Up2Me expands formation across continents with AFR.E.S.H program
Envisioning new horizons between Europe and Africa requires more than economic and political collaboration—it calls for a deeper investment through education. Among the most pressing needs is equipping young people with the tools to navigate emotional and sexual development, areas often overshadowed by traditional education systems. The Up2Me program, part of the AFR.E.S.H. Project co-funded by the European Union, aims to address this gap by offering a holistic approach that nurtures all aspects of a young person’s growth.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Acciones de Familias Nuevas from Spain engaged educators, tutors, and young participants in transformative training sessions and virtual exchanges across continents. These initiatives emphasized the six interconnected dimensions of human development—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and historical (family/environment)—while fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Here are the key milestones of this journey.
Training the trainers
A virtual exchange and training session for future tutor couples of the Up2Me program was held on June 24 and 25, 2023. The event gathered 64 participants, including European and African specialists, for an enriching weekend of learning and interaction. Conducted in French and Italian with simultaneous translation, the session aimed to prepare educators to deliver the Up2Me program to children and adolescents in diverse cultural contexts.
The training emphasized the importance of intercultural exchange, with participants sharing insights from their respective regions. One participant remarked: “The content was rich and vital for our youth. The program equips us with practical tools for working with adolescents and inspires me to reach more children at all levels.”
Connecting cultures for the first time
Young participants from Europe and Africa met virtually for the first time on February 18, 2024. Over 40 young people and their tutors came together to share experiences and reflections.
The discussions revealed the universal impact of the Up2Me program, transcending cultural and social differences. Despite the wide diversity in age, culture, and social background, the experience shared by participants highlighted many common points. One young participant reflected, “This experience helped me understand myself better and connect with others in a meaningful way.”
Listening to the youth: strengthening relationships
A second virtual exchange on October 19, 2024, allowed for deeper connections among participants. This meeting brought together 48 participants from partner countries and 11 guests from other African nations. The diverse group included children under 18, young adults, and their trainers, totaling 59 individuals. The event was conducted in five languages—English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian—to accommodate various linguistic backgrounds.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on their experiences through guiding questions, such as identifying impactful songs or phrases from the Up2Me course and sharing how the program has influenced their lives. The insights gathered highlighted the program’s relevance and participants’ enthusiasm to recommend it to their peers.
Our commitment to building bridges between Europe and Africa through education and dialogue continues—explore the milestones of the AFR.E.S.H. program here.
