DCA – Differences Challenge Assumptions
DCA – Differences Challenge Assumptions” is a transnational project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and coordinated by a consortium of youth-focused organizations from across Europe and the Mediterranean. The project aims to foster critical thinking, empathy, and intercultural dialogue among young people by addressing the ways in which assumptions, stereotypes, and prejudices are formed and sustained in society. Rooted in the belief that diversity is a strength and not a threat, DCA seeks to empower young people to recognize, question, and deconstruct the unconscious biases that shape their perceptions of others. The project utilizes non-formal education tools, including workshops, storytelling, intercultural exchanges, and creative media, to create inclusive spaces where dialogue and understanding can flourish. The initiative brings together youth workers, educators, and activists from different cultural, social, and professional backgrounds to share experiences, develop skills, and co-create innovative educational materials that challenge discriminatory attitudes and promote social inclusion. DCA is not only a learning opportunity for participants but also a platform for multiplying positive change within communities by encouraging young people to become active agents of inclusion, solidarity, and diversity.
Project objectives
• Promote critical thinking among young people about stereotypes, prejudices, and cultural assumptions.
• Encourage dialogue and mutual understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds. • Develop youth workers’ capacities to address topics related to inclusion, diversity, and discrimination through non-formal education.
• Raise awareness of the dangers of discriminatory attitudes and unconscious bias in everyday life.
• Provide young people with tools and opportunities to challenge misinformation and hate speech online and offline.
• Strengthen cooperation between youth organizations across Europe and the Mediterranean.
• Foster inclusive and democratic youth participation in community life and policy-making.
• Support the creation of innovative educational resources that can be used in youth work and educational contexts.
Entrer
Partner organizations
• 7 NGOs from different regions:
• Portugal: Teatro Metaphora (Coordinator)
• Romania: A.R.T. Fusion
• Poland: We Add Wings
• Egypt: Have a Dream
• Jordan: Jordan Youth Innovation Forum
• Morocco: Morocco's Friends Foundation
• Tunisia: EuroMed EVE
Our
Projects
DCA / CBY “Differences Challenge Assumptions”
📌 Project Mobility Update: “Differences Challenge Assumptions” – Kick-off Meeting in Cairo, Egypt 🌍
In April, the city of Cairo hosted the inaugural transnational meeting of the “Differences Challenge Assumptions” project – a forward-looking Erasmus+ initiative co-funded by the European Commission. Representatives of seven partner organizations from Europe and North Africa came together for the first time to collaborate in person, set common goals, and define a strategic direction for the project.
During this three-day mobility, participants engaged in detailed planning sessions and workshops to establish the project's framework, methodologies, and upcoming activities. Beyond the strategic work, the meeting fostered intercultural exchange, trust-building, and mutual understanding – all within the vibrant context of Egyptian heritage and hospitality.
🎯 Project Objectives:
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Promote inclusive approaches to cultural diversity in youth work
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Challenge and rethink stereotypical narratives
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Strengthen competencies of youth workers and educators across partner countries
🤝 Project Consortium:
Led by Teatro Metaphora (Portugal), the partnership includes:
🇷🇴 A.R.T Fusion (Romania)
🇪🇬 Have a Dream (Egypt)
🇵🇱 Uskrzydlamy (Poland)
🇹🇳 EuroMed EVE (Tunisia)
🇯🇴 JYIF (Jordan)
🇲🇦 MFF (Morocco)
📚 What’s Next?
The next phase of the project will take place this summer with the first training course focused on inclusive youth engagement strategies. The long-term outcome will be a practical handbook designed to support youth leaders and educators in delivering impactful, non-formal education activities centered around diversity and inclusion.
🔗 Stay connected to follow our journey, discover tools, and explore results from the “Differences Challenge Assumptions” project.
Tc In Romania
"Diversity, Intersectionality & Narratives Training – RomaniaWhat an unforgettable journey we had during these 8 days of learning, sharing, and connecting under the DCA project! Participants from Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, Poland, Romania, Portugal, and Morocco came together to explore diversity, identity, and narratives — and here’s a look back:
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Diversity, Intersectionality & Narratives Training – Romania
What an unforgettable journey we had during these 8 days of learning, sharing, and connecting under the DCA project! Participants from Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, Poland, Romania, Portugal, and Morocco came together to explore diversity, identity, and narratives — and here’s a look back:
Day 1 – Introductions & Bonding
We kicked off by meeting each other through fun bonding activities , building the first connections that would carry us through the week.
Day 2 – Assumptions & Norms
Interactive exercises helped us reflect on assumptions and social norms, uncovering how unconscious biases influence our daily lives.
Day 3 – Privilege & Identity
Through stories and reflections , we discovered how different layers of identity intersect, and why empathy is key to inclusive communities.
Day 4 – Intersectionality & Free Time
We explored intersectionality —connecting identity, privilege, and systemic inequalities. Later, we enjoyed free time to discover Romanian culture.
Day 5 – Reactions to Diversity
We explored how people respond to differences — with acceptance, resistance, or transformation — and reflected on our role in promoting inclusion.
Day 6 – Diversity in Media Narratives
Participants analyzed how media can reinforce stereotypes or challenge them , gaining insights into the power of stories in shaping societies.
Day 7 – Narratives & Research Planning
We learned from a researcher , planned our future contributions, and left inspired with new tools to take beyond the training.
Day 8 – Open Conversations & Goodbye
Our final day was emotional . We shared reflections, highlights, and hopes for the future — leaving with knowledge, friendships, and determination to create change in our communities.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey so meaningful!
