Our objectives were layered, which is why we designed this project to connect to both organisational development and intercultural competencies of staff, and placed these goals within the context of the European Development Plan: // Organisational Level: - To lay the foundations for a 'step back to look forwards' management review process within CGE - Exchanging good practices about organizational, financial, and staff management, between staff internally and with new organisations that engage with adult learners as a target group. // Educators (staff) Level: - Improve our staff's intercultural skills, particularly within a multilingual environment, especially with migrant groups. - To introduce key members of staff to new educational methods, in the framework of non-formal education, that will add value to our TCs, local actions and programs that target adult learners with a migrant background. // Programs & Network Level: - Creating new ideas as a team through exposure to new realities, and strengthening partnerships for future collaborations, in the framework of the different key actions of the Erasmus+ programs.
CGE Erfurt has operated for 15 years in the fields of training and education. As such are familiar with the process of gradual turnover of staff and roles within organisations, as well as the shifting of target groups needs. This project was applied for in this context, with an eye to connect our staff to new methods, specifically in the context of our growing target group of (new) migrants in Thuringia and the needs to have strong intercultural competencies as individual pedagogues and as an organisation operating generally in the local community. Our staff are often at training courses, hosting them or participating in them, but what was attractive about this project was the ability for staff to be on a mobility together. We are aware of the impact of NfE-led activities, and expected this dynamic to greatly strengthen our teams ability to work together, learn from each other and to be more impactful locally in intercultural work. It was also an opportunity for us to, collectively as a group of staff, connect with several other NGOs on a deeper level, to understand how we should adapt as individuals and as an organisation to better meet the needs of our target groups - in this case, new migrants & culturally diverse groups.