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BE BRILLIANT

Erasmus accreditation in the field of youth

Mobility projects for young people - Youth exchanges
Mobility projects for youth workers


Let's promote inclusion and diversity, intercultural dialogue and the values of solidarity, equal opportunities and human rights among young people in Europe.​

Lets show it off the World

BE THE PIONEERS

Accreditation code: 2022-1-CY02-KA150-YOU-000110339
Accreditation field: Youth
Accreditation type: Erasmus accreditation in youth

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2024

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Project No. : 2024-1-CY01-KA151-YOU-000219278/1


YEXTCO2 - Youth Exchange 
Name: 
“Youth For a Sustainable Future”
Dates: 
22ND - 26TH OF APRIL, 2025 - TRAVEL DAYS: 21ST AND 27TH OF APRIL
TARGET GROUP: 28 young persons 16-30 y.o. and 4 leaders without age limit, from Cyprus, Georgia, Lithuania and Poland.

​​

“Youth For a Sustainable Future”
​

Environmental protection is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction have reached alarming levels, largely due to human activities. While awareness has increased, not everyone fully understands the consequences of environmental degradation.Youth today will shape the future, making it essential to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and responsibility to take action for a greener planet.This project focuses on environmental education, sustainability, and active citizenship. It aims to bring together young people from different countries, providing them with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences and take real action to protect nature. Through interactive workshops, hands-on eco-activities, Field visits, and cultural exchange, participants will develop eco-friendly habits, learn about environmental advocacy, and become multipliers of sustainable practices in their communities. The main goal of the project is to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability among youth.

Objectives:

- To raise awareness about environmental challenges such as pollution,
climate change, deforestation, and waste management;

- To educate participants about the impact of human activities on eco systems and health;

- To develop eco-friendly habits and sustainable living practices among young people;

- To encourage youth participation in environmental initiatives and advocacy;

- To promote recycling and waste reduction, teach participants how to repurpose waste materials;

- To equip youth with leadership and communication skills to spread environmental knowledge in their communities;

- To foster intercultural exchange, allowing participants to share how environmental issues are tackled in their countries;

- To promote Erasmus+ opportunities, encouraging participants to engage in further youth projects.

DISSEMINATION

As a participant in this project, your role doesn’t end when the exchange is over! An important part of your journey is the dissemination phase, where you will share what you’ve learned on social networks and with your local community.

Social Media: At the end of our project, we encourage you to share your personal impressions on social media. This could be through posts, storytelling, or creative content that reflects how the project has impacted you. By using social media, you can reach even more people, engage in meaningful discussions, and contribute to spreading the project’s message on a wider scale.

Local Activity: After the project, each participant is expected to organize a local activity—this could be a workshop, a presentation, a social media campaign, or any other creative way to spread the project’s results. The goal is to inspire others, raise awareness, and create a lasting impact beyond our time together. Let’s keep the impact growing!

2024

Project No. : 2024-1-CY01-KA151-YOU-000219278
PDATC01 - Professional Development 
​Echoes of Unity - Empowerment for Sustainable Futures​
​

The activity "Echoes of Unity - Empowerment for Sustainable Futures" was designed to provide participants the knowledge on emotional well-being, leadership, communication, problem solving and digital literacy and to reinforce the role of youth work. The participants were involved in all stages of the project through the learning and development process, dissemination and follow up.

Through a dynamic and interactive five-day program, participants were empowered to increase youth workers' competencies in using creative methods to support the emotional well-being of young people they work with.

A combination of creative workshops, hands-on activities, reflection sessions and collaborative exercises were used to enhance the capacity of youth workers to create positive change within their communities.

Duration: 5 working days + 2 travel days.

Target Group: 
The project involved 15 participants, professional and volunteer youth workers working directly and regularly with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. 
The participants came from Cyprus, Croatia, Latvia, Poland and Romania.

