During 12-20 November we implemented our next project in Bakuriani, where 27 youth workers from 9 countries gathered for the same goals. These countries are: Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Croatia, Portugal, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine and Moldova. Theme of Erasmus+ Training Course was “Dialogue Above Judgement”.
Project aims were the following:
-To understand of existing problems and its causes, exploring existing lines of tensions/conflicts in Europe.
-To teach young leaders useful tools and methodologies in order to reduce discriminatory and stereotypical thinking.
-To have a space for young leaders to share their best practices of their local societies.
-To involve young leaders from minority groups from various European and neighbor countries.
-To strengthen the partnership cooperation among European Union and Eastern Partnership countries and empowering EECA NGOs.
-To create a network of likeminded organizations and individuals interested in further cooperation in the field of anti-discrimination and inter-cultural dialogue.
We started the training course by opening the project, name games and ice-breakers, which helped participants to come out of their comfort zones and break down barriers between each other. During team building activities, theatre-plays and group presentations, they had an opportunity to connect with newly-made friends and together they explored the impact of stereotypes across different countries and cultures. They learned new methodologies and tools, which they will use in their respective countries while working with youth from different cultural backgrounds. These techniques will help them to encourage their beneficiaries to develop important skills, such as empathy, critical thinking, team-work, creativity. Workshops based on non-formal education aimed to recognize hate speech, to transform stereotypical mindset, to distinguish between subjective and objective, to create inclusive environment for marginalized groups and to develop intercultural competences. In addition, during intercultural evenings participants had an opportunity to share their culture, food, dances and traditions with each other, which they truly enjoyed.
