Exploring Fairness Together: Social Justice Club in Druskininkai

In early December, young people from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, and Italy gathered in Druskininkai for Social Justice Club — a week-long youth exchange dedicated to understanding what social justice means in theory and in everyday life. The project brought together 25 participants who spent seven days learning, debating, and reflecting on fairness, equality, and human rights in today’s society.

The first day began with introductions and shared expectations, as the group explored what “social justice” truly represents. Participants talked about where the concept comes from, why it matters, and how it appears in our daily lives — from laws and institutions to small, individual actions.

Once everyone had settled in, discussions turned toward the fundamentals: justice, society, and the relationships between human needs and human rights. Through debates, role plays, and moral conflict stories, the group looked at what it means to live together in fairness and dignity.

As the week went on, the focus shifted toward privilege and power — how they shape opportunities and influence social structures. Participants examined their own experiences and reflected on the processes that sustain inequality. They also traced the long and ongoing struggles of different groups for empowerment, identifying key achievements and the work that still lies ahead.

Later in the week, the participants took on a challenge to “design justice.” Through a mock debate, they explored whether a truly just system could exist and how democracy supports or complicates that goal. The discussions around stereotypes, prejudice, and civic participation added both depth and humor to the experience, showing that critical thinking and empathy can go hand in hand.

Art also became part of the conversation. Participants created pieces representing social issues close to their hearts and presented them in a small exhibition. They then organized short campaigns promoting social justice, acting out real scenarios that called for action, creativity, and teamwork.

The final day was filled with reflection, warm goodbyes, and the energy of new friendships. The week in Druskininkai left behind more than shared memories — it reminded everyone that social justice begins with awareness, grows through understanding, and flourishes through collective effort.