Specific Objectives:

- To offer insights into emotional well-being that are tailored and applicable within the professional scope of youth work.
- To cultivate basic practical skills using creative methods (such as storytelling, drama, and creative theatre) to support the emotional well-being of young people.
- To encourage and empower youth workers to adopt innovative methods and engage with young people in a holistic and thoughtful manner.
- To share, enhance, and refine youth workers' methods by exchanging best practices, techniques, and context-based learning from diverse communities, realities, and youth groups.
- To introduced sustainability concepts and eco-friendly practical knowledge applied in youth work, to foster environmental responsibility.
- To promote leadership, communication, problem solving, time management and digital transformation both individually and collectively that can be transferred when working with young people back in the different communities.

General Objectives:
- Provide non-formal and informal learning opportunities for educational and professional development of youth workers.
- Contribute to high quality individual practice for the evolution of youth work organisations and systems;
- Build a community of youth workers who can support the quality of projects and activities for young people in EU programmes and beyond.
▪ Develop and exchange local youth work practices and contribute to capacity building for quality youth work of the participants and their organisation within their regular work with young people. 

Learning outcomes:

- Develop leadership, communication, problem solving, environmental consciousness  and AI skills.
- Manage time effectively in order to organize and implement more activities for and with young people.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the needs, emotions, and perspectives of young people, improving their ability to connect with and support them.
- Strengthen skills and understanding to foster stronger connections with young people and help them build meaningful relationships with their peers.
- Gain confidence in discussing youth needs and challenges, guiding them toward solutions while fostering a sense of belonging and group support.
- Learn techniques to instill in young people the importance of core values and social connections and how to become promoters of values in social media.
- Supported in the reflection process, identification and documentation of the learning outcomes, in particular through Youthpass.

Competences:
  1. Time management and organizational skills
  2. Emotional intelligence and youth understanding
  3. Communication, active listening:and creative problem-solving
  4. Facilitation and relationship-building:
  5. Creative problem-solving
  6. Promoting core values
  7. Holistic youth engagement
  8. Advocacy and Leadership development

Participants' creation
ECHOES OF UNITY - Empowerment for Sustainable Futures​ A Fresh Youth Worker's Guide (already in apple book store)

Impact:

- Skilled youth workers in time management, emotional intelligence and effective communication to address the needs of young people.
- Inclusive youth work and safe spaces for young people to feel seen, heard, valued and supported in their development.
- Increased youth engagement, participation and growth, peer collaboration and trust to combat isolation and create a stronger sense of belonging within the community.
- More sustainable, value-driven programs in the community and empowered youth workers and youth to address challenges, build resilience, and feel secured in own communities.
- Empowered youth workers with tools to foster self-expression and advocacy.
- Raised awareness on sustainability practices, with practical skills to implement in communities.
- Formation of a lasting network among participants for future collaboration and support.

Horizontal priorities

Echoes of Unity promotes equal opportunities and access, inclusion and fairness. All activities are designed to be accessible and inclusive. Participants with fewer opportunities are involved in the decision making process. 
▪ The project enhances the diversity awareness of youth workers, improve their skills and competences needed to successfully involve participants with fewer opportunities in youth work practice and the ability of the participating organisations to address issues of inclusion and diversity in their regular activities.
▪ The trainers ensure tailormade approaches to the needs of the participants.
▪ The whole project should take a conscious approach towards inclusion and diversity. In the planning, preparation, implementation and follow-up these aspects should be taken into consideration. 


Quality of the Mobility
▪ clear impact on the participating youth workers’ regular work with young people and on their organization.
▪ active involvement of participating organisations and youth workers, with active role in all the stages of the project, to enhance their learning and development experience.
▪ identified youth worker educational and professional development and the needs for quality, innovation and recognition of learning outcomes
▪ non-formal and informal learning outcomes are properly recognised and the project outcomes, including any methods, materials and tools, are transferable to used as per “European Training Strategy Competence model for Youth Workers.
▪ participants reflect on European topics and values to promote the respect and manage diversity in their daily work.
▪ use of innovative practices and methods such as inclusion of digital youth work activities with a view to be an instrument for prevention of any forms of online disinformation and fake news.



