ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Dates: 18—25 November 2024
Venue: Issor, France
Czech team: 3 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Association La Villa
Project report:
Bonjour! Welcome to France!
From November 18th to 25th, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ project “Community Building” in the village of Issor, nestled in the French Pyrenees. Organized by the hosting association La Villa, the program brought together participants from ten countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Me – Evelína Matějovská, Kateřina Kubičková, and Žaneta Blažková were representing the Czech team. The program was expertly guided by two wonderful trainers, Uršula and Soňa from Slovenia, whose energy and knowledge inspired us throughout the week. The logistics and organization were flawlessly handled by Pauline from France, who ensured that everything ran smoothly and that we all felt welcomed. And also I can‘t forget about Charlie & Rafael, our two amazing chefs that were cooking for us the most delicious vegetarian food. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 57 years, which made for an enriching exchange of perspectives and experiences.
From the moment we arrived, the warmth and hospitality of our hosts set the tone for an unforgettable experience. The focus of the project was on COMMUNITY BUILDING—an essential skill for fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and understanding. Through workshops and activities, we learned the principles of community building, how to apply them in various situations, and how to become good community builders ourselves.
What made this project truly unique was the blend of learning and cultural exchange. We delved deeply into the traditions and customs of each participating country, gaining a newfound appreciation for the diversity of European cultures. We also have a pleasure to meet the deputy mayor of a village and have a small talk with him about their community. Beyond the learning, we embraced the stunning beauty of the French Pyrenees, going on hikes through breathtaking landscapes and finding beauty of the village. Each morning we began with a refreshing (and cold!) dip in the river, a tradition that quickly became a favorite among participants.
Evenings were magical: we played so many games, we andced a lot and we stargazed under the clear Pyrenean sky, looking at constellations far brighter than we’d ever seen in Czech Republic. During the day in our free time, we spent many moments outside playing games like volleyball and football. These simple, shared moments created a deep sense of community and friendship among us.
The final day of the project was bittersweet. Saying goodbye to the people I had grown so close to in such a short time was difficult, but I believe the bonds we created in Issor will last far beyond this one week. After the project ended, I traveled to Toulouse for a little extra adventure, exploring its vibrant streets and cultural sites. To make it even more special, I spent my last day with Romanian participants, which made a lovely and memorable end to the experience.
Looking back, this Erasmus project was not just a week of learning and exploration; it was an amazing journey that taught me about the power of community, the importance of cultural exchange, and the beauty of shared experiences. I miss the people I met and the moments we shared, but I carry with me all the lessons and memories from Issor.
Evelína M.
