Critical Thinking Skills

BULGARIA THINKING ASSESSMENT   Training course „Critical Thinking Skills” took place in Pamporovo, Bulgaria. 32 youth workers from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Spain, Saint Martin, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, North Macedonia and Croatia participated in it. The project activity took place in the summer of year '19 (from 4th - 12th of May). Latvia were represented by a youth worker from Pārgauja municipality: Iluta, and 2 young activists: Lingita and Juris. The main topic of the project is related to the development of critical thinking in young people. The project responds directly to one of the main challenges Europe faces regarding the youth – nearly one fifth of the young generation doesn’t possess the needed basic and fundamental skills, taking into account their importance with regards to their future employment and social inclusion. In the European key competences framework for lifelong learning skills are identified that are a prerequisite for personal development, active citizenship, social inclusion and employability. Besides “traditional” competences it includes communication in mother tongue, communication in foreign languages, digital competences and IT, and also skills of a transversal nature like learning to learn, social and civic competences, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, cultural awareness and expression. Considering the importance of these fundamental skills with regards to future employment, social inclusion and lifelong learning, The Council of Europe takes as criteria the share of young people whose basic skills are assessed as “poor” to be below 15% by 20-20. In that aspect the European Commission states as significant the development and assessment of “horizontal competences” related to critical thinking, creativity, sense of initiative, problem solving, decision making and communication. It is precisely the development of these competences the current project undertakes. The main goal of the project is to build critical thought in the participants aimed at developing cognitive skills for improving various personal and professional qualities. Also create an entirely new view for organizing and planning activities, problem solving, decision making based on proper arguments, applying common sense, mental discipline, sense of initiative, interpretation, communication, analyzing and assessing the thoughts, drawing conclusions, self-regulation, self-assessment all of which are related to successful social and professional development. All activities and methods contributed to the process of non-formal learning and creating long-lasting understanding of the concepts, as well as sustainable motivation for applying of what is learnt and shared. The program methods follow the “learning through experience” model – debates, simulations, energizers, ice-breakers, communication games, learning and sharing activities, gamification, LEGO serious play, group discussions, coaching sessions, open space, etc. By means of debriefing in-depth learning and understanding of the subject matter will be ensured. The basic needs this project addresses are aimed at decreasing the share of poor achievements among youngsters which is of significant importance for the young people in Bulgaria, partner countries and Europe. Considering the highlighted goals of the “Europe 20-20” strategy for intelligent and inclusive growth EU member states adopt vast-reaching literacy strategies based on coordinated inter-institutional policies. During the years in EU there has been a trend of decreasing the share of poor achievements. The goal is below 15% by 20-20. The project aims to integrate the results and recommendations of “youth goals” identified during the Bulgarian Euro-Presidency and build-up the designated skills from the latest two “structure dialog” youth conferences where the need for rational decision making, debates and critical thinking is even more obvious. Because of that we consider that the impact and result of this project will be long-lasting and may be seen in two different directions:   1. Individual level effect – among participants and effect in youngsters, youth workers and citizens engaged in youth work (teachers, trainers etc.). As a result their basic and fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes will be boosted which they will use and apply in their personal development, active citizenship, social inclusion and professional employment. 2. Global level effect – increasing the productivity of the population of working age which in turns will lead to economic growth and improvement of social-economic factors as nearly 75 million people in EU (1/3 of labor force) currently have poor basic and professional skills and many of them lack sufficient level of literacy to cope with daily requirements of personal, social and economic life.   Training course was prepared and was run on the basis of a methodology that emphasizes active participation and commitment of all who’s involved. Therefore, the program was subject to regular changes and adaptations before and during the course. The activities usually foreseen are ice-breakers, role-plays, teambuilding and outdoor activities, debates, open space and several workshops to develop life skills and competences useful for any youth worker. The working methods are the: “Experiential learning”, “Educator to Peer” and “Peer to Peer”. We will like to remind you again that this training course will be quite challenging since we will be reflecting and facing challenges on individual and on group level overcoming demanding situations, we will be questioning a lot h ow we and others are living and will pass intensive reflection moments.   More about the project can be seen in the official website, created during the ''Critical Thinking Skills'' project.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.        

Say NO to cyberbullying

SERBIA CITY WHITE Type of activity: Training Course “Say NO to cyberbullying”. Date: 10 - 17 of September '18. Countries participating: Germany, Serbia, Estonia, France, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Poland, Montenegro and Portugal. Place/Venue: Topola, Serbia. Number of participants: 3 participants per country; 30 in total + 3 trainers (2 local and one international) + 3 support staff. Social media has become prominent part of life for many young people today. Overusing of social media is a growing problem in modern society. Young people are often not aware how exposed and vulnerable they are, and how this, on the first sight, harmless social tool, can become a tool for cyberbullying. CYBERBULLYING delineates the acts of bullying and harassment made by electronic means and all forms of communication connected to the web. It can be anonymous,it can be public, it spreads quickly, and it’s 24/7. While suicide is the most serious consequence of these actions, it isn’t the only one. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, "There have been several high‐profile cases involving teenagers taking their own lives in part because of being harassed and mistreated over the Internet, a phenomenon we have termed cyberbullicide – suicide indirectly or directly influenced by experiences with online aggression.". Online bullying can cause self-esteem issues, depression, self-harm, feelings of isolation that can damage performance in school, social skills, and general well-being, but it’s an intense form of psychological abuse, whose victims are more than twice as likely to suffer from mental disorders compared to traditional bullying. As Youth Workers, we care deeply about development and future of our youngsters. Therefore the initiative for this project, consisted out of a single activity on an international level, a training course, that will gather young people, youth workers and educators. The main aim of this project is to get new perspectives, exchange experiences, gain knowledge, and adopt new methods in working with youngsters in and out of schools in order to prevent cyberbullying. The objectives of this training course are: -To exchange practices and share experiences among participants, related to bullying and cyberbullying; -To gain knowledge about proper usage of social media and its connection to the topic; -To become familiar with different tools and methods of non-formal education for prevention and work with youth; -To provide knowledge and methods regarding cyberbullying, its impact, and its prevention, and provide guidelines for symptoms of victims, bystanders and actors and correlation factors; -To improve and adapt existing available workshop contents, create new ones, and sublimate everything into an online “Workshop book” -with detailed description of the activities- regarding the topic of bullying with focus on cyberbullying; -To exchange realities regarding the topics of the project in the participating countries; -To built a sustainable network between organisations and to encourage future partnerships and projects. Social media bullying may be one of the newer forms of bullying, but it could prove to be one of the most serious. The fact that children and teens have a difficult time getting away from it can lead to dire consequences that can have lasting effects. With the right guidance, cyber bullying in all its forms can be reduced and potentially even stopped, giving kids a safer childhood. Majority of activities within this training course will be based on Non Formal Education methodology, and will be highly participatory. NFE methodology represents important tool against bullying and cyberbullying. During this activities, trainers will use varieties of methods: Role play, Visual methods, Buzz groups, Discussion, lectures, practical workshops, presentations, group discussions, ice-breakers, energizers,reflective sharing, discussions in small groups, discussions in the plenary, question and answer sessions, debriefing after each exercise, presentations, info sessions for theoretical input, workshops and group work in order to explore concrete examples of methodological approaches to work against cyberbullying. One of the key visibility elements of this TC is a “Workshop Book”, a small online manual with theoretical input and workshop examples, created by participants and trainers. Since there is an obvious lack of brochures and manuals on this important topic, we are sure that our manual will have great use to others and will be highly used. Through this tool, we will ensure the sustainability of the project and bigger impact on international level.   Video from TC made by BYW team can be seen here. It features comments by one of the trainers who were talking a lot during few days of running the activties.   Project even got awarded with ''GOOD PRACTICE'' label, by German National Agency of Erasmus+ programme.     This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.        

LOCALizer

SHEEP COOPERATION CRAFTS International Contact Making Seminar ''LOCALizer'' took place in Summer '18 with a purpose for local community activation. Activities were held in the village of Kopaniec from 13.07.'18 to 17.07.'18. There were gathering 32 representatives of the Foundation's and NGO's from 20 countries: Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Macedonia, Romania, Spain, Serbia, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine. The team was greeted by local polish activist Filip, his friendly sheep Leo and a pony. It is important to mention that sheep and pony are best friends and live in harmony with nature in the local area. Filip, Leo and pony are all part of organisation along with other volunteers named ''Fundacja Harmonia Kultury'' who were organising all the acitivites. Project coordinators and trainers: Hrystia Pavlutska (also known by the nickname ''Dredka''), Ola Sheredko, and of course Filip Podwinski. The main aims of the event was to create new partnerships between EU and non-EU countries. Bringing together youth workers to elaborate new ideas to involve more youngsters in their communities. Exchange of good practices and ideas. Inspire and motivate people working with youth for new activities and challanges, other than parties with booze, boobs and shallow outcomes.   Olga Rubīns International cooperation coordinator   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.      

