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EVS project "Voices of Creativity - From Youth to Youth"
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European Voluntary Service project "Voices of Creativity - From Youth to Youth" sent a total of 12 volunteers from Estonia, Turkey and Spain to volunteer in youth work in Indonesia, Nepal or Mozambique. The Service lasted for 6 months and volunteers worked with children and young people with fewer opportunities. They worked in orphanages and youth centers to encourage young people to express themselves through art, and by doing that - gain confidence on themselves. Volunteers encouraged youth to be active in their local society and to create opportunities for themselves and for the people around them. Volunteers aimed to use non-formal methods to develop the youth in orphanages and schools as in Indonesia, Nepal and Mozambique where main education system is based on formal education. This brought a new dimension to children’s development and enabled them to talk about globally important topics and offered youth a chance for personal and social development and encouraged their sense of initiative. Volunteers arranged various non-formal workshops and activities in the youth centers and organized events with children outside the orphanages/youth centers as well. Volunteers learnt how to develop themselves personally, how to work with children and youth from culturally different background, learn new language, acquired skills to hold non-formal workshops and lived and worked in an unknown environment with different customs and traditions from their home country. This project has been funded with the support of the Youth in Action programme of the European Union. Read more from our blog: http://voicesofcreativity.blogspot.com/
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Study visit "Discover Youth Work in South Estonia!" (2014)
Study Visit "Discover Youth Work in South-Estonia!" brought together 27 youth workers from 8 countries: programme countries: Estonia, Poland, Italy and Portugal and 4 South-East Europe countries: Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. Project lasted 19.01-28.01.2014 and took place in Vidrike, with various visits around Põlva, Tartu and Valga county.
The objectives of the study visit were:
- To understand the youth work reality in South-Estonia
- To explore the use of formal and non-formal education in South-Estonia
- to exchange experiences and good practices between youth workers from rural areas
- to create opportunities for international partnerships for youth, youth workers and youth organizations in particular in rural areas of South Estonia
- to create partnerships and new links between South-East Europe and European Union countries with focus on international youth exchanges and EVS projects
- to promote use of non-formal education opportunities in rural areas
- to develop new projects in framework of Youth in Action programme
The activities included visits to different youth organizations, schools, local governements, youth centres in Valga and Põlva county, but also workshops and other events. All methods used were non-formal, such as work in groups, roleplays, study visits, open space etc. Study visit was facilitated by international team of trainers and supported by organizing team from Estonia.
Project was funded by European Union "Youth in Action" programme.
Read more from our BLOG.
The objectives of the study visit were:
- To understand the youth work reality in South-Estonia
- To explore the use of formal and non-formal education in South-Estonia
- to exchange experiences and good practices between youth workers from rural areas
- to create opportunities for international partnerships for youth, youth workers and youth organizations in particular in rural areas of South Estonia
- to create partnerships and new links between South-East Europe and European Union countries with focus on international youth exchanges and EVS projects
- to promote use of non-formal education opportunities in rural areas
- to develop new projects in framework of Youth in Action programme
The activities included visits to different youth organizations, schools, local governements, youth centres in Valga and Põlva county, but also workshops and other events. All methods used were non-formal, such as work in groups, roleplays, study visits, open space etc. Study visit was facilitated by international team of trainers and supported by organizing team from Estonia.
Project was funded by European Union "Youth in Action" programme.
Read more from our BLOG.
Some photos from the project
Youth Exchange "Explore Yourself!" (2013)
Youth exchange "Explore Yourself!" brought together 30 young people from 5 countries: Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Netherlands to Põlva county for 10 days: 3.11 - 14.11.2013. The topic of exchange was to exlore one's own identity and find our our own prejudices to combat discrimination in society and build up more tolerant Europe. Project achieved following objectives:
- project helped participants to explore their identity and understand themselves better so they are not afraid to identify themselves
- after project participants could analyse their problems better and find solutions to them
- participants are now aware of different characteristics of identity building and that every person as different way of expessing their identity
- participants became more tolerant, as they understood prejudices inside them and in future they will try not to apply them without thinking
- participants know how to value important things in their life; they understand what is important for the society and what are the common European values we all share
- participants are more open-minded, always ready to explore more and they will share this attitude amoung other young people
All activities carried out during the youth exchange were non-formal and done by participants themselves. There were activities as group works, workshops, meditation walk, role-plays, trust exercises, street actions and many more.
Project was funded by European Union "Youth in Action" programme.
Read more about the project in Estonian HERE.
