ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Venue: Zagreb, Croatia
Dates: 30 September-5 October 2024
Czech team: 2 participants
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Amazonas Association
Project report:
From September 30th to October 5th, I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ training course in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia. The event was titled “Empowering Through Connection”, and the main goal was to equip youth workers with tools and knowledge to enhance connections with ourselves and others.
Our group was a blend of youth workers from different countries all across the Europe – from Iceland, Finland, Spain, Czechia, Romania and Croatia. We were all united by the desire to learn, share, and grow together. Thanks to the organization Amazonas and smooth coordination by our trainers – Tena and Adrien – our group bonded well and it created an environment of trust and openness.
We started our journey with a series of fun and engaging group-building activities that helped us get to know one another during the first day. Through the games and exercises, we explored the importance of connection, both with ourselves and others, setting the tone for the rest of the week.
On the second day, we dived into the topic of resistance and trauma. We discussed how young people often face blocks that prevent them from growing and connecting. We also went deeper to the possible reason of the blocks. To top off the day, we had an amazing dinner at a local restaurant in Zagreb. We shared laughs and stories over some traditional Croatian dishes.
Third day was all about deepening our relationships with others. We explored the concept of empathy and the importance of boundaries, both for ourselves and in our work with youth. Through the activities we recognized what emotions do we feel and in what situations do we feel them when working with youth. The activity of active listening was something truly enriching for me personally.
Our final full day was dedicated to the idea of self-support. We were discussing how can we find empathy for ourselves in the world when we so often find empathy for others. In the afternoon we shared ideas on how to disseminate the knowledge we had gained and evaluated the course, reflecting on our experiences.
I came back to Czechia with a deeper understanding of how to help others navigate their own personal and emotional challenges. Now, I feel inspired to apply the things I learned in my work with youth. This Erasmus+ training course has given me deeper understanding how to build stronger connections and how to better support others in their growth.
A big thanks to the EYCB organization, our trainers Tena and Adrien and everyone who participated.
Julie Š.
