ERASMUS+, Key Action 1: youth exchange
Venue: Wojnicz (1h from Krakow), Poland
Dates: 31 July—10 August 2023
National team: 5 participants + 1 group leader
Please read the info-pack.
Hosting organisation: Fundacja Ornament
Project report:
The Erasmus+ project organized by Fundacja Ornament, in collaboration with the European Youth Centre in Břeclav (EYCB), brought together around 50 participants from 8 different countries to explore the role of youth engagement in public affairs, focusing on topics such as politics, social issues, and migration. The primary theme of the project revolved around the Youth Council and the involvement of young individuals in shaping public discourse. The project aimed to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote active participation in democratic processes.
Project Overview:
The project spanned 10 days and was hosted in a small city called Wojnicz. The overarching objective was to encourage young people to delve into matters of societal significance and broaden their perspectives through interactive discussions, debates, workshops, and field visits.
Key Activities:
- Debates and Discussions: Participants engaged in thought-provoking debates and discussions about various aspects of youth involvement in public affairs. They explored topics such as the impact of migration, the role of the European Union in addressing social challenges, and the comparison of EU laws with national legislation in their respective countries.
- Role Plays and Simulations: To encourage experiential learning, role plays were employed to simulate real-life scenarios related to public affairs. This allowed participants to empathize with different perspectives and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.
- Presentations and Sharing: Participants were encouraged to research and present on topics relevant to the project’s theme. These presentations facilitated knowledge-sharing and offered insights into the diversity of viewpoints and solutions from across the participating countries.
- Interactive Games: Various interactive games and activities were integrated to make the learning experience engaging and enjoyable. These games aimed to facilitate teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Reflection Sessions: Regular reflection sessions were conducted to provide participants with the opportunity to introspect and share their personal takeaways from the project. This also fostered a sense of community and encouraged open dialogue.
- Exploring Local Youth Council: The participants had the privilege of learning about the functioning of the local Youth Council in Tarnow. This involved interactions with local representatives, understanding their roles, and witnessing firsthand how youth engagement can influence local governance.
- Educational Trip to Auschwitz: As a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding history, the participants visited Auschwitz, a site with deep historical significance. This emotional journey emphasized the need to learn from the past to prevent its repetition.
Outcomes and Impact:
- Enhanced Awareness: Participants gained a broader awareness of public affairs, politics, and societal challenges, transcending national boundaries.
- Cross-Cultural Understanding: Interaction among participants from different countries enriched their perspectives and fostered cross-cultural friendships.
- Active Engagement: The project motivated participants to take an active interest in civic matters, inspiring them to contribute to their communities.
- Empathy and Tolerance: Role plays and discussions promoted empathy and tolerance by exposing participants to diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Conclusion:
The Erasmus+ project organized by Fundacja Ornament, with the support of EYCB, successfully achieved its goal of empowering young individuals to engage actively in public affairs. By discussing topics like migration, EU legislation, and historical lessons, the project fostered a sense of responsibility among participants to contribute positively to society. Through interactive activities, open discussions, and eye-opening experiences, the project left a lasting impact on the participants’ attitudes towards civic engagement and cross-cultural collaboration. But one of the most importat thing it that we have new friends from all over the Europe and also our English improved a lot.
Michaela F.
