Ouro e Orixes: the gold of cultural diversity

Some experiences shine brighter than dates on a calendar, like hidden veins of gold waiting to be found. That was Ouro e Orixes, the youth exchange we held this April in Carucedo, next to Las Médulas, where young people from across Europe discovered that the real treasure is not metal but cultural diversity.

The project’s name was itself a metaphor: gold as a symbol of Europe’s diversity, a treasure revealed when stories, traditions and perspectives are shared.

Athanasios from Greece shared: “I arrived stressed with work and studies, but the people I met made the experience incredible. Their humor and kindness made me feel welcome and supported. I’ll always remember the laughs, the stories and the connections we shared.”

Noelia from Spain called it “an unforgettable project, a unique experience that opened my mind and connected me with people I never imagined I would meet.”

For Mariia from Ukraine, this was her first Erasmus+ project: “It has set the bar really high for the next ones. I will never forget the laughs, the games and the conversations with such wonderful people.” Having a group from Ukraine gave the project a deeper layer of meaning. In a context of war, creating a safe and joyful space for connection felt more important than ever.

The exchange was also a journey through the local area. We explored Las Médulas on foot, surrounded by the red slopes carved by Roman miners. In Ponferrada, we not only met with local representatives but also carried out street interviews, discovering first-hand the voices and realities of the town. And in Carucedo, not even the rain could stop us: we ended up swimming in the lake of Carucedo, laughing as if it were the sunniest day of summer.

Intercultural nights turned into trips around the world through food, music and stories. Reflection sessions invited honesty and growth, while spontaneous celebrations, birthdays, traditions, surprises, created a genuine sense of community.

What began with strangers ended with friends. Ouro e Orixes reminded us that the true gold of Europe lies in its people, its cultures and the power of meeting in diversity.

Now, as we look back at the photos from April, we feel a deep sadness about the wildfires that devastated Las Médulas this summer. Seeing such a precious natural and cultural area affected by fire was painful. But it also gives us stronger determination to keep bringing European youth exchanges there, believing that young people and international cooperation can play a role in its recovery and future.

🔗 More information:

Ouro e Orixes – Erasmus+ Youth Exchange en Carucedo