I took part in a training course in Szeged, Hungary, implemented from the 16 th to the 23 rd of January. The project was funded by the Erasmus+ program by the European Union, and implemented by Eurotender Association.
The training’s main topic was interculturality, and it consisted of various activities and games which aimed to gain a better understanding of different cultural backgrounds, to embrace and accept diversity, and to experience methods of inclusion for young people.
Since it was a project thought for youth workers, its purpose was also to provide them with new non-formal learning tools and teaching methods about intercultural communication and cooperation, in order to bring those approaches in their jobs.
The activities mainly consisted of games in which participants often had to work in groups and use creativity and team skills to succeed. Some of them were focused on communication skills, in order for us to discover and develop new ways of communicating with each other, some others were meant to develop our problem solving or leadership skills.
We also participated in an afterschool program for Roma children and we honed our manual and balance skills through juggling: another kind of activity meant to empower young people with fewer opportunities and to help them find their hidden talents.
Moreover, we participated in some presentations and short lectures about different topics related to youth work and interculturality, such as team development, what is communication and how it works, and finally we also implemented a presentation ourselves sharing the intercultural situation existing in our country.
From this experience I learned many new things about other participants’ culture and experiences: this helped me eradicate prejudices and cliches that I unwillingly somehow had. I was introduced to many interesting activities and tools to apply in my personal future job, and to many ways to carry out non-formal learning instruments, explained in detail.
Finally, I made some great friends and had so much fun! The whole program and activities were well thought and perfectly organized: I would recommend it to every youth worker.
Gini