ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Venue: Uzana (Gabrovo), Bulgaria
Dates: 25 August — 3 Septermber 2024
Czech team: 5 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: “Erasmus Trips”, Bulgaria
Project report:
The Erasmus training course project took place at the end of August/beginning of September in Uzana, Bulgaria. The main topics of the project were migration, human rights, stereotypes, and prejudices.
During this time, we learned a lot about migration and human rights. We discussed how people move to different countries and the challenges they face. We also talked about human rights and why they are important for everyone. By the end of the project, we all had a much better understanding of these issues.
The project was held in Uzana, a beautiful place surrounded by nature and mountains. The natural beauty of Uzana made our experience even more special. It was the perfect setting to reflect on important topics like migration and human rights.
We also visited the nearest city – Gabrovo and Ethno village Etar, which showed us how Bulgarians lived in 19th century. It was really beautiful trip.
Overall, this project was very educational, and we gained valuable knowledge that will help us in the future. We also met wonderful people from 7 different countries and we had a lot of unforgettable experiences together!
Kryštof Z.
“Lost at the border – Youth work with migrants” is a project which main goal is to conduct an additional training of youth workers, simultaneously increasing the capacity of the organizations. The project focuses on two main problems – the integration of migrants in the European labor market and the unemployment levels in the European Union. This training course aimed to reveal to youth workers the possibilities of current and potential refugees and migrants for a smooth and secure entry into the European socio-economic systems. Its main objective is to increase the competence of youth workers and leaders regarding migration crises and the integration of refugees and migrants in the European labor market, while providing specific training to tackle migration issues from the perspective of youth work and the youth sector. Other specific objectives are: 1. To improve the level of key competencies and skills of workers in these organizations; 2. To develop critical thinking skills in youth workers from across EU, especially those working with migrants; 3. To develop cognitive skills for improving various personal and professional qualities; 4. To improve the understanding of Migration in EU and how to cope with it from the perspective of youth work; 5. To create a new view for organizing and planning activities, problem solving, decision making based on proper arguments, applying common sense, mental discipline, sense of initiative, interpretation, communication, analyzing and assessing the thoughts, drawing conclusions, self-regulation, self-assessment; 6. To foster successful social and professional development; 7. To enhance the knowledge of organizing and developing volunteer groups; 8. To research the opportunities for creating a youth space on a local level; 9. To create a field for the exchange of good practices between organizations in the field of work with migrants; 10. To promote intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and solidarity towards migrants and the challenges they face.
“Erasmus Trips Bulgaria” NGO provided the opportunity for 9 days of training for 40 young workers between the ages of 18 and 45, with the following profile: – with zero or little experience in working with migrants – with high motivation and desire to participate in the training course – with high motivation and desire to work in the youth sector – beginners in the European Commission’s volunteering programs The training course included discussions, simulations of various processes, in which participants had the opportunity to improve their competencies related to work in the field of volunteering. The main activities of the project included : discussions, interactive presentations, outdoor activities, games, and intercultural evenings. The working methods used are selected entirely in the context of non-formal education and aim to develop creativity in the participants, their communication, teamwork skills and awareness of personal potential for expressing active citizenship.
The project took place in Gabrovo, Uzana, Bulgaria for the period 25/08 – 03/09/2024. The first day of activities was 25th August and the day of departure – 03rd September 2024.
The main result we achieved is a well-developed team of active young European citizens who will develop their knowledge, skills and competences and will acquire a set of tools for work with migrants. The project had an effect on two levels: at the individual level (for youth workers) and at the global level (organizations, beneficiaries, stakeholders, local communities and society as a whole). The project contributed to the establishment of long-term partnerships between youth workers, organizations and their representatives working in the field of volunteering, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences, good practices, training methodologies, and to create and implement project proposals in the future. The multiplication of the effect of the training was done through the direct work of 10 youth organizations involved in the project, 40 youth workers (excluding trainers) who participated in it, as well as local communities that benefit from the results and effects of the project.