Social Entrepreneurship Training 2

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP UZANA The training course „Social Entrepreneurship Training 2“ took place in Uzana from 1st - 8th of August, '18. An area near the city of Gabrovo, Bulgaria. 38 youth workers from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Albania, Spain, Estonia, Lithuania, Croatia, Italy and Saint Maarten had the opportunity to participate. The duration of the whole project was between the May and November '18. Latvia was represented by youth workers from Riga and Daugavpils - Vēsma, Yanush un Inese, coordinated by ''balticyouthway.org''. The project aimed at developing the organizational and management capacity of partner organizations, which deal with and deploy social enterprises/youth centers. The focus, on one hand, aimed at increasing the organizational capacity to create, develop and successfully manage and promote social entrepreneurship, and on the other hand to set up trained youth workers to work with marginalized and socially excluded young people.   The main needs which the current project addressed were concentrated at increasing youth employment and social inclusion. Through this project the participants and the participating organizations gained skills that could be implemented to specific business and entrepreneurial tools to solve social problems. The participants were also informed about the opportunities offered for developing of Social enterprises and increased their motivation for using innovative tools in their work. Among the main topics addressed were: concepts for developing and managing of social enterprises; strategic planning; human resources and team management; financial management; a spiral of Social innovation; management tools; start-up management; identifying stakeholders; leadership skills and personal qualities of the social entrepreneur; development of social ideas. The program methods followed the model "Learning through experience" – debates, simulations, energizers; ice-breakers, communication games, acquainting and sharing activities; group debates; coaching sessions, creativity; reflection and self-analysis, open space and others; The activities were based on the principles of experiential learning and the Kolb's Cycle.   The results upon realization of the project were: an increase in the capacity of the participating organizations in the management of social enterprises; increasing the level of key qualities and competences of the people occupying leadership positions or actively working in social enterprises; accumulation of specific business and entrepreneurship tools for solving social problems; sharing experience and setting up trained youth workers to work with marginalized and socially excluded young people; some experience and good practices between partner organizations were exchanged ; examples for successful businesses and manuals among participants, created by youth social entrepreneurs were provided. The project has had an effective impact on two levels: on individual level (for youth-workers) and global level (organizations; beneficiaries, stakeholders, local communities and society). The impact on the participants generally expresses the increasing of their capacity; competences for work with marginalized and socially excluded young people; The impact of each one of the partner organizations enriched their fields in order to solve social problems among the youngsters in large scale, using social entrepreneurship tools.  The long-term benefits of the project are addressed at partner organizations which will successfully manage their social enterprises in the future, thus generating entrepreneurial ideas, addressing social problems and initiating activities and events among their society, which will also be engaged to help more young people. More can be read about the project on the dedicated website.    Nikolay Nikolov President of CET platform Bulgaria   Information of the involved organizations can be found further. Baltic Youth Way (Latvia) CET Platform Bulgaria (Bulgaria) Asociacion Deses-3 (Spain) European Youth Centre Břeclav (Czechia) Eurohugs (Lithuania) Youthnet Hellas (Greece) C:E:T platform (Serbia) Sinu VitaTiim (Estonia) CIVILNA, EDUKATIVNA I TRANSPARENTNA PLATFORMA (Croatia) TDM2000 Polska C:E:T platform (Republic of Macedonia).     This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Social Entrepreneurship Training

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP EUROPE On one very early October (year '17) morning a couple of young (prospective) Latvian entrepreneurs met in Riga International Airport and flew over whole Europe to join Erasmus+ project SET (Social Entrepreneurship Training). The training was held in Uzana – a small village in the very middle of Bulgaria - surrounded by forests, mountains, and goats. The training lasted for 9 days, so participants had a plenty of time to investigate, brainstorm, discuss and exchange ideas regarding social entrepreneurship. First few days were devoted to getting to know each other and immersing into the deeper understanding of the topic (the participants were brought together from 11 countries, so it’s not hard to imagine how diverse mindsets, opinions, and backgrounds we had!). Ice-breakers, name games and discussions helped us to open and get closer to each other. The middle part of the training was filled with fun and leisure activities: we went to the town nearby, climbed up the top of the mountain and went on walks around the beautiful area. During the city visit, we went to Social Bakery in Uzana. Its mission is to inspire individuals and communities to discover their creative potential and cooperate across all ages, economic opportunities, disabilities and trauma, ethnic backgrounds etc. Also, we visited museum of humour (very specific I must say) and open-air museum where we could walk around, taste their extremely sweet candies (sweeter than sugar, believe me!) and imagine how typical Bulgarian village looked like a few hundred years ago. On the last couple of days, we reflected on what we have learnt so far and came up with our own ideas for social enterprises. Here we found useful tools we already learnt on previous days: SWOT and PEST-ELD analysis cycle of social change, competency model of a social entrepreneur, business plan development, development of entrepreneurial ideas and so forth. To sum up, it was an amazing chance to break barriers between cultures and nations, even the closest ones (as in who would ever think that Estonians could be so friendly, active, and talkative!). We got an insight into the local practices of social entrepreneurship and realised our abilities to come up with innovative solutions to major social problems. Also, we improved our skills and increased the motivation to initiate social change through social entrepreneurship initiatives. Overall, I have three conclusions: 1. Social entrepreneurship is the path I would like to choose and in my opinion all enterprises should be with some sort of orientation to social change; 2. The mountainous nature in Bulgaria is breath-taking and very different to the one I’m used to; 3. Bulgarians eat goat cheese all the time every day with everything. Embrace yourself!   Tīna Pētersone Participant of training course ''Social Entrepreneurship Training''   You are kindly invited to enjoy the video featuring thoughts of trainers Ognian Gadoularov and Maya Dreamcatcher Doneva who guided youth participating in the training activity that took place in a wonderful place Uzana, Bulgaria. The project ''Social Entrepreneurship Training'' is aimed for preparing youth workers to apply the concept of social entrepreneurship in their organizations and communities by developing their entrepreneurial skills and competencies. Furthermore, to identify the entrepreneurial potential of people and organizations involved to provide examples of successful businesses developed by young social entrepreneurs. Support young people in their personal and professional development, facilitate their social inclusion and full contribution to the community and its development.   Translation of the song from video can be found here. Information of the involved organizations can be found further. Baltic Youth Way (Latvia) CET Platform Bulgaria (Bulgaria) Asociacion Deses-3 (Spain) European Youth Centre Břeclav (Czechia) Eurohugs (Lithuania) Youthnet Hellas (Greece) C:E:T platform (Serbia) Sinu VitaTiim (Estonia) CIVILNA, EDUKATIVNA I TRANSPARENTNA PLATFORMA (Croatia) TDM2000 Polska C:E:T platform (Republic of Macedonia).   The training course „Social Entrepreneurship Training“ was implemented in Uzana, an area near the city of Gabrovo, Bulgaria. 37 youth workers from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Spain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia had the opportunity to participate.   The project focuses on the link between the economic phenomenon "Social Entrepreneurship" and youth work, thus supporting the social and professional development of young people. Social entrepreneurship is an opportunity for young people to find innovative solutions to major social problems, to realize their potential and assert their identity. It is also one of the tools for sustainable fight against youth unemployment and social exclusion of young people.   The project aims to prepare youth workers to apply the concept of social entrepreneurship in their organizations and communities by developing their entrepreneurial skills and competencies. Furthermore, the project aims to identify the entrepreneurial potential of people and organizations involved in the project to provide participants with examples of successful businesses developed by young social entrepreneurs, develop knowledge about the process of development of social enterprise. During the training, the participants will plan how to transfer entrepreneurial skills and practices to young people they work with. It will support young people in their personal and professional development, facilitate their social inclusion and full contribution to the community and its development.   All of the activities and methods contributed to the process of non-formal learning. The methods in the program follow the model "Learning by doing" - debates, simulations, energizers, ice-breakers, communication games, activities for exploring and sharing, group discussions, coaching sessions, creativity, reflection and self-reflection, open space and others. The activities are based on the principles of experiential learning and Kolb Cycle.   In order to achieve the objectives, the project is aimed to engage partner organizations based in countries where there is an identified need to develop the capacity of youth organizations to work with the concept of social entrepreneurship and implementation of innovative methods and approaches for youth work. The target group of partner organizations is both countries with record levels of youth unemployment in Europe and challenges in terms of social inclusion of young people and countries which are becoming hubs for the development of social enterprises and innovation. The project includes topics such as: basics of social entrepreneurship, SWOT and PEST-ELD analysis cycle of social change, competency model of a social entrepreneur, business plan development, development of entrepreneurial ideas and etc.   The expected outcomes after the implementation of the project are: increased capacity of the organizations to work with the concept of social entrepreneurship and its application in youth work, building competencies in youth workers to be ambassadors of social entrepreneurship and support young people they work with to develop entrepreneurial skills aimed at support of community and sharing experience with other young people (direct youth work), NGOs (networking), and Europe as a whole (international projects). The long-term benefits of the project are aimed at young people, which will in future participate in programs and initiatives implemented by the partner organizations will gain valuable skills and increase their motivation to initiate social change through social entrepreneurship initiatives. This will contribute to positive and sustainable development of local communities by consolidation of ideas to solve common challenges through innovation. Social entrepreneurship can be the key to solving complex social problems, and young people can be the driving force for that to happen!   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

On the way to learn in Belgium

BELGIUM PERSONAL-GROWTH TRAINING   As the long Term Training course ''On the way to learn” – on Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning training course on outdoor education and experiential learning methods for inclusion and personal development in youth work, just had the second training activity in Belgium. And the participants returned to their everyday life, you can read the feedback of Ilze (Elsa Oak) who took part also in the first training activity that took part in Georgia.   Enjoy reading!     So previously I didn't write about one important trip which made me and my friends inner ready for tough and happy life. I want to talk about trip to Belgium - Erasmus+ project based on outdoor education. This time we were working on ourselves, last time in Georgia - on group! But in my opinion to improve group you have to work with yourself in first place! On 12th of July I took a flight from Malta to Brussels. I was so excited. But surprise, surprise - flight was delayed. And lately I had too much stress plus a delayed flight and I got super mad! And finally when I got to Berseel, small town near Brussels - I was so stressed, and first thing Luka asked to calm down and I got even more mad. But then we had chill evening and I was sort of good!     Next day I was super excited about everything - food, people, all tasks and spreading opinion. But my biggest problem and strength is thay I am super chatty, hyperactive and always say my opinion in first place. I am in the middle or out of the circle. And people got worried of my behaivor - it was the same like in Georgia, but I was stressed so I influenced all group of 39 people. And when they taught I got mad - I used explicit words, I shout, I got offended and I cried. Haha.     In one point I started to work with myself. I chose many tactics people taught me - writing down, showing with hands my opinion, guessing in my head who is gonna talk first, singing, breaking things, medetating and playing music instruments! And starting from that point I could others to find their path. They say you can change the world only when you change yourself! I did and everyone else did! In this project I touched 37 people hearts out of 39, but 2 people made a wall and I couldn't help them. Sometimes it broke my heart when I saw my friends struggling so I helped and they helped me.     Okay, I will stop about inner readiness. But it was most important topic in Belgium. We also did many activities. We did exercised and we realised which type of communication we are. Unfortunately I am dirictive, the most dominant one, and also promoting (out of borders, creative), and there is no supporting only a bit analysing in me, haha. We did also many outdoor activities - made shelter, fire, food, climbed on cliffs, climbed on trees, doing some stuff from high, going to zip line. For me it was nice walk in the park, but everyone is different! And we also had national lunch breaks and beer challenge (beers from 12 different countries) - and Latvia won! Latvia better beers than Belgium!     I feelin love with Belgium. It is like festival every day - party in airport, beer, freedom and style. It is wonderful place. For my tricks it was cheap because they like to give free food and it is possible to find some usefull stuff on streets. And also shops were not expensive. Lovely place. Gonna come back soon! Miss all my friends. But next step - Italy. At the moment I am in Italy, I love this country so much! Bella, bravo, bellisimo! With love and peace, Elsa Oak Participant of training course ''On the way to learn''   You can follow the blog of Elsa Oak here.     This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

