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Nonformal Learning by Sport

2020-3-RO01-KA105-0947872020Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: RO|SK|HU|CZ · Grant: €35,662
Health and wellbeing

Objectives

According to The Physical Activity Strategy of the WHO European Region 2016–2025, physical activity was recognized as one of the most basic human functions and an important foundation of health throughout life. Its known health benefits includes a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, it has positive effects on mental health by reducing stress reactions, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity was also acknowledged as a key determinant of energy expenditure, fundamental to achieving energy balance and weight control. During adolescence, physical activity is deemed necessary for the development of basic motor skills and musculoskeletal development. However, addressing the decreasing levels of physical activity and reducing inequities in Europe poses two significant challenges: -There are high levels of disinterest towards traditional sports and physical activities. -There is insufficient support and free access for young people, especially those facing fewer opportunities, to engage in non-formal learning sports. The present project addressed the above mentioned challenges young people are facing regarding access to sports and physical activities in the communities project partners are activating. The young people noted in their communities a steady decrease in the interest of their peers aged 18-24 to engage in non-formal learning sports in nature. As a result, the prevalence of youth obesity had increased significantly in these communities over the past decade. There was a pressing need to involve young people (18-24) in regular physical activities to maintain active and healthy lifestyles and control obesity. Each community had 5 young people involved in the project team for this project. In the framework of the project we organized a youth-exchange mobility, A1-YE, in Curteni, Romania between July 2 -13, 2022 that addressed the problems of disinterest among 49 youths aged 15-35 from four communities in RO, CZ, HU, and SK towards non-formal learning sports. The project provided them with the opportunity to practice and experience three types of non-formal learning sports while facilitating an exchange of opinions, values, and attitudes in the field of promoting non-formal learning sports. The objectives reached by the end of the project are the following: O1. Increased the organizational capacity of partners to regularly coordinate at least one of the three non-formal learning sports presented in our project by the end of the project. O2. Developed hands-on knowledge, skills, and attitudes of 49 young people active in the 4 partner organizations regarding initiation in the field of non-formal learning sports by the end of the project. O3. Raised awareness among 49 young participants about the capacity of these three sports to be excellent non-formal learning contexts for the development of teamwork, intercultural learning, and responsibility by the end of the project. Our project aligned with the horizontal priority of social inclusion by involving participants facing fewer opportunities and adhered to Call 2020, Round 3, KA1 - Learning Mobility of Individuals, KA105 - Youth Mobility, also encouraged the four partners and the involved group leaders and facilitators to share efficient methods of working with marginalized youths. The project was in line with the aim of COUNCIL RESOLUTION on a renewed framework for EU cooperation in the youth field (2009/C 311/01) by promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and by emphasizing the role of sport as an activity supporting teamwork, intercultural learning, and responsibility. This project contributed to the following E+ objectives: - Promoting growth and learning through mobilities. - Enhancing youth work through international collaboration. The project aligned to the following E+ Priorities: - Promoting active lifestyles and combating obesity through outdoor activities. - Working creatively with young people on the 8 key competences. Priorities of the Programme Guide in the field of KA1-Mobility of Young People and Youth Workers: - Reaching out to marginalized young people (12 participants facing fewer opportunities). Our project aligned with the principles of E+ regarding the protection and safety of participants by providing both physical and emotional safe learning environments.

Project partners (4)