Back to search

Seeds of Connection

2020-3-LT02-KA105-0071452020Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: LT|HU|RO|UA|NL|SE · Grant: €22,565
Inclusion - equityNew innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training coursesAccess for disadvantaged

Objectives

Objectives: -increase knowledge and provide new innovative methodologies and tools to 30 youth workers on career advancement for youth at risk of unemployment and those categorized as NEETs and -equip 30 youth workers with innovative non-formal education methods that foster inclusion of NEET youth; - The training course was based on the elements of experiential learning, self-directed learning and non-formal education (NFE). The NFE supports an approach based on the active participation of members involved in the training and individual-oriented process. Thus, during the training course we took into account the needs, interests and aspirations of the participants. The cycle of experiential learning of David Kolb was followed, in which the learning started from the actual experience of the participants and later lead to generalizations and transfer. The team of trainers offered the participants a wide arsenal of tools of non-formal educational activities such as role-playing games, brainstorming, group work, simulations, theoretical inputs, methods based on communication and discussion, outdoor education, activities carried out in nature, theatrical games, meditation and mindfulness, embodiment, etc. All this was used to ensure the active participation of youth workers. The use of non-formal education methods has helped participants get to know each other, work together and share information. Working methods have also stimulated personal, socio-educational and development professional development of the participants. -increase the knowledge of 30 youth workers on social entrepreneurship and social business as a way to reduce youth unemployment and offer mentorship to NEET youth about choosing a career path as a social entrepreneur, - during the TC one of the trainers (Karolina) who has been involved in Social Entrepreneurship field since 2011, introduced to the participants the concept of social entrepreneurship and social business, and how can it be used for reducing youth unemployment. Participants also learnt a tool called ''Social Business Canva'', which they used for developing of their follow-up projects and activities. It is a holistic tool designed to create socially, environmentally and financially sustainable projects and/or social businesses. -enhance the skills and competencies of 30 youth workers in mentoring disadvantaged young people on the path of social and professional inclusion and empower 30 youth workers to work with disadvantaged youth; - during the TC we had sessions dedicated specifically to this. For example, the Art of Listening, one to one mentoring for disadvantaged youth, hidden resources of disadvantaged youth, etc. During such sessions participants gained more confidence in themselves and their abilities to work with disadvantaged youth. Having the knowledge and tools, and develop skills needed to work in a holistic way with disadvantaged youth inspired participants, gave them self-confidence and trust in themselves that they can work in this field and create an impact in their local communities. -explore and adopt innovative solutions for social problems on local, national and European levels; - we used social business and social entrepreneurship tools to open participants minds, step outside the box and start thinking how can they solve the root cause of the problem and not only tackle the problem on the surface (the consequences of the problem). This empowered participants to really reflect and ideate on first of all, what's the root problem and how can they create innovative holistic solutions for solving it. -explore new and available digital technologies used as tools for creating work opportunities for NEET youth; - during the overall project we explored how participants can use Zoom for interactive sessions (we shared with them a virtual facilitation toolkit, developed by ChangemakerXchange, so that they could increase their understanding and skills on how to run efficient, engaging and impactful online sessions), Social Media tools, such as FB, WhatsApp, Instagram. Our main focus was to show participants how they can use platforms like Zoom to continue the work they are doing, especially during times of COVID or any other extraordinary challenges when its not possible to meet physically.

Project partners (6)