European youth forum to rural areas

RURAL BULGARIA DEVELOPMENT Looking for escape from chilly and rainy Latvian summer, I went to Bulgaria ready to see, try and involve in everything it offers to me. Together with young adults from 5 other countries we spent a week in a small town Strelcha, 110 km away from the capital city of Bulgaria, to find out how rural areas could be developed and how different practices sustain them. From the very first meeting with a member of the organizer team, we got to know Bulgarian friendliness and sense of humor. Although a very few people speak English or Russian there, locals tried to help us in every possible way and showed their hospitality. We learned to collaborate by using skills each of us has got. Thus, we managed to understand what locals said to us and explain our thoughts to them. Now I see how useful it is to be able to speak in several languages.  The program of the week included various workshops, presentations, visits to local businesses, meeting with a mayor of Strelcha, museum tours and culture evenings. It was inspiring to listen to family’s success story who runs rose and lavender oil production business in the small town Panagyurishte. They started with little and still are at the beginning, yet I noticed their passion and wish to develop. Next to the small factory, a printing house was located. The manager led us through the room with old and new machines, showing the process of printing a newspaper, a poster or a book. Even though the town is small, circulation of a local newspaper reaches 1000 copies per week. One of the most unforgettable experiences was meeting with a municipality mayor. It was worthwhile to compare accomplished things, future goals and benefits that government offers to locals in order to make them stay in hometown and feel economically secure and happy in the environment with achievements of my local government. I felt very thoughtful after an hour in mayor’s office and even more questions raised. What can we learn from experiences of the other country? How can we implement ideas in our environment? Is one strategy applicable to any other setting? Is fresh air and beautiful nature enough to make youth stay in rural area? Another useful activity was a workshop called “If I were a mayor”. Two groups had to come up with a business idea for young people in rural area and then present it to the third group – a commission who evaluated these plans. The most important part of this task was to use critical thinking and argumentation. Thus, we not only showed our knowledge in economics and structured planning, but also demonstrated skills to prove and defend our idea and convince the jury. I think everyone learned something new from culture nights in attractive way when team of each country told about their traditions, history, cuisine etc. Especially interesting evening was conducted by Bulgarians – from traditional welcoming of guests with freshly baked bread with spices to national costumes. It would not be fair to finish this article without mentioning nature of Bulgaria. I received so long awaited sunrays on my skin, stared in awe at mountains that encircle Pazardzhik District (where Strelcha and Panagyurishte are located), treated my body with a swim in a hot, mineral water filled pool and got vitamins from just picked cherries right from a tree. Bulgaria has rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, therefore it calls for the next visit!   Anete Kalvāne Participant of youth exchange ''European youth forum to rural areas''   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Making the diference

PORTUGAL HORSES AGRICULTURE Hello, my name is Kristaps, and I was one of the Latvian participants of the project which happened in Alter do Chao, in Portugal, from 19 till 27 of April '17. I am going to talk about my expectations before the youth exchange, my experiences gained, as well as things I liked and disliked. The first thing I would like to talk about is expectations before starting the youth exchange. While going through the provided information, I had a feeling that we are going to have a very busy week in Portugal. I was hoping that we would ride a horse every day, for about 1 hour and would do other tasks regarded to horses, like cleaning the cages, washing, feeding and taking care of the horses, and helping students in their daily activities in the school. I liked the idea about dinner in students houses. I was expecting clumsy meeting with their parents, who don’t speak English, typical food and to see how people live here. I would be so great to see this, however now I understand that students don’t live here with their parents and it was hard to organize. Also, I was expecting a typical ERASMUS+ youth exchange atmosphere, with team building activities, energizers, games, and problem solving tasks. We would live in one place all together and spend all days in activities and socializing with each other. Next thing I want to mention, is all the good things that happened in this youth exchange. Despite that there were relatively few people, this was amazing youth exchange. (Spain canceled their participation in the project. So instead of Portugal, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania only Portugal, Latvia and Lithuania were involved). It is my 7th Erasmus+ project, and the best one to make true Latvian friends. Usually, everyone is divided into groups in all possible matches, and during activities, we must work with everyone. This youth exchange however was exception, because of few participants I had much more time to spend with Latvians. It was also very free youth exchange, with a lot of free time. This is essential, to make friends in unformal environment. Lots of parties, lots of new people, from different cultural and professional backgrounds, as well as beautiful nature, is what I will never forget. Also I have to say that I am very happy that this was not a typical youth exchange, and it will stay in my mind as a very unique experience. Third thing I should tell is the things that I think could be better. Starting from first day we spent a lot of time waiting for something. It was a bus, breakfast, starting of activities, going home, and much more. One more thing about students is that they didn’t speak English very well. I had a huge benefit – Spanish language, that helped me to contact with them better. I could see that they want to talk, but they can’t. However, when they saw that I speak Spanish they opened like a flower in the sunny morning. We had quite a small amount of activities to do. We had a lot of free time, which is good because we still have to do some things for school, work etc., but in this youth exchange, I think, we had too much of it. Lastly, I would like to suggest some things to be improved. At first about waiting: It is true, that sometimes we must wait for something but I think that some of the activities could be prepared before, for example, waiting for breakfast at the school. This could lead to better time usage and perhaps could save some time for planned activities or free time. It would also be easier for people, because they don’t have to work in hurry. Secondly, I would like to thank Ana for being such a good English teacher. I saw that some students are not interested in learning language, and I think, that, if possible, you can offer them similar Erasmus+ project opportunities, to go to different countries. I think that students will understand better the importance of language skills, like I understood it, when realized that they prefer me to speak in Spanish. Thirdly, about activities: well-planned activities like team building, games and group tasks is what forces people to work together, speak different language and learn. I believe that with help of these tasks it is easier to break ice in first meetings, make good friends and help shy people to open. Intercultural evenings are something so useful in these kind of youth exchanges. They are key point of unformal communication, learning more about other countries and culture. Also, you can gain more than just listening a presentation. Usually we prepare some traditional food, drinks, games, sometimes songs and dances for everyone to learn. I saw, that portugeese hosts were trying to show us everything in one week. Horses, nature, celebration, and excursions. I felt like they were too busy and exhausted from everything. I think that it is not so important to show everything you have, but rather to show your everyday life. I have an example from my last trip to Rome: we were waking each day for 5 hours to see most of the monuments there, but in the end, we were tired, we had like 30 minutes to see everything and I don’t even know the names of most monuments now. Personally, I would like more to see how people live here and share my knowledge about my country. I hope, that this article will inspire more people to make new and amazing youth exchanges, learn, improve and strive for personal growth.   Kristaps Butāns Participant of youth exchange ''Making the diference'' in Alter do Chao, Portugal   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship through Capacity-building Activities and Networking, Part II

KOSOVO YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP The project ‘Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship through Capacity-building Activities and Networking’ consists of two mobility activities: a training course that would be implemented in Albania and that will bring together organizations and their representatives with strong interest in entrepreneurship and a second training course implemented in Prizren, Kosovo, in which young leaders with great entrepreneurial ideas will be trained to develop their business plans. Participants for each activity will represent the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Latvia, Italy, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. Overall goal of the capacity building project “EYE CAN” is empowering youth entrepreneurship by raising capacities of youth organizations in the field of entrepreneurship and to support youngsters in realizing their entrepreneurial ideas. The main objectives of the project are the following: 1. To connect various youth organizations focused on youth entrepreneurship and provide them an opportunity to network and create new partnerships and base for potential long-term collaboration that can lead to increasing the quality of their services and activities; 2. To strengthen the competencies of the representatives of the NGOs and capacities of their organizations using the methodology of Startup Mentorship Programme; 3. To support developing entrepreneurial ideas through the Business Model Canvas to achieve the goal of running new businesses as a tool of fighting youth unemployment; 4. To create space for sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences & good practices in the field of entrepreneurial learning among non-¬formal and formal educators; 5. To stimulate the concept of international and cross-sectorial cooperation in the field of entrepreneurial learning. Beneficiaries of the project: 1. Participants will: - Develop a set of new competencies that they can apply at their daily practices and use them for their personal and professional growth; - Gain deeper knowledge of Erasmus + Programme;- Become more familiar with the situation in other participants countries and develop cultural sensitivity in an international network; - Be trained through two strategic entrepreneurial tools: the Startup Mentorship Programme (SMP) and the Business Model Canvas (BMC). 2. Participating organizations will: - Gain new contacts for the future;- Raise their capacities and competencies; - Benefit in terms of future development of their capacities in the entrepreneurship field. 3. Target groups at a local, national and regional level. We strongly believe that this project will have a strong impact at both target groups of the project: Youth Workers as target group of the first mobility activity and Young Leaders as target group of the second mobility activity.   Information about organizers and partners of the project can be found here.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

TRY - Together: Refugees & Youth

TRYING IN - LITHUANIA, LATVIA, CROATIA Starptautiskais projekts ''Mēģināt Kopā'' (''T.R.Y, Together: Refugees & Youth'') tiek īstenots ar ES programmas Erasmus+ atbalstu. Projektā iesaistītas jaunatnes organizācijas, sociālās uzņēmējdabības un izpētes centri no Latvijas, Lietuvas un Horvātijas. Kopīgiem spēkiem, iesaistot Baltijas jaunatnes darbiniekus, tiks meklētas iespējas, kā iesaistīt vairāk jauniešu radīt un veidot sociālās uzņēmējdarbības risinājumus, jauniešu bēgļu iesaistei vietējās aktivitātēs un kopīgiem spēkiem sekmēt jauniešu nodarbinātību. Vairāk informācija par projektu un tēmu atrodama šeit.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Millennium: New Trends and Challenges in Human Rights Education for youth

