Finding voice at FRICTION

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to take part in FRICTION, an Erasmus+ seminar held in the charming southern Italian town of Lecce, organized by the Terzo Millennio team. The program brought together youth workers from all across the globe to explore, reflect, and reimagine their roles in the field. While the experience touched all of us in unique ways, I want to share the story of someone who stood out to me, a first-time participant who left the seminar transformed.

This is the experience of Manon Marc, a 21-year-old from France, who joined FRICTION with no clear expectations, just eager for new experiences.

Despite being new to the Erasmus+ world, Manon dove in with curiosity and honesty. The seminar invited participants to reflect on the concept of “friction”, both internal and external, and how it can fuel growth. For Manon, the friction became a call to action:

“To really ask young people. To be on the streets. To be there.”

She discovered how fragile, yet vital, the role of a youth worker can be. FRICTION gave space for participants to voice fears, doubts, and hopes without judgment. Manon described the group as a safe space where vulnerability wasn’t a weakness but a shared strength.

“We thought a lot about our role as youth workers and how to empower youth without taking up their space.”

One moment that stands out vividly for her was a playful, spontaneous night with another participant, Selia, where the group celebrated Manon’s “fake birthday.” It sounds small and silly, but for Manon, it was a turning point, it was a night of ease, laughter, and feeling truly seen.

At the start of the seminar, she found herself needing time alone, unsure of how to fully engage. But something shifted over time and connections grew more natural, the language barriers melted, and her heart opened to the diverse community around her.

“Now it’s easier, more natural to interact. It melts my heart. And the food is amazing!”

From the Friction Café activity to late-night conversations and group reflections, every moment offered something valuable, either an insight, comfort, or simply a reason to laugh.

“There are only inspiring people here.”

Beyond the personal breakthroughs, there were practical outcomes too. Manon was surprised to walk away with real solutions and new knowledge.

As a very important part of her growth, she mentions that her English improved immensely.

When asked how she’d describe the seminar to someone who wasn’t there, she replied very quickly:

“It’s about young people—and how they deserve just to be.”

As Manon heads home, she carries with her a quiet but powerful shift, feeling more confident, more connected, and, by her own words: “full of energy and inspiration.”

FRICTION was a shared experience, but through Manon’s eyes, it becomes clear that this kind of program doesn’t just teach, it transforms us.

– Ajša Đečević, Forum MNE