- project helped participants to explore their identity and understand themselves better so they are not afraid to identify themselves
- after project participants could analyse their problems better and find solutions to them
- participants are now aware of different characteristics of identity building and that every person as different way of expessing their identity
- participants became more tolerant, as they understood prejudices inside them and in future they will try not to apply them without thinking
- participants know how to value important things in their life; they understand what is important for the society and what are the common European values we all share
- participants are more open-minded, always ready to explore more and they will share this attitude amoung other young people
All activities carried out during the youth exchange were non-formal and done by participants themselves. There were activities as group works, workshops, meditation walk, role-plays, trust exercises, street actions and many more.
Project was funded by European Union "Youth in Action" programme.
Read more about the project in Estonian HERE.
Some photos from the project
Youth Exchange: "(Safe) Sex, (No) Drugs and Rock n' Roll?" (2013)
Multilateral Youth Exchange "(Safe) Sex, (No) Drugs and Rock n' Roll?" brought together 28 young people from Estonia, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, Romania and Lithuania from 12th to 24th September 2013 in Tartu, Estonia to debate on dangers connected to partying. Often young people like to party, but they are not aware of dangers which can affect them while partying. Those dangers include misuse of alcohol and drugs, unsafe sex, abuse and harassment, drugging, in worst cases becoming victim of violence, rape or human trafficking. Aim of the youth exchange was to raise awareness about safety while partying and prepare participants for avoiding and tackling possible dangers.
Objectives of the youth exchange were as follows:
• To raise awareness about partying safely
• Raise awareness about dangers connected to use (abuse) of alcohol and drugs
• Discuss the topic of safe sex and birth control and talk about different sexually transmitted deceases
• Compare and analyze the dangers young people face while partying in different countries
• Learn what to do in situation of harassment, what are the rights of victim and from where to get help
• Discuss dangers such as rape, violence and human trafficking. Find out ways how to avoid becoming a victim
• Spread information about safe partying among youngsters in Tartu, in partner organizations and in social media and blog
• Develop international network between youth who follow safe-partying rules
• Make young people think about their actions and their personal well-being and safety
Exchange was based on non-formal methods, such as group works, discussions, tasks in public area, role-plays, reflection groups and many others. Participants worked in their group and analyzed the dangers present in Tartu, where many young people like to use their free time for partying. All dangers were analyzed and a campaign was made to spread the results - how to party safely.
Project was funded by European Union Youth in Action programme.
Objectives of the youth exchange were as follows:
• To raise awareness about partying safely
• Raise awareness about dangers connected to use (abuse) of alcohol and drugs
• Discuss the topic of safe sex and birth control and talk about different sexually transmitted deceases
• Compare and analyze the dangers young people face while partying in different countries
• Learn what to do in situation of harassment, what are the rights of victim and from where to get help
• Discuss dangers such as rape, violence and human trafficking. Find out ways how to avoid becoming a victim
• Spread information about safe partying among youngsters in Tartu, in partner organizations and in social media and blog
• Develop international network between youth who follow safe-partying rules
• Make young people think about their actions and their personal well-being and safety
Exchange was based on non-formal methods, such as group works, discussions, tasks in public area, role-plays, reflection groups and many others. Participants worked in their group and analyzed the dangers present in Tartu, where many young people like to use their free time for partying. All dangers were analyzed and a campaign was made to spread the results - how to party safely.
Project was funded by European Union Youth in Action programme.
Youth exchange "Life in Action!" (2013)
Youth exchange "Life in Action!" brought together 31 young people from 5 countries: Estonia, UK, Greece, Romania and Italy. Project activities took place from 21.08 - 02.09.2013 (11 days). The objectives of the project were as follows:
- To find common agreement on what is a healthy lifestyle and what to do to live healthily.
- To share experiences of different countries on how to spend leisure time in an active way (by doing sports).
- To explore how to use sport as a tool for cooperation and include different groups of youth.
- To practice different sport activities and analyze the beneficial outcome.
- To introduce foreign participants ways of spending time in a healthy way in Estonia.
- To acknowledge the participants that healthy lifestyle isn't only being active physically, but also includes mental health and eating healthy food.
- To raise awareness in the society about healthy lifestyles.
We used different non-formal methods, such as practice, meditation, group works, world cafe, campaign, walk in nature, silence theraphy, exploration etc. All activities were organized by participants. We introduced opportunities in Estonia to keep oneself healthy and share good practices.
Project was funded by European Union Youth in Action programme.
Read more from our blog: http://lifeinaction2013.blogspot.com/
- To find common agreement on what is a healthy lifestyle and what to do to live healthily.
- To share experiences of different countries on how to spend leisure time in an active way (by doing sports).