SARDINIA CHALANGES COOPERATION “Millennium: New Trends and Challenges in Human Rights Education for youth” is an international training course developed to fill the gap of information and knowledge of youth workers, leaders and activists, about human rights in a youth perspective. Cagliari, 9 - 16 December 2016   Itālijā notikušais projekts „Millenium: New Trends and Challanges in Human Rights education”  tika rīkots, lai sniegtu jaunas zināšanas un materiālus jauniešiem ieinteresētiem dažādos ar cilvēktiesībām saistītos jautājumos. Projekta ietvaros uz Itālijai piederošās salas Sardīnijas galvaspilsētā Kaljārī pulcējās 27 dalībnieki no 9 valstīm – Latvijas, Lietuvas, Igaunijas, Polijas, Ungārijas, Horvātijas, Bulgārijas un Itālijas. Latviju un biedrību ‘’Baltic Youth Way’’ pārstāvēja Sabīne, Katrīna un Matīss. Pilsēta lutināja ar saulainām un siltām dienām pašā decembra vidū, kā arī dalībniekiem tika dota iespēja izbaudīt vecpilsētas šarmu itāļu gaumē. Nedēļas garumā tika izdarīts nudien daudz. Kad beidzot visi bija ieradušies sākām jaunu dienu ar savstarpēju iepazīšanos radošos un jautros veidos. Ar populārās attēlu kartiņu spēles „Dixit” palīdzību aprakstījām sevi un, kad pirmā kautrība bija pārvarēta, bija laiks nākamajam solim – apzināt patieso stāvokli cilvēktiesību jomā, projektā pārstāvēto dalībvalstu organizāciju pārstāvju skatījumā. Dalībnieki no katras pārstāvētās organizācijas, kopīgi veidoja plakātus, kuros aprakstīja savā valstī esošos cilvēktiesību pārkāpumus. Tas ļāva aptvert, ka ģeogrāfiskais attālums nav noteicošais nosacījums salīdzinājumiem. Ar problēmām cilvēktiesību jomā nākas saskarties visās valstīs, taču, kas vienā valstī šķiet nenozīmīgs sīkums otrā ir ļoti sasāpējis jautājums. Aktivitātēm secīgi attīstoties pievērsāmies cilvēktiesību konvencijām un kopīgi centāmies izspriest, kuri no minētajiem punktiem ir vissvarīgākie. Uzdevums bija ļoti grūts un pie kopsaucējiem tā arī nenonācām, jo katram tomēr bija savi svarīguma rādītāji. Lai uzdevumu sarežģītu, gūstot vēl lielāku atsaucību un veicinātu viedokļu apmaiņu, pievērsāmies bērnu tiesību tēmai un arī tā izraisīja plašas diskusijas. Nākamajos projekta apmācību pasākuma posmos, nodarbībās tika iekļauta arī dažādu reliģiju un filozofiju pētīšana, izmantojot spēli ar nosaukumu „Diversity”. Katram bija iespēja izvēlēties sev interesējošo reliģiju un kopā ar komandas biedriem veidot stāstu, ko vēlāk ar neformālās izglītības metožu palīdzību, aizraujošā veidā vēstīt pārējiem dalībniekiem. Turpinot dalīties iespaidos un viedokļos, devāmies skatītes dokumentālo filmu par „Sikh” reliģijas pārstāvju traģēdiju 1984. gadā, Indijā. Filma bija ļoti smaga, taču viennozīmīgi vērtīga, lai turpinātu diskutēt par to, ko nozīmē tāda parādība, kā ‘’terorisms’’, jau mūsdienu izpratnē. Šķiet šī tēma bija vissarežģītākā, ko nedēļas laikā apskatījām. Kas tad īsti ir ‘’terorisms’’? – īsu un konkrētu definīciju radīt nespējām, taču nopietna viela pārdomām katram gan tika. Projekta pēdējā dienā bija paredzēts atvērtais pasākums „Words of Worlds”, kura veidošanā aktīvi piedalījāmies arī mēs paši. Nopietni gatavojām prezentācijas par savām valstīm, un organizācijām, veidojām spēles un citas radoši-aktīvās darbnīcas, lai pēc tam paši iejustos nevis dalībnieku, bet gan apmācītāju ādā. Tas bija lielisks noslēgums, jo mums tika dota iespēja praktiski pielietot nedēļas laikā iegūtās zināšanas un redzēt sava darba augļus. Pasākumu apmeklēja ne tikai vietējie skolnieki un studenti, bet arī citu tautību pārstāvji, kuri viesojās pilsētā, līdz ar to tas bija ļoti starptautisks, taču visi jutāmies kā viena liela ģimene, kas paveikusi labu un vērtīgu darbu. Kopumā projekts atsājis ļoti pozitīvas emocijas un, cerams, nesīs arī augļus. Ja projekta pirmajās dienās ļoti daudziem bija mazas zināšanas par Erasmus+ sniegtajām iespējām, tad dienām ritot daudzi izteica vēlēšanos pat būt daļai no organizācijām, kas darbojas ar jauniešiem. Pēdējās dienas pasākums bija vislielākias pagrieziena punkts, jo jaunieši paši savām acīm redzēja, ka lai izveidotu interesantu pasākumu ir vajadzīga tikai laba ideja, bet gandarījums pēc paveiktā ir milzīgs.   Sabīne Sindija Kārkliņa   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship through Capacity-building Activities and Networking

ALBANIA ENTREPRENEURSHIP SELF-DEVELOPMENT Projekta ''Veicināt jauniešos uzņēmīgumu un pašizaugsmi ar tīklošanās palīdzību starptautiskā mērogā'' (Angliski “Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship through Capacity-building Activities and Networking”) apmācību pirmais posms norisinājās Albānijas otrajā lielākajā pilsētā Duresā, kas ir lielākā valsts ostas pilsēta, kā arī galvenais tūrisma centrs. Galvenā projekta ideja bija veidot izpratni, ka jauniešu uzņēmējdarbība nav utopiska sapņu bīdīšana, bet tā ir reāla iespēja, kā veidot savu biznesu, par pamatu ņemot mūsu unikālās intereses, soli pa solim izvērtējot riskus, veidojot plānu un daloties ar citiem dalībniekiem un saņemot atgriezenisko saiti. Tā ir iespēja ne tikai augt pašiem, bet arī attīstīt valsts kopproduktu. Dalībnieki bija ieradušies no šādām valstīm: Kosova, Bulgārija, Rumānija, Itālija, Bosnija un Hercegovina, Turcija, Serbija, Maķedonija un Latvija. Projekts ilga no 20. līdz 27. novembrim un Latvijas komandu pārstāvēja Jeļena, Līva un Matīss.   Mēs ieradāmies Albānijas galvaspilsētā Tirānā vēlu svētdienas vakarā. Tā kā viena no šīs valsts īpatnībām ir tāda, ka sabiedriskais transports beidz kursēt ap 18:00, mūsu pirmais uzdevums bija ne tikai atrast laipnu taksometra vadītāju, bet arī izskaidrot, kur jādodas. Mūsu viesnīca “Elba” atradās Duresas nomalē, pludmales viesnīcu rajonā, ko sauc  Shkëmbi i Kavajës. Braucienam piemita nedaudz satraucoša noskaņa, jo taksometra vadītājs, ne visai saprotot angļu valodu, aizveda mūs uz citu viesnīcu, taču viss izdevās veiksmīgi, jo īstā ēka bija pavisam netālu. Tur mūs laipni sagaidīja organizatori; pavakariņojām un satikām pirmos projekta dalībniekus, taču visādi citādi pirmais vakars bija mierīgs un, pēc sarunām ar istabu biedriem, devāmies pie miera gaidot, ko atnesīs jaunā nedēļa visiem kopā! Un tā pienāca pirmdienas rīts, paveroties elpu aizraujošam skatam uz pludmali, ikviens dalībnieks, šķiet saņēmis daļu no brīnišķīgās saules devas dzirkstīja priekā būt šeit un tagad. Caur dažādām aktivitātēm un uzdevumiem sākām iepazīt cits citu, izvirzījām katrs savus izaicinājumus šī projekta ietvaros. Viena no lielākajām šī projekta vērtībām ir tāda, ka šajā gaisotnē, kur satiekas zinoši organizatori ar radošiem jauniešiem, ikvienai mūsu idejai pieauga spārni. Nodarbību laikā ieguvām informāciju, kas ir svarīga uzņēmējdarbības uzsākšanai, kāpēc tā ir izaugsmes iespēja ne tikai mums pašiem, bet arī valstij. Piemēram, ir svarīgi apzināties kāds ir sociālo slāņu sadalījums valstī. Respektīvi, jo lielāks ir mazturīgo procents valstī, jo lielāka naudas summa tiek nodota šo pārstāvju iztikšanai, kas nerada atgriezenisko saiti. Kā ar to cīnīties? Neapšaubāmi, tas ir izglītības sistēmas jautājums, sākot jau no pamatskolas vecuma. Šādi orientēta ir Norvēģija, kur bērniem jau no 7 g.v. māca, piemēram, programmēšanu. Ir vajadzīgs mainīt domāšanu, lai attīstītos,  ne tikai saņemtu ikdienas iztikas algu. Saites sākas ar izglītību – jo vairāk izglītotu cilvēku, jo lielāka attīstība jaunajos uzņēmējos, jo lielāks ieguldījums tautsaimniecībā; tādejādi nodokļu maksātāju nauda netiek “mesta bedrē”. Mēs darbojāmies arī praktiski - pētījām arī “Business Model Canvas” jeb plānu, kas sevī ietver 9 svarīgākos saziņas un uzņēmuma efektivitātes posmus. Pēc jauniegūtajām zināšanām paši sastādījām facebook, twitter, skype un LinkedIn biznesa modeļus. Bez tā, mēs daudz arī strādājām pie mūsu biznesa idejām, sākot ar to “noķeršanu”, izejot no mūsu interesēm un hobijiem. Galu galā sastādījām pa punktiem plānu mūsu potenciālajam uzņēmējdarbības uzsākšanai, ņemot vērā organizatoru dotos soļus, kā efektīvāk to veidot. Piemēram, Matīss un es izveidojām savu plānu veselības nozarē, to prezentējām pārējai grupai, kura bija mūsu potenciālie sponsori, kurus mums bija nepieciešams pārliecināt, ka mūsu ideja ir vajadzīga, tā būs dzīvotspējīga. Projekta gaitā dalījāmies ar aktuālo informāciju par nodokļu struktūru mūsu valstīs, kā arī par atbalsta iespējām jaunajiem uzņēmējiem. Savukārt, pieredzes apmaiņas ietveros braucām apskatīt vietējos uzņēmējus – zemnieku saimniecību, kurā audzē kazas un tālāk ražo sieru u.c. Līdz ar to varējām dzirdēt un redzēt, kā no idejas viss attīstījies līdz reālam uzņēmumam. Pati uzņēmēja labprāt atbildēja uz mūsu jautājumiem un ieteica nebaidīties no sapņu īstenošanas. Atlikušo dienas daļu devāmies izpētīt Duresas pilsētu, apmeklējām seno amfiteātri, uzkāpām augstienē līdz pilij, no kuras pavērās burvīgs skats uz pilsētu. Pilsētā redzams vairāku kultūru sajaukums – romiešu laika raksturīgie apskates objekti mijas ar mošejām, no kurām noteiktos laika posmos dzirdami melodisks sauciens uz lūgšanām, un, to visu aplūkojot, jāņem vērā, ka komunisms arīdzan ir atstājis savu ietekmi. Duresa viennozīmīgi ir skaista pilsēta gan dienā, gan arī naktī. Izbaudījām koncertu bārā “Tres Jolie” un bija iespēja sajust vietējās izklaides iespējas. Protams, “in Albania just happens” piedzīvojām to, ka ne tikai ūdens viesnīcā mēdz nebūt, bet arī elektrība mēdz pazust visā pilsētā. Tas nevienam gan nebija šķērslis baudīt kopābūšanu, taču šādas situācijas ir neierastas Latvijā. Tēma, kas rosina domāt par sasniegto mūsu valstī, kas no tā strādā un kas ne tik; arī šī ir nozīmīga pieredzes apmaiņa, par ko kopā visi vien pasmaidījām. Pārējā brīvajā laikā mēs iepazinām citas kultūras internacionālajos vakaros, caur dejām, caur sarunām, caur rīta skrējienu jūras krastā, caur spēlēm un pozitīvo lādiņu mūsos. Mēs kopā kļuvām par labu komandu, no kuras žēl atvadīties. Par laimi, mūsu latviešu grupai sakrita lidojums uz Turciju kopā ar Itāļu puisi un meiteni, līdz ar to pagarinājām šo projektu ar naksnīgu pastaigu pa Stambulu, kas bija “punktiņš uz i” kopā pavadītajam laikam.   Kopumā šis projekts ir vērtīgs ar to, ka uzņēmējdarbības pamatā ir idejas – tādas, kas ir radošas, kas ir gana trakas un iedvesmojošas – un tieši tādi bijām mēs 22 jaunieši no dažādām valstīm. Mums katram bija daudz atšķirīgā, bet tai pat laikā tik daudz kā kopīga, kas šo projektu padarīja par neaizmirstamu enerģijas avotu mūsu sapņiem, tālākajai darbībai un komunikācijai. Viss ir mūsu rokās un ir jābūt nedaudz trakam, lai sasniegtu, ko vēlamies!   Līva Dārziņa   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

