Building Inclusive Communities
*Together Stronger in Dutch
You're about to join 40 young people from 8 countries for a week in the Netherlands that you won't forget. Samen Sterker (Dutch for "Stronger Together") is a youth exchange all about learning about each other's cultures and habits, the similarities and the differences. Together we explore these, and from there we learn about building inclusive communities, with a focus on human rights and social justice.
This infopack has everything you need to know. Read it carefully, and if you have questions, your sending organisation and the UYN team are always just a message away.
Samen Sterker brings together young people from 8 different countries to explore inclusive community building, human rights, and social justice. Together we'll break down prejudices, develop intercultural skills, and figure out how we can each make a difference, back home and online.
Utrecht Youth Network (UYN) is a youth-led NGO based in Utrecht. Our goal is to connect people from different backgrounds so they can grow, take action, and create change together. Connected, to change. Locally we run Utrecht Changemakers and Youth for Peace. We also organise international exchanges.
International relations & community building specialist. 5+ years working with NGOs and the Ministry on international youth participation.
Including Margot, Ufuk and the rest of the team. We're here all week to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Fort Penningsveer is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built between 1883 and 1920. It's the only military fortification in the world based on water management principles. That said, it's a very basic group accommodation: think rooms with shared bunk beds, shared bathrooms and simple facilities. Pack accordingly and bring an open mind!
For more information and images of both accommodations, visit: Het Buitenverblijf and De Veste.
This youth exchange will probably feel a bit different from what you may be used to, even if you have been on an Erasmus+ project before. We will spend more time outside rather than sitting through long days in a workshop room. Expect an active week with visits to the beach for team building, cultural activities in Amsterdam and Utrecht, and workshops led mostly by the different country teams themselves. The exact timetable will be shared in the preparation meetings, but here's what to expect:
The UYN team will collect you at Haarlem Spaarnwoude station. UYN is reachable by phone during your journey. Travel together with your country team!
💶 Travel budget per country (Erasmus+ distance bands)
| Country | Organisation | Max. travel budget (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Utrecht Youth Network | €56 (green travel) |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | Dicle University Youth Network | €580 |
| 🇬🇪 Georgia | Youth for Society | €580 |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | The Nidus AMKE | €309 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | United in Diversity UA | €309 |
| 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herz. | Calendula | €309 |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | Mi Hi For Training & Development | €580 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Fundacja Platforma Integracji | €417 (green travel) |
Your sending organisation will share the exact amounts and reimbursement instructions. Keep all original tickets and receipts, these are required for reimbursement.
Pack light, you'll be in shared rooms with bunk beds. Here's what you need:
The exchange starts before you set foot in the Netherlands. Here's what to expect in the lead-up:
Samen Sterker is designed for and by young people. You're not just attending, you're shaping it. Your ideas, your workshops, your energy make this happen. Own it!
The week in the Netherlands is just the beginning. Here's what comes after:
We can't wait to meet you, learn from you, and build something meaningful together. Samen Sterker, Stronger Together.
#SamenSterk · July 2026 · Amsterdam, Netherlands
utrechtyouthnetwork@gmail.com +31 6 31 38 00 61