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    This communication 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.

    2024
    ​

    Project No. : 2024-1-CY01-KA151-YOU-000219278
    YEXTCO1 - Youth Exchange 
    ​
    Echoes of Unity -  A Journey Through Cultures​
    ​

    The Youth Exchange "Echoes of Unity - A Journey Through Cultures" was built on the belief that young people are not only future leaders but also present influencers capable of shaping their communities. By empowering participants to take an active role in fostering understanding and unity, the activity prepared them to lead significant social change. Ultimately, the program aspired to create compassionate leaders who will contribute to a fairer, more equitable future for all.

    "Echoes of Unity - A Journey Through Cultures" envisioned:
    1. To strengthen personal and professional development of young people through non formal and informal learning.
    2. A brighter world where diversity is celebrated, and young leaders are instrumental in creating inclusive, welcoming environments. 

    Target Group:
    The 30 young people aged 15 - 30 came from diverse cultural backgrounds, accompanied by 6 team leaders. These participants represented a range of cultures, ethnicities, and communities, promoting interaction and learning across differences.

    Duration: 
    5 working days + 2 travel days.
     
    Importance of the Topic:
    In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, it is essential to promote understanding and acceptance among young people. If cultural differences are not embraced, they can lead to division. Our Youth Exchange program addressed this challenge by fostering unity, respect, and inclusion, creating a safe space for young people to explore different perspectives and challenge stereotypes. Empowering youth to appreciate and celebrate diversity is crucial for building a harmonious future.

    The Youth Exchange aimed to nurture a generation of empathetic, open-minded leaders who actively promote inclusion and unity within their communities. By providing young people with the tools for intercultural dialogue, our project contributed to creating more tolerant and inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued.

    Objectives:
    - Foster the empowerment of young people, encouraging their active citizenship, active engagement in their communities and participation in democratic life.
    - Promote inclusion and diversity, intercultural dialogue, and the values of solidarity, equal opportunities, and human rights among young people in Europe.
    - Develop leadership skills and attitudes. 
    - Strengthen European values and breaking down prejudices and stereotypes;
     
    Our goal was to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster respect for diversity and inclusion, as well as to create opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. It has further encouraged the critical thinking in addressing societal issues such as discrimination and exclusion.

    Activities:
    The Youth Exchange included a variety of activities designed to promote intercultural learning and community engagement, emphasizing peace, tolerance, collaboration, and empathy as key values for building a harmonious society, inspiring participants to adopt a proactive mindset, nurturing leadership qualities that encourage inclusivity and cooperation.

    ●Workshops:
    - Effective communication in a multicultural environment.
    - Understanding conflict and resolution, and creating the "Peace Blueprint."
    - The Inclusivity Pledge Wall.
    - Breaking stereotypes through cartooning.
    - Exploring cultural identities through activities like the "Stereotype Swap" and Digital Cultural Identity Boxes.
    - Leadership: how inclusive leaders act in diverse environments to inspire their peers.
    - Cultural Exchange Sessions: Participants showcased their traditions through music, art, and storytelling.
    ●Influencer Hunt, interactive activity to explore diversity.
    ●Creation of the Dissemination Plan of the "Echoes of Unity" and the digital book to share the project's impact and outcomes.
    ●Participated in community engagement and discussed youth involvement with Mr. Charis Pazaros, the elected President of the Community Council of Choletria, and council members, during the Youth Fest "Digital Creator of a Shared Future" in Choletria, organised by CCIF Cyprus. This hands-on session focused on how to curate a multicultural event and exchange cultural traditions.
    ●Team-Building Exercises: Participants engaged in team-building activities and the YouthPass journey, reflecting on their personal growth and learning throughout the exchange.
     