''On the way to learn” – Long Term Training course (LTTC) on Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning Training course on outdoor education and experiential learning methods for inclusion and personal development in youth work – part II

MOUNTAINS NATURE ADVENTURES Outdoor training in Sakartvello or internationally known as Georgia. Exploring Caucasus mauntains, by being in the nature and hiking. Long Term Training course on outdoor education and experiential learning methods for inclusion and personal development in youth work ''On the way to learn'' took place from 31st of August till 8th of September. Latvian team was represented by 3 adventurous youth workers, who love nature and outdoor activities: Jurijs, Kristaps and Ilze.   Partner organizations involved in the project: Baltic Youth Way (Latvia), The Knot ngo (Belgium), Youth Association DRONI (Georgia), Apy Ngo (Armenia) RAPLECTION (Croatia), Be International (Czech Republic), International Centre for the Promotion of Education and Development (Greece), Esplora (Italy), Associação Intercultural Amigos da Mobilidade na Hungria (Hungary), Fundatia Compartir, European Crossroads (Spain), TURKIYE GENCLIK BIRLIGI DERNEGI (Turkey).   The e-learning platform of the LTTC On the Way to Go – Training course on Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning (O.W.L.) has been developed as an outcome of cooperation between involved partners from Europe and Neighbouring regions. The platform is developed to keep you updated of the learning process of 32 participants from the 12 involved countries.   Aims and Objectives of “On the way to learn” – Georgia Improving quality of inclusive youth work by rising trainers’ competences and youth workers to use and know the limitations of outdoor education and experiential learning methods, as renewed ways to reach a more diverse group of youth. The objectives below make this aim more specific: Giving the target group tools to deal with quality experiential learning in outdoor education. Exchanging and sharing experiences, concepts and methods of outdoor education and experiential learning. Exploring ways to incorporate diversity management into the work and trainings the participants do. Developing cross-cultural awareness by providing structured space for sharing, experiencing and addressing intercultural learning. Increasing knowledge of the theoretical and pedagogical background of outdoor education and experiential learning methods. Developing teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills of the participants. Setting basis for positive future cooperation within the Erasmus+/Youth in Action program. Bakuriani The indoor part of the Project took place in the hotel called “Bakuriani Resorts.” For hiking we went to  Borjom-Kharagauli National Park. This is a reserved territory in the South of Georgia, mostly covered with forest. You can find some information about the park through the links below: Borjom – Kharagauli National Park information Agency of protected arreas in Georgia Google maps Borjomi – Kharagauli National Park The intercultural dimension of the training course! The intercultural dimension within this training course will be an important focus, what has more implicit, but nevertheless a strong role and character, addressed during the whole course. The intercultural dimension can be described through the following 5 aspects: Diversity and variety in the represented countries: We have chosen to work together with several countries. This will create a big amount of diversity and variety in approaches between all of us.  Central Europe, meets Southern Europe and northern Europe. The specific focus of this training as a Long Term Training course spread over 2 years’ timewhere the participants group, partners and trainers will work together over a long period. People will become friends, and learn from each other more deeply when time flies in between the different meetings. The fact that all these countries will be together at the training course will imply a huge amount of intercultural learning. Sharing realities, thoughts, exchanging ideas, backgrounds, conditions of living and working in the youth field and outdoor education will enlarge the scale of the intercultural dimension during the training course. Intercultural learning as an ongoing process during the whole training course: During the whole training course participants will be challenged to express their thoughts, ideas and ways of thinking about experiential learning, quality of outdoor education and youth work. The methodologies chosen will give space to exchange and share those aspects in groups of different size and complexion. The concept of experiential learning: Since the whole training course of 2 years is built up to improve quality of youth work by rising competences to use outdoor education and experiential learning methods and a common strategy also taking in consideration aspects of how to implement this topic in realistic projects with young people, it requires that the participants understand the different realities in which we all live in and what impact do they have on youth work in different European countries. Through this way we’re going to search for similarities, understanding and ways to break down the whole concept of experiential learning and outdoor education into conceivable and workable parts. The multiplication effect on future projects: since the participants will go through an important intercultural experience, this will have an impact when they return back at home and work in their organizations in between the different training elements. They will start to cooperate, share and implement their new knowledge into projects. That moment will broaden and deepen the intercultural dimension of the whole experience. All these aspects together will pose a challenge to the whole group, the steering committee and the team but will be managed towards creating the climate of understanding and accepting each other as well as building a new quality in European youth cooperation. Steps and time schedule of the LTTC Phase 1 : Step 1.1: implementation of the 1st “OWL” training course in Georgia with a focus on what is outdoor education and experiential learning and going through and outdoor educational and experiential learning program itself as participant. (August 31st - September 8th 2016) Step 1.2: 2 monthly coaching of participants by trainer team + coaching on project development teams (by email and/or skype). Step 1.3 : implementation of a local/regional activity using outdoor education and experiential learning principles. This can be a small training for your colleagues, a workshop, an activity with youngsters, …. . Your sending organization will help you out with this and it will happen in close cooperation with them. The outcomes of this local/regional activity will be documented by yourself and the sending organization. Phase 2 : Step 2.1 : implementation of the 2nd training course in Belgium with a focus on outdoor education as personal development of individuals and groups. (12-20 July 2017) Steps 2.2 – 2.3 : monthly coaching of participants by trainer team + coaching of project development teams with a focus on the implementation of the projects developed in participant groups. implementation of an international project designed by the group (till spring 2017) and making use of the Erasmus+/Youth in Action Program. The team members you will be formed at the training course. Phase 3 : Step 3.1 implementation of the 3rd training with a focus on personal and group learning, follow-up, establishing a trainers network among the organizations. (winter 2017 – start 2018).   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Peace Way for Youth

BELARUS LATVIA SWEDEN ''PEACE WAY for YOUTH'' is a project about peace building and conflict resolution topic for youth leaders and youth workers from Erasmus+ partner countries that aims to improve skills, competencies and  abilities of youth workers to work with groups of people and individuals in peace building and integration activities within their local communities and abroad. ''PEACE WAY for YOUTH''  will bring together youth workers and leaders from Sweden, Latvia, Belarus, Greece, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Lithuania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russian Federation, and Georgia. Three training courses will take place in different locations, Belarus, Latvia and Sweden to explore different situations and expand knowledge and experience about peacebuilding topic from three different perspectives (cultural and social, political and personal-inner peacebulding). Participants will learn and explore new methods for peace building trainings involving creative and experiential non formal education methods in youth work. The objectives are: expand knowledge about importance of body and movement in learning processes, and to promote use of embodied learning methods and experiential learning in non formal education; work together, collaborate and support each other to exchange good practices related to migration policies in Europe and neighboring regions; facilitate self-awareness, professional and personal growth and increase participants self confidence as peace-builders in their communities; provide participants with skills and equip with knowledge of how to support and promote peaceful conflict resolution and respect for different cultures, nationalities, and religions; promote cooperation among international group of youth workers for further cooperation between European Union, Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan countries. ''PEACE WAY for YOUTH'' addresses the recent issues with conflicts that are happening also close to Europe, more precisely Ukraine. As well the immigration wave, due to armed conflicts in middle east. This project involves youth workers coming from countries having unsolved political conflicts with their neighboring countries. Project supports and underlines the importance of various methods to be used for peace building, with a focus of personal or inner peace. To work together and support peace in order to overcome past conflicts, and build a better future for themselves and next generations. During the main activity participants will be given the opportunity to be trained as peace-builders and facilitators of educational trainings through experiential, embodied and non-formal learning. The participants will have an opportunity to use the experience and practice it during the training course and improve the level of competences as a youth worker and youth educator. Project ''PEACE WAY for YOUTH'' highlights and explores the importance of peace in modern society. In order to establish civic society and increase democratic values in a country, peace and friendly atmosphere in every society is very important. Idea of this project came from another project that was created and successfully implemented in cooperation with Ilze Dzenovska, Mediator, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding and Restorative Justice trainer and Yoga teacher, ''Baltic Way for Peace'', that was focusing on each participant individually to increase their inner peace. Here you can see the documentary that was created during the project. Also Föreningen Framtidståget has been conducting several peace building activities in Sweden and abroad. Another partner organization that was involved in organizing training activity in Belarus was Belorussian Association of UNESCO Clubs. And by working all together we developed this project to educate and raise the self awareness of youth workers and target more organizations and to teach them positive aspects of experiential learning features in conducting peace building trainings across Europe, Eastern Partnership and Western Balkan Countries. Aim of the project was to improve skills, competencies and  abilities of youth workers to work with groups of people and individuals in peace building and integration activities within their local communities and abroad. During the project three training courses were organized in the Spring and Summer or 2016, first one took place in Belarus, Minsk region, second in Latvia, Nīca municipality and third one in Sweden near by Stockholm.   Documentary movie about project ''Peace Way for Youth'' was created by Baltic Youth Way.   Šis projekts tika finansēts ar Eiropas Komisijas atbalstu. Šī publikācija atspoguļo vienīgi autoru uzskatus, un Komisijai nevar uzlikt atbildību par tajā ietvertās informācijas jebkuru iespējamo izlietojumu    