- To explore how to use sport as a tool for cooperation and include different groups of youth.
- To practice different sport activities and analyze the beneficial outcome.
- To introduce foreign participants ways of spending time in a healthy way in Estonia.
- To acknowledge the participants that healthy lifestyle isn't only being active physically, but also includes mental health and eating healthy food.
- To raise awareness in the society about healthy lifestyles.
We used different non-formal methods, such as practice, meditation, group works, world cafe, campaign, walk in nature, silence theraphy, exploration etc. All activities were organized by participants. We introduced opportunities in Estonia to keep oneself healthy and share good practices.
Project was funded by European Union Youth in Action programme.
Read more from our blog: http://lifeinaction2013.blogspot.com/
Youth Exchange "Active Caring!" (2012)
Project "Active caring!" brought together 33 young people from Estonia, Italy, Spain, Romania, Slovenia and Lithania to discuss the topics of animal rights and welfare. Youth exchange took place in Marja farm near Tõrva in Valga county and lasted 11 days, from 22nd August 2012 to 2nd September 2012. Using non-formal methods the issue of animal rights was explored and discussed, participants talked about small animals (pets) and wild animals, explored the legilation on animal welfare, considered situations where animals and men meet and the consequences of raising population of humans. During exchange we visited animal park and protected areas, met specialists from organizations which deal with animal rights and organized a volunteering day in animal shelter. We met people on street and ask them questions about animal rights and raised the general awrness on the topic.
Check out the blog and video.
Check out the blog and video.
Partnership Buliding Seminar in Estonia: Think Rural, Feel Global, Act International! (2012)
Partnership Building Seminar from 25th to 30th May 2012 brought together 14 participants from rural areas and small towns from Estonia and 10 from Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Portugal to develop new youth exchange projects with focus on youth unemployment and entrepreneurship.
Read more from our blog.
Read more from our blog.
Training course "Stop Labeling Yourself!" (2012)
Training course “Stop Labeling Yourself!” brought together 21 youth workers from 10 different countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey, Croatia, Hungary, France, Belgium, Romania and Bulgaria for 8 days (23.01-01.02.2012) to South-Estonia. The aim was to understand and learn stereotypes and prejudices inside oneself to be able to cope with stereotypes and prejudices in youth work and to be able to avoid and fight discrimination resulting from stereotypes and prejudices. Objective was to analyse participants' own identity to understand discrimination inside ourselves and continue from there to analyzing stereotypes, prejudices and different types of discrimination. After the training course participants were prepared to carry out small workshops related to identity and stereotypes and prejudices in their organizations and communities with local youth.
Read more from blog.
See the video here.
Read more from blog.
See the video here.
Youth Exchange "Catch the Opportunity!" (2011)
Project “Catch the Opportunity!” brought together 31 young people from Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, France, Spain and Turkey and took place on a small island of Hiiumaa on the remote part of Estonia. The topic was unemployment (and specially youth unemployment) and how to decrease it. We also promoted voluntary work as a way do decrease youth unemployment and tried to value it and also value non-formal learning. We met with youth from Hiiumaa, the workers of Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund and active people involved in third sector. We gathered together all the experiences from them and also of our partner countries to work on a set of proposals how to decrease youth unemployment while also valuing voluntary work. We promoted voluntary work by engaging in different activities with local NGOs (a volunteer work campaign). In the end we prepared a document with all our suggestions which we personally delivered to different organizations and sent it to decision makers, political parties and institutions. We also translated this document to all languages we speak and sent it around not only in Estonia, but also to partner countries’ organizations, public bodies, and politicians. We prepared a project blog and we organized essay competition to gather even more ideas and posted them into a separate blog. In the end we prepared a photo exhibition of the project.
Read more from blog. Essays are available here (in Estonian).
Read more from blog. Essays are available here (in Estonian).
Training course "I share, I care!" (2011)
Training course „I share, I care!“ was aimed for youth workers directly working with young people from different target groups or responsible for sharing and providing information about different opportunities (especially YiA programme) to young people, youth organizations, decision makers etc. Training course took place near Otepää in village of Vidrike in South-Estonia in Valga county and involved 20 participants from 10 countries across Europe (Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey). Training was lead by intercultural team of trainers from Estonia and Bulgaria with the support of Estonian support team.
