary consent, the teams collect:
- photographs
- audio material
- video
- personal stories
- views about the environment and the local community
-
Story Harvest
WorkshopThe teams return and organise their material.
They select:
- the most important interview extracts
- the strongest photographs
- common themes
- material for the documentary and website
-
Dinner
Meal -
Final Operational Briefing
BriefingMeet with the municipality, professional divers, group leaders and event coordinators.
Confirm:
- weather conditions
- equipment
- access points
- team responsibilities
- emergency contacts
- the next day’s timetable
Day 5Sunday, 25 October 2026
Blue Roots & Beats – Public Environmental and Cultural Action
This is the main public event of the youth exchange.
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Transfer and Gathering at the Port
Travel -
First Aid and Marine-Activity Safety
BriefingThe diving instructor delivers a practical lesson covering:
- basic first aid
- responding to an emergency
- safety in the port area
- use of the buddy system
- keeping a safe distance from diving equipment
- the limits of participant involvement
- safe and inclusive participation
- the responsibilities of the shore-based teams
At the same time, the professional diving team prepares the specialised diving equipment.
-
Public Opening
PublicA short welcome by the municipality and the project team.
Present the environmental objective of the activity and the essential safety rules.
-
Equipment Setup and Underwater Port Cleanup
EnvironmentOnly professional divers enter the water.
Participants work in shore-based teams and take responsibility for:
- receiving collected objects
- photography and video
- initial recording
- informing the public
- interviewing local residents and divers
- supporting logistics
- managing the presentation area
-
Initial Waste Recording and Organisation
EnvironmentPlace the collected objects safely into categories such as:
- plastic
- glass
- metal
- fishing equipment
- mixed waste
- large objects
-
Community Lunch
MealA light shared meal with participants, partners, divers and members of the local community.
-
Open Information Area and Technical Preparation
PublicThe public event continues in a more informal format through:
- an exhibition of the results
- information for visitors
- presentation of photographs
- conversations with the divers
- preparation of the cultural stage
This is not a separate educational workshop. It is a continuation of the public event.
-
Waste Audit – Presentation of Results
EnvironmentPresent:
- the waste categories
- the collected quantities
- the most unusual findings
- the environmental problems connected to them
- suggestions for protecting the port
-
Cultural Stage – Traditional Dances and AI Songs
CulturalThe programme includes:
- a presentation of the traditional dances
- the first public presentation of the four AI-created songs
- a short explanation of the creative process
- participatory dancing with members of the public
-
Community Feedback and Blue Pledges
PublicInvite the public to leave comments, suggestions and small personal commitments for cleaner seas and coastlines.
-
Participant Reflection
ReflectionConduct a short reflection on the day, cooperation, safety and interaction with the local community.
-
Dinner
Meal
Day 6Monday, 26 October 2026
A Lighter Day and Exploration of Monemvasia
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Monemvasia Cultural Quest
CulturalParticipants explore the castle town in mixed groups through missions and challenges related to:
- history
- architecture
- local daily life
- traditions
- the natural environment
- photography and observation
-
Quest Debrief
ReflectionThe teams present the discoveries, photographs and stories collected during the quest.
-
Lunch
Meal -
Free Time and Rest
Free time -
Learning Journal and Photo Circle
YouthpassEach participant selects one photograph that represents their experience so far and explains which Youthpass competence it connects to.
Selected photographs may be included in the documentary and website.
-
Free Time
Free time -
Tastes of Europe – Gastronomic Evening
CulturalThe four national groups and local businesses present:
- flavours
- local products
- food stories
- sustainable local practices
Dinner is incorporated into this activity.
