ERASMUS+, Key action 1: training course
Dates: 11—17 August 2025
Venue: Maceira — Fornos de Algodres, Portugal
Czech team: 3 participants-youth workers
Please read the project info-pack and also the brochure Intangible Cultural Heritage Booklet
Hosting organisation: Associação Maceira
Project report:
Welcome to a country full of emotions, football, and friendly people. That’s Portugal in a nutshell, and I was lucky enough to spend a week there that will stay with me forever.
When I found out two weeks before the start that the EYCB organization was looking for participants for a cultural heritage project, I didn’t hesitate. This time it wasn’t a classic youth exchange, but a training course, which was new to me. At first, I didn’t even believe it to be selected, but it happened! From August 11 to 17, I spent an unforgettable week in a small village in the middle of Portugal. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone. Two other guys from the Czech Republic came with me, and we created a great team atmosphere. We also met participants from Latvia, Romania, Türkiye, North Macedonia, and, of course, the host country, Portugal.
On the very first day, we started on activities that helped us get to know each other better. We found out how each of us could contribute to the smooth running of the project. We set common rules, shared our ideas and concerns, and created a safe space for cooperation.
The main goal of the project was to present the cultural heritage of each country and to reflect on why some traditions are disappearing. We discussed what cultural heritage means to us and which traditions we could revive. I enjoyed the part where each country was given space to present its traditions the most. We were even able to see some of them live. It was fascinating to see what we have in common and how we are different.
On the fourth day, we took a break and instead of workshops, we went on a day trip to the town of Fornos de Algodres. A local guide gave us a fascinating description of the town’s history and showed us around the most important sights. As it was extremely hot, the organizers took us to a natural swimming spot on the river. It was my first experience swimming in a river abroad, which was a wonderful experience.
We spent the final days creating a team brochure. Each country chose the three most interesting traditions and together we created a brochure that combined our cultural heritage into a single European whole.
Finally, I would like to thank the Czech team – you were active, prepared, and gave your all to every workshop. I am glad that EYCB chose you because it was clear that you were really interested in the topic.
And a big thank you also goes to the EYCB organization itself – once again, you have confirmed to me that you are doing remarkable things. I believe that you will continue to do so in the future.
Matouš K.
