UKRAINIAN TEAM

Follow Up Activity

NGO – Country: Ukraine/Development and Initiative

Group members of the presentation: Tamila Pedan, Kateryna Priazhnikova, Sofiia Kalashnikova, Diana Dadak, Tetiana Perederii, Olha Vashulenko
Country: Ukraine
Location (the place where you organised the activity): Online&Offline in Kharkiv, Ukraine
Day and time (duration): 28 of April, 13 pm-18 pm
Participants (how many people, approx. ages, characteristics): 12 ppl offline in Kharkiv Regional Organizational and Methodological Center of Culture and Art and 14 ppl online in Zoom

On April 28, the Kharkiv Regional Organizational and Methodological Center of Culture and Art hosted the presentation in the hybrid format "Get to know culture and inclusion thanks to Erasmus+" as a follow-up activity of "Youth workers LAB - Business in the digital age," the first mobility of which was implemented in Pissouri, Cyprus 23 to 30 of March 2023.

The main idea of the event was to share our gained knowledge with the audience. Our aim was to build a conversation with the visitors and to talk about the most interesting and necessary insights that we got on the project. Our final aim would be to encourage the youth in youth activity including the inclusive and vulnerable groups.

To achieve our aim, we first provided some theoretical knowledge, such as discussing advocacy, lobbying, ethical norms, and the functioning of youth organizations in different countries. Then, we decided to have an activity regarding advocacy where the audience drew a flower to represent community problems, ways to influence the target audience, stakeholders, and new laws that youth workers want to have. This activity was similar to the one we had in Pissouri.

During the activity, the audience showed their real interest in solving the local problems regarding the damages due to the war, that were connected with nature, infrastructure, etc. The audience was pretty motivated and deeply interested, the activity helped them to structure their possible future actions regarding their youth initiatives. The activity is significant because it helps the youth workers to fully acknowledge their potential and ability to create a better society.

Besides, the audience had a lot of questions about the Erasmus projects. We happily shared our personal experiences with Erasmus projects, emphasizing the values of the Erasmus program.

\By interacting with event participants, the visitors learned about the possible youth workers activities, and how to create an inclusive learning environment during non-formal education processes. Besides, they gained the necessary skills needed for a successful exchange and how to represent their own country and its culture abroad effectively.

PARTICIPANTS' IMPRESSIONS FROM THE PROJECT:

Sophie: - The training program enabled me to acquire digital skills about youth work in topics such as Youth work in countries, work with people with different disabilities, etc. Furthermore, I made new acquaintances. I enjoyed the local culture, including Cyprus's food, hospitality, and amazing natural beauty. The training program was well-structured, allowing for productive sessions and time to explore the area or relax.

Tetiana: " I just returned from an extremely interesting and informative Erasmus+ training " Youth workers LAB - Business in digital age". Experienced trainers, interesting activities, many new acquaintances and the sunny village of Pissouri made this project perfect. I love and miss everything about the project from energizers, interesting workshops, and shooting a video to our cultural nights. During the week we had the opportunity to practice many interesting activities, among which the task was to explore the main attractions of Pissouri. The training location was incredible, allowing us to enjoy the sea and Cyprus' nature. The organization of the project was at the highest level, everything was thought out and well organized. All activities were very well organized, and we received really good knowledge through non-formal education methods. Also, each national team shared examples of the most successful youth-inclusive projects from their countries. Thank you all for a wonderful time together, new knowledge, and ideas."

Tamila: At the end of March, I took part in an interesting Erasmus+ training "Youth workers LAB - Business in digital age". This project brought together participants from eight countries in Cyprus, in Pissouri. The surrounding nature and a lot of interesting activities made the project unforgettable and very rich in cultural activities. I would like to be there again to experience all the emotions again. The project is especially useful for young people who are just gaining experience and skills for work and want to get a lot of impressions from communication with representatives of other countries. For me, as a Ukrainian, it was interesting to observe the cultural features of participants from other countries. It was interesting to learn what food they eat, what dances they dance and what jokes they use in communication. By getting to know other countries and their cultures, we become more tolerant and empathetic towards people.

