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Deeper Roots, Juicier Fruits

2023-3-IT03-KA153-YOU-0001825142023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: IT|PT|RO|FR|BG|ES|PL · Grant: €29,210
Inclusion of marginalised young peopleQuality and innovation of youth workPhysical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

The main aim of this project was to make the Bill Plotkin Model for Human Development (HD), based on nature, accessible to European youth workers (YWs) who want to use nature-based methodologies in non-formal education. This approach promotes personal development and social inclusion for young people with fewer opportunities, particularly those facing socio-economic and cultural disadvantages. The specific objectives of the project were as follows: 1) Training of YWs: We aimed to train 28 YWs from seven different countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland) through a 7-day mobility in Italy. This training aimed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become agents of cultural transformation, fostering ecocentric and soulcentric development through the Bill Plotkin Model for HD. 2) Providing Expertise in Nature-Based Methodologies: The project intended to provide participants with a diverse set of innovative, nature-based non-formal education methods that can be used to promote personal growth and social inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities. 3) Fostering Attitudes for Building Inclusive Communities: Another key goal was to cultivate the necessary attitudes and motivations in youth workers to create more human, inclusive, and socially responsible communities, thereby improving the overall impact of their work. 4) Expanding Knowledge of Erasmus+ Programme: The project aimed to broaden participants' knowledge of the E+ programme and the opportunities it offers for European mobility, helping YWs better navigate and utilize these resources for future personal and professional development. 5) Mentorship on Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility for YWs: We sought to mentor YWsand staff on the full Erasmus+ KA1 mobility life-cycle, including logistics and practical arrangements for organizing training courses in nature, further enhancing their capacity for future mobility projects. From the perspective of the organizations involved, the project also sought to: 1) Expand their international youth work activities, especially for those who are new to the Erasmus+ programme. 2) Increase their capacity for international cooperation by exchanging good practices within a diverse and complementary consortium. 3) Integrate Bill Plotkin's HD model into their youth work, significantly contributing to the growth and inclusion of the young people and communities they serve. 4) Enhance the quality and innovation of their youth work at local, regional, national, and European levels. In sum, the project aimed to empower youth workers with the tools and mindset necessary to support and guide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, promote mental well-being, and foster social inclusion and personal development through nature-based education.

Project partners (7)