• Dates of the project: 31st  August – 9th September 2025
• 26 participants from four countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Germany and Slovenia
• Age: 18 to 26 years old
• Programme highlights: Camp des Milles internment and deportation camp in WW2, Reception by the mayor of Avignon, History Museum Jean Garcin, Fort Saint-André; Marseille MUCEM  Museum, visit of the youth center Croix des Oiseaux.
• Partners: Les Francas (ESC Croix des Oiseaux), National Youth Council of Slovenia, German War Graves Commission; City of Sarajevo; Camp des Milles

The aim of this intercultural encounter was to raise participants' awareness of the memory of the Second World War and war crimes committed during the war in the south of France, while promoting dialogue, European cooperation and the construction of a culture of peace. The programme gathered 27 participants from 4 European countries, including young people, youth workers and professionals in history. The event was open to all interested young people - regardless of gender, disability or personal circumstances.

The stay began with the various groups being welcomed at the Avignon youth hostel. The first day was devoted to team-building activities and a presentation of the programme, in order to create a climate of trust and exchange between the young people. A 3D printing workshop at the ESC social centre then introduced the creative and participatory dimension of the project.

The following days alternated between cultural discoveries, memorial visits and group activities. The visit to the Camp des Milles Memorial, a former internment and deportation camp, was a highlight of the trip. There, the young people deepened their understanding of the historical mechanisms leading to war, hatred and discrimination. 

A nature outing to the Pont du Gard combined sport and heritage discovery through a kayaking activity, followed by a collaborative workshop dedicated to creating a contribution to the Against forgetting-exhibition. This work, carried out throughout the project, aimed to synthesise the young people's learning and express their reflections on memory, tolerance and peace through a variety of media.

The programme also included a visit to the Jean Garcin Museum – Memory of the Resistance and Deportation in Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, as well as emblematic monuments in Avignon, such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon. An official meeting with the Mayor of Avignon provided an opportunity to discuss contemporary issues related to memory and citizenship. In the evening, a dinner at the ESC Croix des Oiseaux social centre provided a special opportunity for intercultural exchanges with the local population.

A day trip to Marseille then allowed participants to visit the Memorial to the Deportations and the MUCEM, before enjoying some free time to discover the city's cultural and maritime riches. The last few days of the trip were spent finalising the exhibition and podcast, and exploring Fort Saint-André, before concluding the project with a convivial evening of bowling, symbolising the cohesion and bonds created between the young people.

Throughout this experience, participants were invited to reflect on how remembering the past can fuel a commitment to a peaceful and united future. The project contributed to the development of intercultural skills, civic awareness and the promotion of European values of respect, tolerance and cooperation.