Olha: It was an interesting project, with an incredible atmosphere and a great team. Together we explored the topic "Business in digital age" in attractive Cyprus. We had many exciting tasks, everyone shared their experience, and I learned a lot about inclusiveness, working with people with disabilities, the newest methods of informal education, challenges for youth workers, the cultural characteristics of each of the participating countries, etc. We also had fun activities - I loved them a lot.

Participants from 8 countries took part in the project. We all became a real team, where everyone was ready to help and support. We also had awesome coaches who energized everyone on the project. I'm really grateful for this incredible experience. These memories will stay with me forever.

Diana: I was lucky enough to be selected for the training project "Business in the Digital Age," the first part of which was held in the marvelous village of Pissouri, Cyprus.

Firstly, I want to emphasize the importance of the project's topic. During the first part of the project, we mostly discussed youth work and inclusivity. In the second part (which will take place in Georgia in July), we will focus on business and conduct research on this topic. I believe that the discussed topics will foster more tolerance in young people's souls and build an accepting culture and attitude in youth organizations.

Secondly, the organization of the project was excellent! We had different forms of discussions such as debates, presentations, and others. We had a perfect chance to get to know others while having classes and fully enjoy the process of studying.

Finally, I fell in love with Cyprus - its nature, people, and cuisine! We went hiking, visited different nice places besides our discussions, which made our project so valuable!

I want to say THANK YOU to all the people who made the project come true, and I hope to have a good time on the second part of the project in Georgia!

LINKS TO THE POSTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

2nd PDA, GEORGIA

MUZYCHENKO TETIANA

The second part of the Erasmus+ training "Youth workers LAB - Business in digital age" in Bakuriani, Georgia was an incredible experience. Getting to know open-minded people, the beauty of nature, and learning digital entrepreneurship - all this created unforgettable impressions.

The project promoted social entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and the personal development of the participants. Participating in this project gave me incredible skills, knowledge, and unforgettable memories. It combined learning, cultural exchange, and personal development in an unparalleled way.

We got the opportunity to develop digital entrepreneurship skills and learn the basic concepts and techniques of this field. So, for example, we tried to implement the "EntreComp" system in practice, We were also divided into teams and created a business project related to social inclusion, we developed a concept, logo, and website and prepared a presentation.

One of the interesting aspects of the project was the opportunity for self-discovery and self-reflection. We could make a circle and talk about impressions and thoughts. Also, thanks to the project, there was an opportunity for communication and mutual understanding between young people from Europe.

I am grateful to everyone with whom I had the opportunity to communicate and a special thanks to Development and Initiative and Umbrella • ამბრელა for this incredible opportunity to be a part of this project.

Sofiia Kalashnikova

I spent an incredible time on the second part of the project in Bakuriani, Georgia. Interesting tasks, new knowledge, teamwork, incredible people, beautiful nature and delicious food - all this is about our project. Erasmus+ is a great opportunity to explore yourself, your qualities and emotions in different situations. These are new projects, friends and travels. I am grateful to everyone.

Thanks a lot to the organizers for making this week bright, eventful, useful and interesting.

Tamila Pedan

The second part of the "Business in the Digital Age" project for active youth took place at the end of June in Bakuriani. Several new participants joined the project and together we continued to explore project management tools, explore new terrain in Bakuriani and develop project management, communication and project presentation skills. This trip allowed me to gain new skills and information for project management and business organization in the digital age.

We also had a very fantastic trip to Varja, Rabata Castle and Borjomi where we enjoyed the atmosphere and the company.

Tetiana Perederii

Experienced trainers, interesting activities, many new acquaintances and Bakuriani made this project special. I am very grateful to everyone who made this training course possible. The training course equipped us with a diverse range of skills and knowledge in digital youth entrepreneurship. Throughout the course, we embarked on an intensive study of the basic steps involved in launching a new business in the digital age and an analysis of the various competencies of an entrepreneur. The workshops and exercises themselves were very diverse, but all without exception extremely creative!

Diana Dadak

I am delighted to share my impressions and experience from this exceptional project. The project gained significant importance as participants from eight different nationalities, each bringing their unique cultural and professional backgrounds. During the project,I discovered the opportunities of digital entrepreneurship and its features in local youth work with disadvantaged groups. As a result, I gained a deep understanding of the intricacies and dynamics of this rapidly evolving field.

All activities were very well organized, and we received good knowledge through non-formal education methods.Thank you all for a wonderful time together, new knowledge, and ideas.