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Čez planke

2023-2-SI02-KA155-YOU-0001829632023Discover EU inclusion actionfinalizedGood practice
Countries: SI · Grant: €20,318.72

Objectives

With the project we aimed to offer young people with mobility impairments and other associated challenges an experience that is often taken for granted by their peers without special needs. This experience was independent travel abroad. Our main goal was to enable these young individuals, with appropriate support, to experience a sense of independence, responsibility, and belonging to a group. At the same time, we wanted them to develop essential life skills that will benefit them in the future. We designed the project as a learning process that goes beyond formal education and is based on experiential pedagogy, intercultural learning, and practical challenges that travel brings. The objectives of the project were multifaceted and adapted to the characteristics of the participating youth. We wanted the young participants to independently plan a trip abroad with support. This included choosing the destination, finding accommodation, planning the route, preparing the budget, and making reservations. Through this process, they developed a sense of responsibility, initiative, and collaboration. It was also important to us that they face new and unpredictable situations and learn how to adapt, solve problems, and manage emotional responses. We wanted to give them direct exposure to a foreign environment. This included discovering other cultures, customs, languages, and ways of life, which contributes to greater openness, tolerance, and understanding of diversity. We placed strong emphasis on the use of foreign languages, especially English. The young participants had to communicate in various everyday situations. These included shopping, navigating train stations, ordering in restaurants, searching for information, and using mobile applications. This helped them gain confidence in using the language and overcome the fear of communicating in a foreign environment. Additionally, we aimed to strengthen the bonds among the participants, encourage assertive communication, mutual support, and the ability to give and receive feedback. The project was also an opportunity to overcome personal limitations. Many participants traveled by train for the first time, slept away from home for the first time, or communicated independently with strangers for the first time. One of the participants even began using public transport independently after the project. This was a major personal breakthrough for her. These kinds of developments show that the project was not just a journey. It was a deep learning experience that allowed young people to discover their capabilities, develop new skills, and gain greater self-confidence. Our goal was also to create a safe and encouraging space where young people feel accepted, heard, and supported. With the help of experienced companions who were familiar to the participants from their everyday environment, we ensured emotional and physical safety. At the same time, we gave them enough space for independent exploration and learning through experience. The project was designed so that each participant could contribute according to their abilities and try out new roles. This strengthened their sense of belonging and group cohesion.

Project partners (1)