Training course helped to develop competences which are essential for this kind of activity: working with different target groups, understanding the concept of intercultural learning, developing personal learning process (LLL & L2L) in the context of non-formal learning. In the first part of training course the opportunities of Youth in Action programme were introduced and participants’ knowledge of certain subprogrammes was developed, also Youthpass as a important tool of valuing non-formal learning process was examined and introduced (and practicezised). After that participants learned to analyze the needs of different target groups, how to motivate them and how to provide information (attractively) in way it would be useful for their target group. The training course also involved local specialists, multipliers and members of local youth organizations who had the chance to share experiences with seminar participants and make new contacts. In the end of training course participants had a chance to put their learning outcome into practice – they participated in providing information in different places (Valga gymnasium, Valga Russian Gymnasium, Otepää Gymnasium, Otepää Municipality, Pühajärve Secondary School, Tartu (public event)) to different target groups. This gave the participants a real experience how is to provide information in different cultural environment. After the training course participants carried out their own information sharing event in their local communities.
Read more from our blogs in English and in Estonian.
Training course helped to develop competences which are essential for this kind of activity: working with different target groups, understanding the concept of intercultural learning, developing personal learning process (LLL & L2L) in the context of non-formal learning. In the first part of training course the opportunities of Youth in Action programme were introduced and participants’ knowledge of certain subprogrammes was developed, also Youthpass as a important tool of valuing non-formal learning process was examined and introduced (and practicezised). After that participants learned to analyze the needs of different target groups, how to motivate them and how to provide information (attractively) in way it would be useful for their target group. The training course also involved local specialists, multipliers and members of local youth organizations who had the chance to share experiences with seminar participants and make new contacts. In the end of training course participants had a chance to put their learning outcome into practice – they participated in providing information in different places (Valga gymnasium, Valga Russian Gymnasium, Otepää Gymnasium, Otepää Municipality, Pühajärve Secondary School, Tartu (public event)) to different target groups. This gave the participants a real experience how is to provide information in different cultural environment. After the training course participants carried out their own information sharing event in their local communities.
Read more from our blogs in English and in Estonian.
Youth Exchange "One World - Our World!" (2010)
Project “One World – Our World!” took place in Estonia from 20th to 29th of August 2010 on the island of Saaremaa and brought together 31 young people from Estonia, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Latvia. The main aim of the project was to discuss topics related to world education and global awareness which include: the impact of media and connection to global awareness, fighting against discrimination, racism and xenophobia, environmental awareness and sustainable development, life on different continents (countries) etc. We worked together to get to know more about these important topics and tried to find solutions how to get more people interested in these problems which have (in)direct effect on all of us. For that we also communicated with local people on the island of Saaremaa (in Kuressaare, Valjala, Salme, Lümanda, Kihelkonna, Leisi, Kärla) and found what is important for them, locally and globally. We also talked with decision makers and heard their opinions from the graasroot level to the top (we talked to the Kuressaare major Urve Tiidus, member of green party Marek Strandberg and Estonian European parliament member Ivari Padar).
We also developed our own group. Together we found our differences and similarities and got over cultural barriers. We developed the understanding of common European citizenship and common future, where is no discrimination or xenophobia.
We also worked on a photo exhibition, which helped us to show the resualts of our project. This was our way to make ourselves, our project and our ideas visible. The exhibition was first opened in Tallinn Solaris center and later in Torgu perish, Saaremaa.
Project was also Estonian winner of Charlemange Youth prize competition. Read more in English or Estonian from blog.
We also developed our own group. Together we found our differences and similarities and got over cultural barriers. We developed the understanding of common European citizenship and common future, where is no discrimination or xenophobia.
We also worked on a photo exhibition, which helped us to show the resualts of our project. This was our way to make ourselves, our project and our ideas visible. The exhibition was first opened in Tallinn Solaris center and later in Torgu perish, Saaremaa.
Project was also Estonian winner of Charlemange Youth prize competition. Read more in English or Estonian from blog.
Youth Exchange: "From North to South, From East to West: All Unique - Yet So Similar!" (2008)
From 18.04 - 27.04.2008 youth exchange "From North to South, From East to West: All Unique - Yet So Similar!" brought together 30 youth from Estonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Portugal and United Kingdom. Main theme was connected to European awarness and intercultural learining.
Read more from our blog (in Estonian).
Read more from our blog (in Estonian).
Youth Exchange: "Integration: Nations and Ethnic Groups - Conflict or Cooperation?" (2005)
Location: South-Estonia
Duration: 17.08.2005 - 28.08.2005
Countries: Estonia, Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Poland, Romania
Duration: 17.08.2005 - 28.08.2005
Countries: Estonia, Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Poland, Romania
Environment and Nature: What Can Youth Do To Make the World Better?
Location: Elva, Estonia
Duration: 26.09.2004 - 08.10.2004
Countries: Estonia, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy
Duration: 26.09.2004 - 08.10.2004
Countries: Estonia, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy
