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Learning about SDG - Finland and Spain Exchange

2019-3-FI01-KA105-0659522019Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: FI|ES · Grant: €25,252
Inclusion - equityYouth (Participation, Youth Work, Youth Policy)Intercultural/intergenerational education and (lifelong)learning

Objectives

The main objectives of our project were to promote internationality in the non-formal youth work field within the Pirkanmaa region, which historically had limited involvement in such projects. Our goals were aligned with several key aims: Equality of Opportunity: We aimed to provide equal opportunities for young people, irrespective of their background or hometown. In Pirkanmaa, we observed a significant gap in participation in Erasmus+ programs compared to the national average. Our project sought to bridge this gap, making international experiences accessible to all. Support for Resource-Limited Organizations: Many organizations and municipalities lack the resources and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of international projects. We aimed to support these entities by guiding them through the process, ensuring that they could benefit from the international opportunities available. Transfer of Skills and Competence: Beyond the immediate benefits to young people, we recognized the importance of building the skills and competence of organizations. Our goal was to empower organizations, such as the Kupoli Youth Centre staff and Tampere youth services, to independently initiate and manage international activities in the future. The project originated from the initiative of a group of young people and their leaders at the Kupoli Youth House in Hervanta, Tampere. These young people expressed a strong desire to develop a youth exchange project. Their motivations included a thirst for travel, a desire for new friendships, experiences, and memories, as well as a genuine curiosity about other cultures and countries. This initiative led to the formation of our project. In collaboration with our partners, we set common objectives for the youth exchange: Learning about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Our project aimed to educate young participants about SDGs and sustainability. While the Spanish group had prior experience with the SDG model, the Finnish participants were new to the topic. We decided to approach this by focusing on addressing the anxieties and frustrations of young people towards sustainability and transforming SDGs into superheroes, an idea that is still under development. Exchanging Culture and Learning: Both participating groups were newcomers to international experiences, and their primary goal was to explore, get to know people from other countries, and build relationships. They wanted to learn about daily life in other countries, including differences in school systems and post-school activities. In summary, our project aimed to promote internationality in the Pirkanmaa region, provide equal opportunities for young people, support organizations with limited resources, and transfer skills and competence to enable independent international activities in the future. We sought to achieve these objectives by focusing on SDGs and cultural exchange, aligning with the broader goals of the Erasmus+ program

Project partners (3)