    Methods:
    Our approach was based on non-formal education, using interactive and participatory methods such as:
    ● Group discussions to explore real-life social issues.
    ● Team-building exercises to foster collaboration and understanding focused on addressing social inequalities and promoting human rights.
    ● Role-play-real-life scenarios and simulation games to challenge stereotypes and develop problem-solving skills.
    ● Cultural exchange activities to promote empathy and respect for differences.
    ●.     Hands-on-activities, reflection sessions, self evaluation & Feedback

    Result/Impact
    Participants gained a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion for becoming advocates for tolerance in their communities. The project helped them develop their leadership and collaboration skills, empowering them to handle conflict and resolution, promote peace in the world and implement positive changes in the society. Through their engagement, participants will inspire others to embrace diversity, fostering stronger, more inclusive communities.

    Participants created:
    - The Peace Blueprint;
    - The Echoes of Unity Digital book;
    - The Dissemination Plan of the activity;


    Learning Skills:
    Intercultural awareness
    Understand and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives, enhancing empathy and respect for differences.

    Critical thinking and problem-solving
    Analyze societal issues such as discrimination and exclusion, and to create practical solutions promoting inclusion and equality.

    Effective communication
    Articulate thoughts, share ideas, and engage in meaningful intercultural dialogues, fostering understanding and collaboration.

    Collaboration and teamwork
    Gain experience working in diverse groups, learning to navigate cultural differences and build consensus in team settings.

    Advocacy and social responsibility
    Promote tolerance, inclusion, and human rights within their communities, empowering them to become active agents of social change.

    Competences
    Leadership and empowerment
    Inspire and lead others in creating inclusive environments.

    Conflict resolution and mediation
    Address and resolve conflicts rooted in cultural misunderstandings or differences.

    Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability
    Navigate and bridge diverse cultural norms and practices with sensitivity and openness.

    Facilitation of Non-Formal Learning
    Design and deliver participatory activities, such as role-playing, workshops, and group discussions, aimed at fostering understanding and engagement.

    Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
    Connect with others on a personal level, understanding their feelings and perspectives to build stronger relationships.

    Creative Expression
    Use artistic and storytelling methods to foster dialogue, share traditions, and inspire connections across cultures.

    The Echoes of Unity Digital book

    The Peace Blueprint

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    ECHOES OF UNITY Dissemination Plan

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    This communication 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.

    2023

    Project No. : 2023-1-CY02-KA151-YOU-000144348

    Programme: Erasmus+
    Key Action: Learning Mobility of Individuals
    Action Type: Accredited projects for youth mobility
    Call: 2023
    Round: Round 1
    Start of Project: 01/06/2023
    End of Project: 31/08/2024
    Project Duration (months): 15 months
    PARTNERS:
    Petit Pas aps - Italy
    Udruga Murtila - Croatia
    Asociatia uzinaduzina - Romania
    TEATRO METAPHORA - ASSOCIACAO DE AMIGOS DAS ARTES - Portugal

    ​Strengthen personal and professional development of young people through non formal and informal learning mobility activities;

    ​Foster the empowerment of young people, their active citizenship and participation in democratic life;

    ​Foster  quality  development  of  youth  work  at  local,  regional,  national,  European  and international level by building capacity of in the youth field and supporting the professional development of youth workers;

    MODELING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
    Professional Development

    ​5 partner organisations Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Portugal/Madeira


    5 days activity + 2 travel days
    ​15 Youth Workers  
    21-25 of November 2023



    "Modeling the Future Together" provided participants learning experiences for personal growth, better understanding of the environment in which we live and a greater participation in society.

    Key competences were one combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes for adapting to the constant changes of society. Youth workers were equipped with the ability to analyse problems and communicate efficiently and effectively. The methodology favoured "learning by doing" in participatory methods.


    Youth Workers represented the 5 partner organisations. They were bearers of values, actively working with young people and actively empowering and positively influencing them.

