The ReToy youth exchange brought together enthusiastic young people from Slovakia , Poland , Hungary , Romania , Bulgaria and Croatia for an inspiring week of learning, creativity and intercultural exchange. The project explored how environmental responsibility, digital innovation and artistic expression can work together to encourage young people to become active citizens and create positive change in their communities.

From the very beginning, the atmosphere was built on cooperation and friendship. Through a variety of teambuilding activities, participants quickly got to know one another, broke language barriers and developed trust within their international teams. These first days created a welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas, working together and learning from different cultures and experiences.

Discovering the World of JunkArt

One of the central themes of ReToy was JunkArt—the creative transformation of waste into something valuable and meaningful. Participants were introduced to the concept through interactive workshops, where they discussed environmental challenges, waste management, recycling and the importance of giving discarded materials a second life.

Instead of seeing rubbish as something useless, participants learned to view it as a resource that can inspire creativity and innovation. This shift in perspective encouraged everyone to think more critically about consumption, sustainability and the environmental impact of everyday choices.

Cleaning the City Together

Learning was immediately put into practice through a community clean-up in the centre of Košice. Working in international groups, participants collected litter from public spaces while interacting with local residents and raising awareness about environmental responsibility.

The clean-up was much more than simply collecting waste. It demonstrated how small actions carried out by motivated young people can make a visible difference in the community. Participants experienced first-hand the importance of civic engagement and teamwork while helping to create a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone.

The collected materials did not end up in recycling bins immediately—they became the main building material for the project's largest creative challenge.

Building a Smart City from Waste

Using the waste collected during the clean-up, participants worked together to design and construct an original Smart City model inspired by the principles of sustainability, innovation and creativity.

The project required planning, problem-solving and collaboration. Every participant contributed ideas and practical skills while transforming bottles, cardboard, plastic packaging, metal cans and other discarded materials into houses, roads, parks, public buildings and decorative elements. The finished model became a colourful representation of how imagination can transform waste into something educational and inspiring.

The Smart City was not only an artistic creation but also a symbol of environmental awareness and responsible resource management. It showed that sustainability begins with creativity and that every individual can contribute to building a better future.

Learning New Digital Skills with 3D Printing

Innovation was another important part of ReToy. Throughout the exchange, participants had the opportunity to learn how to work with a 3D printer, many of them using this technology for the first time. They explored the complete printing process—from preparing digital models and configuring print settings to loading filament, operating the printer and maintaining the equipment. Understanding how additive manufacturing works gave participants valuable practical knowledge about one of today's rapidly developing technologies.

The printed objects were then integrated into the Smart City model. Decorative elements, miniature structures and small details added realism and creativity to the final installation. Participants also printed a collection of colourful toys, demonstrating another practical application of modern manufacturing technologies.

At the end of the project, these 3D-printed toys found a new purpose. Instead of serving as souvenirs, they were donated to the Podaj Ďalej charity, allowing the project to create a positive social impact beyond the exchange itself.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Creative Communication

ReToy also introduced participants to the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Rather than focusing only on theory, the project encouraged participants to use AI as a creative tool for communication and public awareness.

Working in international teams, participants produced short promotional videos combining AI-generated content with footage recorded during the clean-up activities and throughout the project. They experimented with new digital tools while learning how AI can support creativity, storytelling and environmental campaigns.

These videos highlighted important issues such as pollution, recycling and responsible waste management while demonstrating how emerging technologies can help young people communicate social and environmental messages in innovative ways.

Sharing the Results with the Local Community

A key objective of ReToy was to ensure that the project's impact extended beyond the participants themselves. For this reason, the team organised a public dissemination event at CVČ Domino in Košice. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the Smart City model, watch demonstrations of the 3D printer and learn more about the concept of JunkArt and creative recycling. Participants proudly presented the results of their work, explained the activities carried out during the exchange and discussed the environmental ideas behind the project.

The event also introduced visitors to the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, encouraging more young people to participate in international mobility projects, develop new skills and experience intercultural learning. As a lasting reminder of the project, the Smart City model was donated to CVČ Domino, where it continues to inspire young visitors to think differently about waste, creativity and sustainability.

Learning from Each Other Through Culture

No Erasmus+ youth exchange would be complete without intercultural evenings, which became some of the most memorable moments of the project.

Each national group prepared presentations showcasing their country's traditions, history and everyday life. Participants shared traditional food, music, dances and games while introducing customs unique to their cultures. These evenings created an atmosphere of openness, respect and curiosity, allowing everyone to appreciate both the diversity and the common values shared across Europe.

Beyond the official programme, participants built friendships that crossed national borders. Conversations, teamwork and shared experiences strengthened intercultural understanding and demonstrated how international cooperation can overcome stereotypes and create lasting connections.

A Project with Lasting Impact

ReToy successfully combined environmental education, creativity, digital technologies and international cooperation into one inspiring learning experience. Participants developed practical skills in recycling, artistic creation, 3D printing and artificial intelligence while strengthening essential competences such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and project management.

More importantly, the exchange encouraged young people to become active members of their communities by showing that even small initiatives can have a meaningful impact. From cleaning public spaces and transforming waste into art, to donating 3D-printed toys and inspiring local visitors through public presentations, every activity contributed to a larger message: sustainability is not only about protecting the environment—it is about creativity, cooperation and taking responsibility for the world around us.

ReToy demonstrated that when young people from different countries come together with a shared purpose, they can combine imagination, technology and social responsibility to create solutions that benefit both their communities and the environment. The friendships, knowledge and experiences gained during the exchange will continue to inspire participants long after the project has ended, encouraging them to become ambassadors of sustainability, innovation and European cooperation in their own communities.