From 26 to 31 October, young adults from France, Malta and Germany came together at YMCA Centre Azur in Sanary-sur-Mer for “Respire, avance”, a six-day international exchange focused on digital skills, mental wellbeing and intercultural learning.
The programme brought together participants aged 18–30 through cooperation between YMCA NOVA, YMCA Malta and CVJM München, co-funded by OFAJ, the Franco-German Youth Office.
At the heart of the exchange was a simple idea: young people need space not only to build skills, but also to pause, reflect, share experiences and strengthen their confidence. Participants helped shape the programme, ensuring that their voices, questions and aspirations remained central throughout the week.
Understanding AI, information and the future of work
A central part of the programme focused on digital skills through HP learning resources and practical sessions.
Participants explored critical thinking in the age of AI, including how to assess AI-generated content, identify misleading information and use emerging technologies responsibly.
Career-focused sessions addressed another immediate need: preparing young people for an increasingly digital labour market. Participants worked on building a professional digital presence, developing stronger CVs and preparing for job interviews.
The programme also connected digital literacy with active citizenship. During a round-table discussion in Toulon with the Melting Pot Association and local partners, participants examined how algorithms and social media influence the information people receive and discussed how young people can remain informed, engaged and critical online.
The objective was not simply to teach young people how to use digital tools, but to strengthen their ability to make informed decisions about technology, information and their own professional development.
Digital skills and mental wellbeing belong together
Wellbeing was not treated as a separate topic, but as an integral part of the programme.
Under the theme “Breathe. Move forward.”, participants explored digital overload, screen time and constant connectivity, alongside practical approaches to stress management and healthier technology habits.
Through Mindful Bytes, an interactive card-based activity, participants reflected on their own relationship with digital technology and discussed ways to create more balanced habits.
The WE MIND workshops focused on stress management, positive thinking and moving beyond personal comfort zones, while the daily Hummingbird Minute created space for participants from Malta, Germany and France to share personal stories and messages with the group.
These activities supported one of the wider objectives of the exchange: helping young people build confidence, connect across cultures and support one another while navigating the pressures of an increasingly digital environment.
Turning ideas into projects
Participants were also challenged to move from discussion to practical action.
Using the SMART methodology, international teams developed project ideas with clear objectives, realistic actions and measurable outcomes. At the end of the week, teams presented their concepts during a pitch session.
This practical component allowed participants to apply skills in teamwork, planning, communication and problem-solving while working across different cultural and national backgrounds.
Learning beyond the classroom
The programme extended beyond formal sessions.
Participants explored Sanary-sur-Mer and Toulon and took part in activities designed to strengthen the international group and its connection with the local community.
A beach clean-up at Portissol Beach, organised with Surfrider Var Ouest, combined environmental action with citizen science and gave participants an opportunity to contribute directly to the local area.
Other activities included visits to the Diving Museum in Sanary-sur-Mer, Mont Faron and the port of Toulon.
Building skills and confidence for the next step
The Sanary-sur-Mer exchange reflects a broader YMCA approach to youth development: combining practical skills with wellbeing, participation and international learning.
Young people need digital and AI skills to navigate education and employment, but technical knowledge alone is not enough. Critical thinking, communication, confidence, teamwork and the ability to manage technology responsibly are increasingly part of the same skills landscape.
By bringing together young people from France, Malta and Germany, the programme created space to learn together, support one another and build the confidence to take the next step.
The initiative was implemented within YMCA’s partnership framework with HP and co-funded by OFAJ, the Franco-German Youth Office, connecting digital learning with community-based youth work and international exchange.
After six days in Sanary-sur-Mer, participants returned home with practical digital and career skills, new approaches to wellbeing, experience in project development and a stronger European network built across three countries.