Exceed The Wall

RAKVERE RIGA VENTSPILS Exceed the wall - ETW. The title of the project originates from the idiom "hit a brick wall", which means to be unable to continue or make progress because of a hindrance. Some active youngsters have faced this problem, trying to communicate their ideas into the local communities but because of barriers nothing seemed to be achieved. The young are able to offer innovative solutions and views that are worth taking into consideration, that’s why we encourage them to express their views, thoughts and problematics in creative ways, which in this case throughout video/film making, since film-art is quite popular among the young nowadays. The main aim of the project is to work out an alternative way of expressing ideas and feelings by creating short films and video clips - to increase youth consciousness of creative self-expression in the local community and help them climb over those barriers, in other words; exceed the wall.   To solve these kinds of problems, the target group of the project is students between 15-19 years old from Rakvere, Riga and Ventspils. Those youngsters will get the opportunity to gain practical experience in filmmaking, develop their social-critical thinking and express themselves creatively. Also, the participants will have the opportunity to analyze pros and cons of their communities, discuss about potential solutions and at the end of the project they are able to show/express their feelings through audiovisual methods. Furthermore, filmmaking is a creative process which is closely connected with teamwork and cognition.   Collective filmmaking allows the young to discuss the chosen topic and through each others opinions and ideas understand better. Our aim is to use filmmaking as the best way of expressing the social-critical ideas of the young.   The international aim is to create a comparison of the local counties and the differences of the youth roles in the society and furthermore, what is the role of youth for noticing and solving problems in the local environment. It is also important for making youth more active by observing the partners countries and learning from the examples.   The main purpose of the project is to help youngsters define themselves as a part of the society and discuss different solutions, introduce them to youth non-formal expressing methods through practical film education and eventually they should be able to express their thoughts through audiovisual media, and present their ideas to a bigger audience.   In August 2016, a Film Festival will be held in Rakvere, as part of the finalization of the project. There is going to be a presentation of the short films and a competition among them participants. The contestants will get professional feedback and the best works will be acknowledged.   As an organisation we tried to strengthen the cooperation between the associations of the Baltic countries and to tutor the young by offering them to acquire new skills with big emphasis on personal development, but also push them to be more creative and expressive in general.   The festival wishes to highlight the creativity and activity of the young through presenting different way of self-realisation on the streets, the creativity of the young to the local community.   Video about RAKVERE YOUTH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL, that took place in August 2016.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.      

New Opportunities for Youth

BALKANS ENTREPRENEURIAL COOPERATION Youth exchange of project ''New Opportunities for Youth'' took place form 6 - 14 of August, 2015 and gathered 30 young people from 5 European countries in Pozega, Croatia. Project was aimed at improvement of young people abilities towards employability and entrepreneurship by providing participants with knowledge and skills necessary to assure self management, enhance their competitiveness and thereby encourage social inclusion.   Project was initiated and led by TERRA SLAVONICA organization from Croatia and partner organizations from Latvia, Austria, Czech Republic and Spain. Each country group was consisting of 5 participants (young people 18 - 30 years old) + one team leader (no age limit). The project was addressing the need to reduce unemployment, which has become a common social issue, influencing current economic system, social security systems and mental health of young people, encountering impassable barriers in gaining employment. During 9 days of youth exchange "New Opportunities for Youth" young people were able to reflect about what it means to be an entrepreneur and how they themselves might become an entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship can be also a creative activity in the field of art, sport, science and technology or in the NGO field. The youth exchange enabled young people to explore these various aspects of entrepreneurship, discuss about the characteristics of an entrepreneur and discover their own ideas that they could turn into action. As a part of youth exchange project promotion of Erasmus+ programme was organized  in local municipality, Caglin to present the results of project. Youngsters also visited local organic farm ''Grbic d.o.o.'' , local entrepreneur Sandi Mance who has established brewery ''MSB Slawoner'' and organiation ''Oppidum''. Main goal of visiting these organizations was to show participants examples of good practice and encourage young people to be brave and start to develop their own ideas into action. As part of activities youngsters made video clip and brochure with details about project which is available online, and available for organizations which work with youth. Participants also visited local radio station ''Vallis Aurea'' radio Pozega and gave interview about their impressions about project, their view of situation of unemployment in their countries and how youth entrepreneurship is supported in their countries. Local media, ''pozega.eu'' portal and ''Kronika Slavonskopozeska'' reported about activities on ''New Opportunities for Youth'' project. During youth exchange non formal education methods as "brainstorming", "role-play", group discussion, discussions in small groups, simulations of real situations, and sharing opinions and experiences between participants and faciliators were used. Youth exchange was designed in a way to give participants a chance to express themselves in all areas and learn each of 8 key competencies of non formal education. This structure of project was flexible, which means that participants and leaders of groups had chance to adapt to their needs and needs of a group through the whole process of learning. Participants gained competences in area of entrepreneurship which they can implement in their daily life and professional career. Participants are now more confident in relation with people from other cultures, they improved their cultural awareness and appreciated cultural diversity. Participants gained knowledge about Erasmus + programme and other programs as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs launched from European Union.   Organizer of project is Terra Slavonica organization from Croatia.  Project is supported by European Union Erasmus+ Programe, Agencija za mobilnost i programe in Croatia. Participants on youth exchange were 30 young people from Latvia, Czech Republic, Spain, Austria and Croatia who were interested in entrepreneurship and motivated to start developing their own ideas into action. Partner organizations on project were: Baltic Youth Way, Associació Cultural Tabalà, Change it!  and OSSAW. As one of results of this project participants made video and you can see part of atmosphere of project here   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Get Ready for your project – TC on Project management to prepare youth workers for the Erasmus/Youth in Action program

PROJECTS CONTACTS ERASMUS Three young people, Mikus, Nora un Dāvis, took part in the training course of ''Get Ready for your project – TC on Project management to prepare youth workers for the Erasmus/Youth in Action program'' project. Gained skills helped Mikus to develop his own project and apply it with another organization from Latvia, named ''Dream Foundation''. The Knot is organizing in cooperation with 7 other partners the " Get Ready for your project – TC on Project management to prepare youth workers for the Erasmus/Youth in Action program", official project info can be found here. Training course took place from 23rd - 31st of May, 2016 in Dilbeek, Belgium. Aims and Objectives Improving quality of inclusive youth work by rising trainers’ competences and youth workers to use and know the limitations of the new upcoming European program (Erasmus for all at this moment) and to empower them in setting up international cooperation as an added asset in their work. The objectives below make this aim more specific: • Exchanging and sharing experiences, concepts and methods in working with disadvantage young people. • Exploring ways to incorporate diversity management into the work and trainings the participants do. • Developing cross-cultural awareness by providing structured space for sharing, experiencing and addressing intercultural learning. • Increasing knowledge on project management in setting up quality international youth projects. • Developing teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills among the participants. • Setting basis for positive future cooperation within the Erasmus+/Youth in Action Program. • Creating a platform were possible future partnerships for setting up international projects can find each other. Profile of participants The target group of this training course is composed of youth workers and trainers who are directly working with young people from excluded groups and/or are from these groups themselves. They should have no experience in setting up international projects as such. But are willing to do in the future. Furthermore, participants should: • Be aged between 18 and 35 (preferable) • Be working on a local or regional level with socially excluded youth • Preferable working on a voluntary- of professional basis with young people • Have proven personal and organisational interest in this training • Be willing to continue cooperation after the training (very important) • Be fully available during the whole training course (meaning 8 days and travel) and willing to participate actively • Able to work and discuss in the English language • In a position within the organization to apply the outcomes of the training, meaning working on issues related to human resource Expected outcomes: participants will be ready to start up their own international projects. The training provides furthermore a good concept of establishing partnerships where basic ideas can be developed before participants will go home. Future cooperation will be encouraged and the team will coach ideas towards reality. Methodologies used during the training: The methodology in the training course is based on the values of non-formal education, intercultural, individual, experiential and experience-based learning. The methodology to be used is learners-centered: encouraging active involvement of the participants, creative and critical thinking and the multiplying approach through promoting the idea of international co-operation in the field of youth work.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

''Best we can'' youth exchange in Serbia, Topola

EMPLOYMENT ACTION EMPOWERMENT Best We Can is a 7 days youth exchange which gathers 35 young people from 7 European countries in Topola, Serbia, from 5-12 June 2015. with aimed at improvement of young people toward employability and entrepreneurship by providing participants with knowledge and skills necessary to assure self management, to enhance their competitiveness and thereby encourage social inclusion. Project will be established by organization Organisation serbischer Studenten im Ausland Wien and hosting organization is from Serbia Ecological Association for the protection and improvement of the environment "EKO-MLADENOVAC". Partners are coming from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, Serbia, Spain, Latvia and Lithuania. Each partner group will be consist of 4 participants (18-30 years old) + one team (leader no ages limit). The project will address the issue of fighting against unemployment, which becomes extremely dangerous social problem, destructive to the social tissue, economic system, social security systems and mental health of young people, encountering impassable barriers in gaining employment. The project’s objectives are: • To achieve a general common understanding about the concept of employability • Promoting sense of initiative and entrepreneurship as a proper mean to tackle youth unemployment • Creating a network of youngsters interested into entrepreneurship • To get to know how to use the European Programs and funds available in order to support youth employability • Promoting intercultural dialogue within the participants’ group During 8 days of youth exchange " We Make Opportunities" will enable young people to reflect about what it means to be an entrepreneur and how they themselves might become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship can be also a creative activity in the field of art, sport, science and technology or in the NGO field. The youth exchange will enable young people to explore these various aspects of entrepreneurship, discuss about the characteristics of an entrepreneur and discover their own ideas that they could turn into action. Videō kopsavilkums par jauniešu apmaiņu apskatāms šeit.   Šis projekts tika finansēts ar Eiropas Komisijas atbalstu. Šī publikācija atspoguļo vienīgi autoru uzskatus, un Komisijai nevar uzlikt atbildību par tajā ietvertās informācijas jebkuru iespējamo izlietojumu    

The TRYbes

CZECHOSLOVAKIA FUN DIVERSITY The „TRYbes“ youth exchange held in Blansko, Czech Republic between 15.9 - 23.9 2015, that hosted 30 young people from Latvia, Turkey, Lithuania, Romania and Czech Republic. The project was targeting today’s subculture sphere. The name of the project refers to various tribes, subcultures and alternatives; and possibility of trying them out (TRY). Since we believe, that there are many neglected areas in youth social awareness, particularly in ability to orientate oneself in today’s ambivalent, fast transformative society. Idea of The „TRYbes“ project leans on broadening our social perspective in terms of not just consuming mainstream trends, but also enriching ourselves thanks to various social or interest groups. This project did not just provide participants with theoretical information, but more importantly let them practically experience various lifestyle, artistic and creative approaches. Each day consisted of both information and experience parts. Group alsointroduced their level of awareness and subjective picture of each subculture. Leaders along with the team presented their country perspective as well, so we realized different social and cultural environment. Daily activities were naturally based mainly on methods of non formal education. Youth exchange took place in Češkovice, Czech Republic.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.  

