ERASMUS+, Key Action 1: training course
Dates: 11—19 January 2025
Venue: Brebu, Caras-Severin, Romania
Czech team: 3 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Nevo Parudimos
Project report:
On January 11th, together with two other Czechs, we embarked on a journey to the Romanian town of Brebu, where the educational course Connecting Roma Youth with Civic Opportunities was to take place. I learned about this event through the organization I work with during my studies, and since the course’s theme is closely related to my work, I chose to participate.
The application process was quite last-minute, as I only found out about it a few days before Christmas. However, everything came together thanks to the support of EYCB Břeclav. The journey itself flew by quickly, and I was eager to learn new things and experience everything the week in Romania had to offer.
Around 8 p.m., we arrived in Timișoara, where transportation to the guesthouse where we were staying was already waiting for us. That same evening, we met the other participants who were already there. The atmosphere was friendly; the others were playing an icebreaker game and immediately included us, which was a warm welcome.
The next morning, we got straight to it. We were introduced to our two trainers, Nik and Elemer, who guided us through the entire course. We learned about the daily schedule, the overall program of the event, and discussed our shared goals for being there. Most of the day was indeed spent on the program, but there was no reason to worry, we had plenty of breaks for coffee and meals. What I particularly liked was that the evening program was entirely organized by the participants. We made good use of this opportunity, and there wasn’t a single evening without someone arranging an interesting activity.
The course content focused on the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups and their integration into society. We approached it from the theoretical basics, discussing topics such as Foucault’s theory of power and how it relates to our goals. A significant part of the learning process also came from mutual sharing, as many participants had fascinating experiences to contribute. Nik and Elemer provided the right environment, ample time, and outstanding support. I truly cannot praise their work enough.
I left the course with fresh perspectives on the topic and a reflection on how I could apply the experiences I gained to my work. I already know I will definitely use them. I do not regret my decision to participate in this Erasmus+ experience, and I can highly recommend it.
Jakub
