Training Course “Cult-r-ural”

28 June 2024

Program: Erasmus + KA153
Project Leader: Italy; Sciaraprogetti
Duration : 10-17 June

Partners:
Poland– Reflections on Europe
Portugal– ASSOCIACAO CHECK-IN – COOPERACAO E DESENVOLVIMENTO
Estonia – SEIKLEJATE VENNASKOND
Romania– ASOCIATIA „TINERET PENTRU DEZVOLTARE DURABILA
Greece– PRAXIS
Spain– ASOCIACION JUVENIL POR LA INTEGRACION DE LOS JOVENES EN EUROPA
France– COGITO ERGO SUM
Bulgaria– SDRUZHENIE ALTERNATIVI INTERNATIONAL
North Macedonia– CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE ASSOCIATION
Italy– Sciaraprogetti

Project progress:

Day one: Ciao Italia! The first morning in the picturesque village of Morfasso began with introductory workshops. Our organizers prepared exercises and tasks aimed at getting to know the participants better and, above all, remembering everyone’s names. The next item on the agenda was a team-building workshop. The young people were tasked with working together and communicating effectively to reach a specific destination via a route marked out on tiles. The participants spent their break walking to a nearby waterfall. In the next part of the day, everyone chose their “buddy” – a person who would support them throughout the project. Then, under the supervision of the leaders, the young people came up with ideas on how to spread the knowledge acquired during the exchange.

Day two: Intro to the project The next day began with a session in which each country presented the non-governmental organizations to which they belong. Our representatives presented ROE, of course. They prepared a presentation to familiarize the others with the history of ROE, its goals, and the activities we are undertaking or have already completed. Next, everyone was asked to write down the needs of the organization they belong to and the territory they live in. In groups, the participants presented their ideas and considered what actions to take to meet these needs. Then Sara and Giulia, the facilitators, prepared a game of “Bingo,” which allowed the young people to expand their knowledge about short-term and long-term Erasmus programs. Finally, there was a session called “from the idea to the project,” which was a workshop on writing projects, and in the evening, an “intercultural night” hosted by Romania, France, and Estonia.

Day three: Rural development After breakfast, together with teams from their countries, the young people prepared presentations about their home organizations that operate locally and help people from rural areas to develop. Then, in small groups, they presented their ideas and discussed good practices that they could introduce in their communities. The young people also discussed how the non-governmental organizations they work with can have a positive impact on society, especially on young people. This time, Greece and Italy had their cultural evening. Representatives shared interesting facts about their countries and prepared traditional food.

Day four: Town break On the fourth day of the exchange, the participants enjoyed a well-deserved rest. They went on a trip to the typical Italian town of Castell’Arquato. The guides introduced the history of the place and shared many interesting facts. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather and the participants’ photography skills, the young people had a photo shoot against the backdrop of the beautiful Italian landscape.

Day five: Designing a project Another day, another challenge. This time, using the knowledge they had acquired in the previous days, the young people worked in national groups to come up with ideas for a project. The topic could be anything, but it had to take into account the needs of young people from rural areas. After preparing their ideas, everyone could choose the three best projects, in their opinion. The participants then divided into groups and worked on improving the projects. Their task was to prepare a specific plan containing points such as impact areas, benefits, and results. Then, each group presented their projects to the forum, and the audience suggested what could be improved and what was good. The last cultural night was reserved for Portugal, Spain, and Poland. Kasia and Ola, our representatives, held a culinary workshop on making pierogi and improvised a Polish wedding!

Day six: Creating memories On the last day, it was time to create not only memories, but also useful tools. The participants divided into groups to work on an article, a podcast, a video, and a booklet. This was followed by a ceremony to award Youthpass certificates. The magic circle that the leaders opened at the beginning of the project was closed, and the young people shared their feelings and what they had learned during the exchange. There was also a secret friend reveal and a group hug!