The Gemeinsam Leben Lernen eV. is a non-profit organization based in Munich that creates and organizes various services for people with disabilities. It was founded in 1980 and from then until today it fights social exclusion and supports inclusive structures that bring together people with and without disabilities on common ground.

The idea for the exchange started from a “discussion group” of teenagers living in PAAPAV, where a strong desire was expressed to learn more about how other teenagers live in other countries. So after a year of discussions with the organisation Gemeinsam Leben Lernen eV, which lasted for a year, the exchange was co-created through shared ideas and visions. Within six days, the teenagers and teenage participants with disabilities had the opportunity to exchange experiences, including the difficulties, challenges and opportunities they face, and to present their own culture and everyday life, breaking stereotypes and prejudices.

For the majority of participants it was the first opportunity to meet adolescents and teenagers from other countries in a non-formal learning context.

The exchange was hosted at the accessible Wilde Rose Hotel and funded by the Erasmus Plus/ INEDIVIM Programme, organised by Tandem in cooperation with Gemeinsam Leben Lernen eV. and implemented in September 2018 in Corfu.