Employ European youth CREATIVELY

COUNTRYSIDE CREATIVITY OPPORTUNITIES Contact Making Event for youthworkers, involving social entrepreneurship and creativity. Need of empowering youth to be more active in their local communities. High level of youth unemployment in European level. Emigration, as a result of unemployment, to other countries. Lack of possibilities in country side of Latvia and other countries of Europe in combination with failing approach of ''finding a job'' if there are none of them existing in some areas. All the mentioned factors are just few of examples that has led us to creation of this project ''Employ European youth CREATIVELY''.   With this project we wish to empower and inspire youth workers and leaders to involve youngsters to be more active and ''create new jobs'' by themselves. We will combine creativity with possibilities of social entrepreneurship, to motivate youth workers and leaders to work on social entrepreneurship ideas within their NGO's. To allow them to even self fund local projects in the country side or other areas and involve youth from rural and less developed areas in activities to promote self initiative and entrepreneurial attitude   TRAILER VIDEO OF EEYC   Aim of the project: To improve expertise and knowledge of youth workers and leaders about social entrepreneurship, in order to motivate young people into creation of creative social enterprises within their communities.   Objectives of the project are: • To improve participants understanding about social entrepreneurship and initiative, first steps to start with, when you have realized that you would like to become an entrepreneur and future employer; • To motivate youth workers to involve young people and to develop initiatives that would lead them towards entrepreneurial thinking; • To create opportunities for youth workers and leaders and support them in creation of new cooperation networks and projects aimed at expanding youth employability; • To promote use of creative and innovative learning and motivation approaches in European youth work and non-formal education; • Creation of closer ties between international organizations to work on development of long term KA2 project with aim of creation of creative social enterprises to be established and managed by European youth; Project involves organizations and youth workers from various regions of Europe. Different situation and experience in each particular country will give a great chance to learn from each other. Address the common issues and work towards solution, with a focus to create real social enterprises afterwards and bring positive changes in reducing youth unemployment.   WHO CAN APPLY? This project is created for youth workers and leaders, in order to raise their knowledge about social entrepreneurship, creativity and motivating youth. Participants should be working in their organizations with local communities. To improve their skills as motivators for young people, who are currently unemployed. Participants should be able to support and motivate unemployed youngsters to take first steps towards becoming active, to find common language with other like minded youngsters. To create and motivate teams, in order to support each other towards creating new and creative ideas for social entrepreneurship. Participants are coming from Erasmus+ Programme countries.   OUTCOMES? During project ''Employ European youth CREATIVELY'' participants understood the benefits of becoming active in social entrepreneurship field. We look forward to work on creation of new projects, during the main activity in Latvia related to social entrepreneurship, that would possibly also be a long term strategical partnership in framework of KA2 action.   VIDEO OF EMPLOY EUROPEAN YOUTH CREATIVELY   COUNTRIES and ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED? Baltic Youth Way (LV); ASOCIACIJA "AKTYVISTAI" (LT); MTÜ Hea Hombre (EE); Associação Liláz (PT); Consell dels Joves de Gandia (ES); Be International (CZ); Youth Mobility Center (GR); SURF THE EARTH PROJECT-STEP (RO); Fingerprints (MT); The Knot vzw (BE); Go Digit All (UK)   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Acting to Belong and Create Diversity and Employment for Young People

WHAT WHERE WHEN Nowadays you need more than just an education, Training course in Estonia ''ABCDE for Young People''. Training course was organized by Estonian organization ''Noored Uhiskonna Heaks''. Through the past decade Europe has changed the traditional approach to many spheres of life due to cultural, technological, social and economical shifts in the society. One of the spheres that has transformed in a significant way is the attitude towards jobs and careers and the reality of the employment market. Young people face the perspective of changing a significant number of long-term and short-term jobs and quite likely even several professions during their careers to cope with dynamic social and economical conditions. ABCDE for Young People – Acting to Belong and Create Diversity in Employment for Young People is a training course for youth leader and workers who wants to develope creativity as an essential competence to open the job market. The project will be based in Tallinn and the main topic is to understand the new paradigm of the youth employment in Europe and how a creative approach together with the right attitude can open many doors and the market for young people. The training course uses methods of experiential learning as role plays, simulations and drama methods and group sharing methods as small and large group discussions. Together, we will be working out and improving ' new methods' on how to raise awareness of youngsters for participation in their local community and beyond. All over mission of the training course is to find the ways how to improve young people chances to succeed in the very dynamic job market. The TC will last 7 days and the partners are based in Programme countries. Trainer team consisted of Pavel Vassiljev and Marco Santos, they developed the training programme by involving latest trends of non formal education methods and techniques. Youth organizations from all across the Europe were involved in the project: Asociatia Minte Forte, Romania Mylife Productions 2013 CIC, United Kingdom GEMMA - Germeshausen und Mak, Austria Stowarzyszenie Absolwentow "Radosni", Poland Grupo de Desarrollo Rural Valle del Guadalhorce, Spain DIKTIO GIA EVROPAIKI POLITOTITA KE TAFTOTITA, Cyprus Be International, Czech Republic ASSOCIAZIONE CULTURALE STRAUSS, Italy Baltic Youth Way, Latvia Activities were hosted in the rural area of Estonia, thus giving open space to relax from everyday environment and to discover inner potential of each participant. ''Nowadays people have so many diverse ideas, but just few of them are actually making the first step to implement them. Another important thing is the teamwork.'' Konstantīns Fjodorovs Participant from Latvia     This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.      

LOVE NATURE

LOVE, TRADITIONS, NATURE Always grateful. A strong wave of heat surrounding my body. I get off the aeroplane in a vague floating sensation, both physical and mental. After 11 days spent in Latvia I forgot that here (Romania) it's a strong heatwave. Because we only remember 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see and 90% of what we do in conjunction with the nature  who is the mother of learning in my opinion, I responded positively to the invitation to participate in the project Love Nature organized by Baltic Youth Way from 15-22 June 2015 in Latvia together with other participants from different countries in Europe. As the name suggests, the project's main purpose was  to promote the love for nature and a healthy lifestyle. For those who don't know, outdoor education is experiential , it means learning on the all three domains: cognitive, affective and psychomotor or  in simpler words:  you learn with the brain, the heart and the hands at the same time. The beauty of the project consisted in the skillful  planned  "unorganised"  organizing of the first three days of activities. Two and a half days of rafting on the  welcoming  Gauja river, a river that calmly carried us for about 80 km, fed us with the  gentleness of its landscapes and wisely guided us to the campsites protected by secular spirit of  the forests in the area. Three days on the water, the equivalent of thousands of hours of work spent on personal development. The creativity, vitality, spontaneity, ability to  interpret, analyze, evaluate, adapt, explain, communicate, encourage, motivate, take decisions, solve problems, find  solutions,  being  in control of your mind, of  your ambition, connecting,  inferring, etc. all have worked continuously within the will to prove you are more than an entity defined by race, social class, education and culture. The second part of the adventure in the nature was something similar to:" you can always do more than you think you're capable of" or "you made it this far, it means you want more". Crossing the marshes! Without  any special equipment, without any  assurances that everything will be fine, without our loved boats and without  any  relative experience! You stepped into the dance, keep dancing Mariuca! (Mariuca = the diminutive form for the name Maria) What seemed to be hideously at first, transformed with every step  in a way that only nature and the direct connection with this super force knows how to craft, in a sublime way coming from all around you and anchor into your mind. The famous version of "The Scream" by Edvard Munch was miraculously transformed during  the 4.5km into Claude Monet's "Water Lilies". I was fully amazed by the marshes  silence, by the beauty of the carbon black that we were belonging  to by now,  by the undisturbed birdsongs, by the innocence of the bloomed water lilies that leaded us to joy with the  characteristic ease of the children.  I was laughing heartily at myself thinking that somehow, at some point in life I was built out of standards of all kinds. The feelings we get out of outdoor experiences have a different emotional and psychological  load from one human been to another. The comfort zone is a psychological limitation that keeps people trapped into something undefined.  Many people said that by certain actions they were out of this area, but it would be more effective if they would realize that they have just added new borders to this zone.  The comfort zone does not increase, it's limitation is given exactly by the term used to define the  comfortable mental state in which you place oneself or in other words how you adjust to your  mind  not the mind adjusts to you. You have to work daily to add to your comfort zone, that's why I say, conquer yourself so that you can conquer everything else. I encourage giving up such classifications related to zones and comfort, but this is another discussion that doesn't belong here. Further on the activities were held in a welcoming guesthouse in a rural area. Owned by a lovely family with an experience of over 20 years to receive his guests, it offered us a delicious incursion into the local gastronomy with goodies provided by the 80 hectares household, we were taught the art of sauna, we were introduced into the village lifestyle, which demonstrated once again that the people who developed this project also  excelled with the healthy lifestyle chapter.  Activities in the days that followed somehow maintained the  alert status of a non-formal learning program, getting a bit out of the usual patterns  which have become almost stereotypical. The last two days were holidays in the true sense, Latvians keeping alive the tradition of celebrating the summer solstice, with customs very similar to ours, the difference being that for them is indeed a national holiday. We celebrating by dancing, playing, delicious food, offerings, cheering, entering into communion with all others both physically and spiritually. The day we said goodbye was also the day we remembered that we never separate from anyone. I do not believe in notes, descriptions, categorizations, reward, punishment. I believe in people. People are beautiful and constantly evolving both psychological and spiritual. I believe that every day of our  life experience is a " win-win situation,, "..so having said all this, I think I talked too much and my mother tongue got tired.   Maria Participant from Romania     About the training course Training course LOVE NATURE is aimed to improve knowledge and expertise about outdoor and experiential learning methods to be used in non-formal education by youth workers, trainers and leaders in European Union, Eastern partnership and Western Balkan countries for promotion of active participation and healthy lifestyle. To outline importance of nature and environment protection. Training course LOVE NATURE will gathered 28 youth workers, trainers and leaders from Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Albania, Serbia and Turkey in Northern part of Latvia - Ziemeļgauja nature park and ''Ķempēni''. Participants had to take an active role in preparation stage of the project, to communicate actively by use of internet communication tools and arrange the practicalities of outdoor part of LOVE NATURE project. Few days of rafting and hiking activities in combination with non-formal learning methods and various outdoor activities involved in the training programme significantly improved the abilities and skills of team work and cooperation between youth workers. Objectives:   • To raise youth worker expertise and address importance of quality issues for using outdoor education methods in practice;   • To explore and convert outdoor education process into a learning experience;   • To provide youth workers with knowledge and gain new skills how to use experiential learning methods in youth work;   • To exchange and share expertise, experience and methods of outdoor education and experiential learning;   • Development of teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills of youth workers;   • To improve preparation processes and teamwork between organizations and participants involved into Erasmus+ youth projects;   • To raise awareness about sustainable development, environment and healthy lifestyle;   • Creating open space for future project development about experiential learning and outdoor education within Erasmus+ programme. The project LOVE NATURE resulted in creating new ideas for outdoor events and methods of promoting healthy lifestyle and active participation, to be used by youth workers and leaders in European Union, Eastern partnership and Western Balkan countries. Video material about the main activity soon will be distributed among partner organizations for promotional use. During the main activity participants were given the opportunity to gain new skills by participating in outdoor activities through experiential and non-formal learning. The participants had an opportunity to use their experience and gain new practice and improve skills during the training course and increase the level of competences as a youth workers and youth educators.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.  

