Up with Hope, Down with Dope - Our Project

Project Type: Youth Exchange

Project Number: 2023-1-HU01-KA152-YOU-000120035 Coordinator: FAKTOR Community Health and Sport Association

Participating Countries: Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Slovenia, Türkiye

Date: 24 December 2023 – 30 December 2023

Location: Budapest, Hungary

“Up with Hope, Down with Dope” was a Youth Exchange project coordinated by FAKTOR Community Health and Sport Association and implemented in Budapest, Hungary, from 24 to 30 December 2023, with the participation of young people from Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Slovenia and Türkiye.

The project addressed substance abuse as a major public health and social issue, with a particular focus on young people, who are among the groups most vulnerable to substance use. Substance abuse can affect not only individuals but also their families, communities and society as a whole. Therefore, increasing awareness and strengthening preventive approaches among young people are essential for creating healthier and more resilient communities.

The main aim of “Up with Hope, Down with Dope” was to raise young people's awareness of substance addiction and contribute to the development and improvement of addiction prevention initiatives. The project encouraged participants to understand the content, types, causes and consequences of addiction while helping them recognize the importance of prevention and early intervention.

Throughout the project, participants were encouraged to develop a healthier lifestyle and to understand the importance of making informed and responsible choices. The project also aimed to keep young people away from substance abuse by strengthening their awareness, social engagement and sense of responsibility. Beyond the topic of addiction, the Youth Exchange created an international learning environment where participants could discuss global challenges, exchange experiences and learn from different cultural perspectives.

Another important dimension of the project was youth empowerment and social participation. By bringing together young people from six countries, the project promoted equal opportunities, intercultural dialogue and active participation in social life. Participants had the opportunity to communicate with peers from different backgrounds, improve their foreign language skills and develop greater openness towards cultural diversity.

“Up with Hope, Down with Dope” therefore combined health awareness, addiction prevention, youth participation, intercultural learning and personal development. By focusing on prevention and informed decision-making, the project aimed to empower young people to make healthier choices and become more active contributors to their communities.

Through international cooperation and non-formal learning, the project also contributed to breaking down cultural and social boundaries. The experiences gained in Budapest provided participants with new perspectives on substance abuse prevention while strengthening their communication, social and intercultural competences.

Ultimately, “Up with Hope, Down with Dope” aimed to deliver a clear message: raising awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering young people are important steps towards preventing substance abuse and building healthier communities.