Two teams from Algeria and Morocco engaged in the very first debate exchanges in French through Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange on 30 December 2018. The debates, assisted by a trained facilitator from Germany, centred on the themes of “secularism” and of “terrorism” and on how religious/cultural clashes contribute to social issues.

This was a unique opportunity for participants who were able to put in practice their debating skills for the first time in their language of choice, bringing them together to exchange on a topic of common concern and breaking pre-existing stereotypes, as one participant expressed: “I have learned things that I didn't know through my preparation, and have destroyed some stereotypes that I had in mind. It is very pleasing to see our generations having the will to solve things and gain back the collaboration and solidarity between the two countries.” (Female participant, 24, Algeria).

Debate Exchanges also provide the opportunity to young people in both sides of the Mediterranean to acquire and practice soft skills such as listening, understanding, and cultural intelligence. “This experience helped me improve my self-confidence and also collect new information about a topic that I heard never before of. Thanks a lot for giving me this opportunity.” (Female participant, 18, Morocco).

This experience followed another debate exchange in Arabic (also the first on of its kind), and more debates in these languages will be scheduled in 2019 through Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange.

Read more about the Online Debate Programme and how to get involved here.