Better times are dawning over Tatra! That was the name of our Erasmus+ project, which we organized with DofE Slovakia at the beginning of August. Our teams met in the beautiful surroundings of the Slovak Tatras to learn from each other and be inspired. We tried to spend as much time as possible outdoors, in the inspiring surroundings of Štrbské Pleso. And since we are advocates of non-formal education, it was not boring!
Participants got to know each other through icebreakers and getting-to-know-you games, and the work could be experienced. In role play activities, participants tried out how to bring the DofE programme to young people from Generation Z and how to engage and motivate them. We also focused on disadvantaged children and young people and explored the new Stand by Me, or Stand by You, programme during a creative workshop. This comprehensive 'buddy' programme that helps children and young people (13-24 years) in difficult life situations to self-actualise and adapt to their peer group. Both foreigners and children from Ukraine, as well as otherwise disadvantaged children. We also discussed and brainstormed about ORB and other digital tools that can make it easier for us and DofE leaders to work and communicate better with young people. Don't worry, we didn't forget the expedition part either! Our teams set off to cement their friendships at Chata pod Soliskom.
The October Erasmus+ Train the Trainers training in Romania was in a similar vein. In Cluj, 4 participants from the Czech Republic met with 4 participants from our partner organisation DofE Romania. The whole training was facilitated by a representative of International Award Foundtion, who shared his experience in networking and community building and facilitated activities focused on practical training and sharing of experiences in this area. We also worked with Romanian colleagues on a joint project called Stand by Me. We focused, for example, on how best to motivate young people from Ukraine to join the project and get the most out of it.
We are looking forward to more Erasmus+ projects next year!
