ERASMUS+, Key action 1: youth exchange
Dates: 14—20 May 2025
Venue: Chaves, Portugal
Czech team: 5 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Inspira!
Project report:
Erasmus + project Make Yourself at Home II took place in Chaves, Portugal from 14th of May to 20th of May 2025. The project situated in mountainous region of northern Portugal gathered 24 young people from 4 different countries, namely the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. The main goal was to introduce them into problematics and opportunities of civic society throughout interactive workshops and non-formal ways of education.
Right after we arrived we were warmly welcomed by the Portuguese organizers
from Associação Inspira! who sheltered the whole program, prepared the activities and provided us with endless care, hospitability, inspiration and reasons to laugh.
The organisation is based in spa town Chaves whose population is slowly aging meanwhile young people are moving to bigger cities looking for better working opportunities. Inspira! is trying to create an environment for young people of Chaves where they can gather, share experience and better realise their possibilities and place in civic society.
Make Yourself at Home II might be summed up and explained by word sharing. The participants shared their experience, ideas and methods of participation in civic society. After breaking the ice methods, city tour and teambuilding activities participants took part in a simulated discussion. Everyone received a specific character and values they should defend in the discussion about starting or not starting a lithium mine in an agricultural area with unique nature. The participants had a chance to look at the topic from various different angles and learned how to build up an argument and present it in front of others.
Main activity of the whole week consisted of creating our own fictional association that might have a positive impact on community life in society. Participants divided in groups came up with very interesting ideas such as creating new housing opportunities for youth, anti-procrastination seminars or connecting young people with elders. The goal was not only to present vague ideas but also to be precise in explaining the target group, structure of events, money founding or expected outcomes.
Afterwards the participants attended a workshop focused on video making which included theoretical recommendations and many practical tools to create promotional spot of each project. Writing a script, acting, directing and editing were necessary to reach the final results which were overall very good which was also approved by a “jury” that consisted of local students.
Except all of that, each national team presented its unique cultural and historical heritage during a cultural night that was full of colours, dances, food, music and fun. Sharing of different cultures was omnipresent throughout the whole project which created new bonds and memories that will be stored not only in our minds but also our hearts.
Martin P.
