ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Venue: Târgoviște, Hotel Dâmbovița Romania
Dates: 1—8 August 2024
Czech team: 2 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hostingorganisation: Asociatia BeYou
Project report:
From August 1st to 8th, 2 participants from the Czech Republic together with youth workers from Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco had the opportunity to attend an Erasmus+ training course in Targoviste, Romania. It was organized by @beyoueurope and supported by the Erasmus+ program. The course was focused on Youth Leadership and developing leadership skills through gamification.
The primary aim of this training course was to empower youth workers with leadership skills and gamification techniques to provide quality activities for young people. These activities were designed to support professional development in leadership, transforming participants into future leaders and change-makers within their communities.
The week was packed with diverse and engaging activities:
- Leadership Games: We began with ice-breaking activities to get to know each other. On the first day, we also delved into the theory of leadership by discussing Daniel Goleman’s six leadership styles. This was an enlightening session that highlighted the importance of adapting different leadership styles to various situations.
- Conflict Resolution Exercises: The afternoon sessions included defining and understanding different conflict management styles. We worked in teams to identify five conflict styles and discussed their applications. This was followed by a session on emotional intelligence, which tied seamlessly into our conflict management discussions.
- Escape Room Challenge: Gamification was introduced with an escape room game designed by the organizers. We were split into two teams and navigated through various challenges, from assembling a shelf to finding hidden clues. Teamwork was crucial, and we provided feedback to the organizers to refine the game further.
- Cultural Exploration: We explored Targoviste, including a visit to the local Art Gallery and the unique Police Museum, the only one of its kind in Romania. The museum visit highlighted the absence of a Czech police uniform in their international collection. We also visited the royal court ruins of Vlad III. Tepes, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.
- Game Creation and Testing: We learned about Design Thinking methods, which helped us brainstorm and create our own educational games. Our teams developed a board game, an escape room, and a creativity-building game. We tested each other’s games the next day, providing constructive feedback and enjoying the process.
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending Erasmus+ projects is the friendships and connections made along the way. Sharing such a unique and enriching experience allowed us to bond quickly. We laughed, learned, and grew together, forming lasting relationships all around Europe. This sense of community and shared purpose is what makes Erasmus+ projects truly special.
Overall, the Youth Leadership Training in Targoviste was a transformative journey of learning, collaboration, and fun. The friendships and connections made during this training are invaluable, and I am grateful for every moment.
For anyone involved in youth work, I highly recommend participating in Erasmus+ projects. They offer opportunities both for personal and professional growth and the chance to make connections with like-minded individuals from all over Europe.
Alžběta M.