Day 7Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Environmental Impact and Digital Production
-
Breakfast
Meal -
World Café – From Local Action to European Responsibility
WorkshopCreate thematic discussion tables focusing on:
- solidarity
- diversity
- active citizenship
- sustainable tourism
- marine protection
- the responsibility of young people and local communities
-
Break
Break -
Blue Impact Review
EnvironmentAnalyse the public environmental action by examining:
- the quantity and categories of collected waste
- public participation
- community feedback
- environmental messages
- opportunities to repeat similar activities in the partner countries
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest
Free time -
Production Lab I
WorkshopParallel teams work on:
- editing the short documentary
- selecting photographs
- subtitles
- interview material
- content for the methodology guide
- dissemination material
-
Break
Break -
Production Lab II – Final Files
WorkshopComplete:
- the final mastering of the four songs
- titles and credits
- consent checks
- website files
- photographic material
- the first complete documentary version
-
Daily Reflection
YouthpassReview learning diaries and collect evidence of learning for Youthpass.
-
Dinner
Meal
Day 8Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Historical Memory, Peace and European Values
Ohi Day. The group takes part in the local commemorative events organised by the municipality.
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Ohi Day Local Events
PublicThe exact time will follow the official programme announced by the municipality.
Before attending the events, participants receive a short briefing about:
- the historical context of 28 October
- the importance of the day in Greece
- the commemorative character of the events
- respectful behaviour during the ceremonies
Participants then attend:
- the local parade
- commemorative ceremonies
- activities and spaces prepared by the municipality
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest
Free time -
From Memory to Peace
WorkshopMixed international groups explore how historical memory connects to:
- freedom
- democracy
- peace
- human rights
- European cooperation
The activity must use an educational and intercultural approach without party-political or nationalistic framing.
-
Break
Break -
Four Countries, Four Memories
CulturalEach national group presents an important day of historical memory from its country.
The groups create shared cards under the title:
“What Europe Should Never Forget”
-
Video Statements and Reflection
ReflectionParticipants record short personal statements about memory, peace and cooperation between European peoples.
-
Dinner
Meal -
Free Evening
Free time
Day 9Thursday, 29 October 2026
Final Evaluation, Youthpass and Closing
The closing day of the exchange: results, evaluation, Youthpass and farewell.
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Results Premiere
PublicPresent all the main project results:
- the short documentary
- the four final songs
- photographs
- interview extracts
- underwater-cleanup results
- waste data
- messages from the local community
-
Break
Break -
Final Evaluation – From Starting Point to Change
ReflectionParticipants repeat the initial questionnaire and compare their development.
The evaluation includes:
- quantitative comparison with the baseline
- group discussions
- evaluation stations
- personal feedback
- activity evaluation
- feedback for the partners and organisers
-
Lunch
Meal -
Rest and Personal Preparation
Free time -
Youthpass Competence Lab
YouthpassCreate eight stations, one for each Youthpass Key Competence.
Participants:
- select personal examples
- discuss what they learned
- receive peer feedback
- complete their personal reflection
- connect specific experiences with the eight Key Competences
-
Follow-up and Dissemination Plans
WorkshopEach national team creates a continuation plan that identifies:
- one local follow-up activity
- its target group
- responsible people
- a proposed timeline
- the material that will be used
- the method of documentation
Confirm the material that will later be added to the existing project website.
-
Youthpass and Certificate Ceremony
YouthpassPresent Youthpass certificates and participation certificates.
Recognise each participant’s contribution, involvement and learning journey.
-
Farewell Dinner
Meal -
Closing Circle
CulturalClose the shared Learning Wall.
Participants exchange personal messages, and each national group offers a short dance, song or cultural farewell.
Departure DayFriday, 30 October 2026
Safe travels home
-
Breakfast
Meal -
Check-out and Departures
TravelCheck rooms and travel documents and support each national group with its safe departure.
After the Youth Exchange
Follow-up Activities
The Roots & Beats journey does not end on the departure day. After the mobility, the project continues through:
- final editing of the short documentary
- publication of the four songs
- creation of a digital archive on the existing website
- publication of photographs and selected interviews
- publication of the underwater-cleanup results
- completion of the methodological material
- dissemination of project results by all partners
- one local follow-up activity in every participating country
- collection of evidence from the national follow-up activities