Our Experience in the 'New Beginnings: Initiative for Overcoming Addictions' Project in Poland

Between December 9-16, 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the New Beginnings: Initiative for Overcoming Addictions project in Lublin, Poland. This Erasmus+ initiative brought together 40 young participants from Austria, Turkey, Italy, and Poland to raise awareness about gambling addiction and promote social inclusion, digital competence, and intercultural communication.

Throughout the week, we engaged in a series of interactive workshops and activities designed to deepen our understanding of addiction and its impact. One of the most eye-opening sessions was “Hold on to Life: Be Aware of Gambling Addiction,” where we explored the psychological and social effects of gambling. In the “From Addiction to Freedom” session, we listened to real-life stories of individuals who overcame addiction, providing us with powerful insights into resilience and recovery.

We also conducted a Gambling Attitude Measurement survey, gathering perspectives on gambling from different cultural backgrounds. Through the Fiction Workshops and Mini Documentary Event, we worked collaboratively to create narratives and visual content that highlighted the risks of gambling addiction.

Beyond the educational activities, the cultural activities allowed us to celebrate diversity by sharing traditions, music, and cuisine from our home countries. These moments fostered strong bonds between participants and strengthened intercultural dialogue.

At the end of the project, we reflected on our learnings where we made personal commitments to combat addiction and support awareness initiatives in our communities.

This project was not just about learning—it was about transformation. We returned home with a renewed perspective on addiction, valuable communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for the Erasmus+ program. The experience reinforced the importance of collaboration in tackling global issues and empowered us to take action in our own societies.