    Modeling the Future Together covered their needs for awareness of own values, values that will help them develop the society, psychological knowledge, creative views, skills to make creative and quality content through the prism of values.

    Selection: was developed through discussion meetings, following a round table method, where all staff members, interested in the mobilities could attend, both on-site and virtually. Round table was selected because in making democratic organisational
    decisions and generating environments of participation and active listening, it has often worked very well for us.



    COMPETENCES DEVELOPED::

    Result of a reflection and self-assessment process took place during and after the project

    FACILITATED LEARNING
    - Monitoring, tutoring;
    - Inclusion process, step out of their comfort zone and step into the learning zone;
    - Build trust relation, become active in the community, improve life conditions and wellbeing;
    - Reflection meetings to detect and analyse the needs of participants;
    - Perceived level of inclusion and respect for diversity;

    DESIGNED PROGRAMS
    - active participation in the preparation of the activities, during the implementation, evaluation and dissemination;

    MANAGED RESSOURCES
    - Digital maturity for efficient use of resources and the optimisation of processes;

    COLLABORATED IN TEAMS
    - Team work
    - Mixed groups of participants in workshops;

    COMMUNICATED MEANINGFULLY
    - Multilingual competence, express thoughts and feelings;
    - Cultural awareness;

    DISPLAYED INTERCULTURAL SENSITIVITY
    - Intercultural awareness;
    - Respect of cultural differences;

    NETWORKING AND ADVOCATING
    - Building a position of respect and trust among participants;
    - Networking skills;

    ASSESSED AND EVALUATED
    - Assessment in small learning circles;
    - Intermediate session for the assessment of preparation, performance, support;
    - Final evaluation on different aspects of the project, objectives, things learned, expectations;

    DISSEMINATED
    - Social Media awareness campaigns;


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    A GREENER FUTURE

    Create Your Own Unique Style in your community and 

    Show it Off to the World

    BE BRILLIANT

    A GREENER FUTURE
    Youth Exchange

    Project No. : 2023-1-CY02-KA151-YOU-000144348

    ​5 partner organisations Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Portugal/Madeira

    25 youth (4 participants + 1 leader per partner organisation)
    6 days activity- 2 travel days
    ​2-7 of March 2024


    - The aim of the Erasmus+ youth exchange was to provide participants with understanding, skills and competences how to become an inspiration in own community, how to be a young leader with values, the importance of labor market demands for future employability, to share knowledge with peers and to plan future activities to disseminate and spread it.

    Furthermore, participants evaluated the project, identified the learning outcomes, initiated the reflection process and the development of the Youthpass, brainstormed and decided dissemination and follow-up activities for the project.

    The activities were designed in a fun, youth based interests in non-formal and informal educational approaches:
    - the design of business ideas based on agrotourism and become future enterpreneurs
    - improvement of soft skills related to leadership and team building games
    - cooperate and work as a team to turn ideas into reality using available resources for achieving their goals
    - decision making, time management, communication and probem solving skills
    - find inspiration, understand the values of own and one's ideas, identify the process of rural development 
    - ​environmental sustainable solutions
    - upcycling business models and emblems
    - design thinking
    - intergenerational approaches for own communities
    - protect the environment
    - the art of debating about values, social media, active citizenship, democratic and European values
    - tree planting and creating the ERASMUS+ CORNER
    - design of dissemination activities and set the future base for more Youth Exchanges
    - promote the cultural heritage through fun contests and games
    ​- create digital 
    albums​
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    UNFORGETABLE MOMENTS

    This communication 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.

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    • HOME
    • OUR WORK
      • PROJECTS
      • Intercultural Cities-Enhancing Structures
      • IMPACT
    • Events
    • ERASMUS+ COURSES
    • About Us
      • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
      • BECOME A SUPPORTER
      • CONTACT US
      • RESOURCES
    • Accreditation in Youth
    • DROPS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
    • SAFE SOCIAL MEDIA
    • WOODEN WONDERS