NGO atlas

WORK PRODUCTIVITY UNITY Quality issues in youth work, contact making event for youthworkers. Contact making event ''NGO atlas'' took place in Latvia, Gulbene region, from 14 - 21 of March, 2015. Gathering decision makers, youth workers and key staff members from non governmental organisations of 18 different countries from Europe, Balkans and Caucasus ''NGO atlas'' contact-making event gathered 40 youth workers, decision makers and leaders from Latvia, Belarus, Estonia, Russian Federation, Romania, Lithuania, Greece, Albania, Ukraine, Serbia, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Kosovo, Turkey and Georgia in order to work on the main aim of project: quality improvement of follow up and dissemination processes of Erasmus+ youth projects. Main contact-making event activity of ''NGO atlas'' project  took place in Ranka region, Latvia and lasted for 8 days. Non formal learning methods was applied, such as workshops, team building activities, discussions, group work, outdoor activities, idea development for further cooperation etc. During the project participants got to know youth organizations from different parts of Europe and develop wider international cooperation network. Participants Increased their level of skills for project and quality management and were inspired and motivated to develop new projects within Erasmus+ programme. ''NGO atlas'' main activity gave chance to explore, exchange and discuss different ways on how to improve cooperation between NGO's from various regions. Important topic also was to increase participants knowledge and awareness about importance of delivering the project results to the target groups. Project partners worked together to innovate methods and tools for improvement of follow up and dissemination processes. Representatives of 18 countries worked together also to develop concept of ‘’NGO social network’’ and increase participants digital competences. Result of this cooperation can be seen at www.ausma.me, where all youth workers, organisations and youngsters can register and share information. Development of ausma.me still continues after the ''NGO atlas'' project has successfully finished. Overall, during the ''NGO atlas'' project youth workers had an opportunity to establish new partnerships, discover weak points in their current project management processes and worked on solutions. Experiencing unique moments, aurora in northern Latvia Traditional latvian dances followed by dancing many other national country dances Intercultural night, sharing tastes and stories Reflecting and remembering first day expectations Emotional moments during the last day activities You can already register and set up your organisation`s profile that can be used as a free website already @ ausma.me (online platform for NGO's and youth to share information, develop ideas and involve/inform youth in various activities, will be developed further and have various useful tools)   Trailer of NGO atlas Video about the NGO atlas   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.  

Streetgizer

JEZIRKO FORESTS INSPIRATION What is Streetgizer about? * Streetgizer brings the power of street to youth work * Streetgizer sees public action as strong tool for driving attention to our topics * Training can empower youth leaders and youth workers with tools for street actions as happenings, nonviolent demos, art performances etc * Training emphasizes the quality of public actions. We will learn how to address your community needs and avoid potential conflicts STREETGIZER introduces the power of street through non-formal education to youth work. 7 days long Training Course brought together youth workers and youth leaders from post-socialistic countries who play an active role in their local communities. STREETGIZER empowered them with self-confidence, creative forms of nonviolence protest, experience and determination to inspire and involve youth publicly into local communities. STREETGIZER took place in September 2014 in Brno, Czech Republic, the city where new public activist generation has been growing rapidly and where Be International, the hosting organisation, operates 24 participants from 12 countries came together and explored the power of public action After training participants got to know how to creatively address youth topics by different forms of nonviolent action, they got to know how to get attention and effectively communicate with public   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Baltic Way For Peace

CULTURE PEACE FRIENDSHIP   The training course “Baltic Way for Peace” took place in Liepaja and Riga. Project involes 11 non-governmental organisations from different countries – Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Spain, Russian Federation and Turkey. During the training course, youth workers and youth NGO representatives discussed about peace-building, integration and conflict resolution training in their countries and communities. Moreover during the sessions were discussions about numerous types of conflicts in their specific contexts and consequently looked into various methods of transforming these conflicts through non-violent actions. Above all, it was all so informative, that the time flew by unnoticed.Besides all this, program of this training course was so creative, that we could not expect that throughout the day on the project we will have a morning yoga and exercises. And even despite the fact that most of us have never practiced yoga, we were very happy to wake up in the early morning to collectively practice yoga and mediation. But except for the aforementioned, in the evenings we had a national dances, especially Latvian. And it was so interesting, that every participant tried to take part on this activity. However, we had a city games – it was a really nice activity. Because we were divided into a small groups and focusing on the map, should find showplaces and take a selfie photos near beautiful sight. But despite the nice activities, we had a visit to the famous Karosta prison. We were a prisoners for a few hours, but emotions, which we had there – unforgettable. Because all the atmosphere there were so frightful and scary. Of course, in one side, we realized that it was just an excursion, but, in the other side, we were shocked, because we understood that, according to the prison`s history, there were a lot of people who died in this place and most of them were shot. The most pleasant thing on this training course was the atmosphere among the participants. Because there was so peaceful, kind and calm ambiance that did not want to go back to our everyday`s life. Indeed, for a small interval of time, we become like a one family. And it was really hard to realize that we need to leave this wonderful and awesome project. Notwithstanding we did not say “Goodbye” to each other, we said “See you”, because the peaceful project brought a piece of friendly light to our lives.   Trailer video about the project Documentary movie ''Baltic Way for Peace''   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.  

''Learning by doing'' youth exchange in Georgia, Bakuriani

EXPERIENCE ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE Youth Exchange “Integration +" under the project “Learning By Doing”, will took place in mountain town, winter skiing resort of Georgia - Bakuriani, between 28th of March - 4th of April, 2015. Youth exchange was ongoing for 8 days. Each partner organization was represented by 4 participants and one group leader, coming from different EU and EECA countries: Latvia, Romania, Spain, Malta, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Ukraine. Latvian group was led by group leader Anete Apine and four young people Rolands Rūdis Trencis, Raivis Krūmiņš, Mārtiņš Ziemelis and Šarlote Zirne. "Learning by Doing" was created with the aim to help youngsters coming from EU and EECA to rise up their personal and professional skills and in this way resolve the biggest challenge they are facing - ERASMUS+ YE "Learning by doing" Unemployment. Because of this mission first phase of the YE will be mostly concentrating on theoretical aspects to give required knowledge to the participants; several workshops will be focused on the improvement of their skills and competencies, to get new experience, knowledge, develop their attitudes and approaches towards different things, leading to the personal, professional and socio-educational and professional development of all participants. Second phase will give participants chance to apply all this knowledge and spread it among peers within the local school and orphan house. They will plan and implement small local projects involving above mentioned target group – which can be their first working experience.   Šis projekts tika finansēts ar Eiropas Komisijas atbalstu. Šī publikācija atspoguļo vienīgi autoru uzskatus, un Komisijai nevar uzlikt atbildību par tajā ietvertās informācijas jebkuru iespējamo izlietojumu    

Employ yourself

POLAND TRAVEL PROJECT Project ''employYOURself'' developed and implemented by trainer and founder of association ''Fundacja Młodzi dla Europy'' from Poland Mateusz Górecki. Training course took place from 14th till 21st of November, 2014, in Wisla, Poland. 26 participants from Latvia, Poland, Italy and Macedonia. Training "employYOUrself " emphasizes the idea that young people should shape and change current job market by becoming more enthusiastic and courageous to the creation of jobs for themselves. During the project we plan to visit the business incubators, talk to young entrepreneurs about their experiences , as well as to carry out the activity of building a team and a lot more, including a group work and creative tasks (all based on the principles of non-formal education ). The subject of our activities relate to the development of entrepreneurial attitudes and initiative among young Europeans and to promote social and cultural entrepreneurship. One of the main objectives of the training is a summary of experiences from different departments, methodologies, organizations and individuals to discover different approaches to learning and teaching the art of entrepreneurship. Project will be the cornerstone of establishing the new European knowledge and friendship, exchange of best practices, experiences, the knowledge of the Erasmus + , and the continuation of cooperation between organizations, also in future projects.   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.    

Youthful Twinland Batumi

HOSPITALITY YOUTH CAUCASUS   Main aim of this partnership building activity, that took place from 16 - 21 October, 2013 was to establish new connections among the young citizens of Batumi and its twin cities and from the cities of EECA Region on a youth level and foster them to work together on follow up projects. To share existing information and experience and plan future projects and activities around the topic of the youth and social policy   This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.