The training " Technology for creative thinking" was organized by CROSS CULTURE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION CCIF with the support of Malta National Agency (NA) between 18-27 October 2017. The training was designed as a process of informal learning and peer education using participants who work with young people, have experience in the fields of youth work, youth arts and international cooperation. Participants from Malta, Russian Federation, Moldova (Republic of), Estonia, Armenia, Ukraine, Italy and Germany had an active input in sharing knowledge and experience, and learned new skills in and surrounding the dramatic arts and inter-cultural youth work, from the trainers and each other. This active participation encouraged ownership of the learning, motivation and commitment to working together, building effective international working relationships, making the training an exercise in best practice.

The organizers were focused on the individual creative development of each participant and sharing such inter-cultural competences as appreciative inquiry, open minded personality, respect and trust, mutual understanding and team work. Through cultural relationships they generated opportunities for individuals to fulfill their potential and foster the co-operation that contributes to a stable world.

Using theatrical arts within the Erasmus+ Program, was a  very valuable tool for developing inter-cultural learning, cooperation, and quality projects in the youth field among all the regions concerned. After the project, we created inter-cultural youth projects and networks with the various participant organizations within Europe, Eastern Europe and Caucasus.

We also included unemployed young people and youth from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Youth get to know further the awareness and the knowledge of topics concerning theatrical art, improve competencies, acquaintanceships and abilities, which are necessary to work on long-term projects.

With open space, technology participants shared knowledge and experience, and learned new skills in and surrounding the dramatic arts and inter-cultural youth work. This active participation encouraged ownership of the learning, motivation and commitment to working together, building effective international working relationships, making the training an exercise in best practice. Participants that participated in our training course " Technology for creative thinking" from Russia, Moldova and Estonia organized national events with youth on the topic of the training course. They reached different target groups, especially young people with fewer opportunities as well minorities, the ones who are not the most active and to whom it’s hard to reach (as there are so many active young people). Participants also used the techniques required at our training course " Technology for creative thinking" at other international training activities from different European corners – they exchanged experiences between them (for example how to reach young people with less opportunities, how to involve everyone etc).
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From 6th-16th of September there was a training course in Hvari island Croatia called "Matrix of Education"

Estonians enjoyed the project to the fullest. The main topics were quite well-kown about matrix of education but the most important were  the methods  how we acquired all these new ideas, knowledges we got. There were different creative games or teamworks we haven’t seen before. Besides all of these nationalities enriched all of us we met. We stll both miss the destination of the project,  new people we met, great weather,  confused and pleasureable conversations and discussions in the meeting hall  we had. Need to mention  we got free time and breaks moderately, we didn’t have long stressful  working days, we spent much time in places of  the picturesque nature. We think it was necessary having project longer than 1 week because it didn’t have such annoyingly tight schedule and had time to enjoy all of it. Project manager was very great and humorous but little bit too gentle. We didn’t have much discipline in the last days of the project anymore. Last but not least we appreciate the chance we got to take part of the unforgettable project. 


Summary was made by Kirsi Svarts and Martin Kala

On the 20th to 27th August the project “Discover the World of Business” took place in a small Slovak town called Zvolen. There were 5 participants from Estonia, Poland, Croatia, Lithuania and Slovakia. A total of 25 people took part of the project, the main purpose of which was to educate young people about entrepreneurship and to share knowledge about doing business in different countries. The program consisted of lectures, group works and practical assignments.

The project had lectures to teach how to start your own business and how to keep it profitable. The participants also asked local people what they think their city needs, they analysed the information and tried to come up with solutions. Participants’ communication and presentation skills were developed a lot, because of many group works and presentations.

The project also had an intercultural night where people introduced their country and gave other participants a chance to understand their culture a little better. Every country provided something from their cuisine and showed videos and pictures of their famous sightseeing objects.

Many educated and active young people took part of the project and it was a chance to make great and valuable connections around Europe. The project gave people a lot of inspiration to start their own businesses.

Summary was made by Marthen-Patrik Kummer

From the little talked about country of Czech Republic in its third biggest city Ostrava a wonderful group of organisers hosted a project Youth Prevention on 17th-24th of July! Three Estonians curious about the topic made their way to this industrial town to learn about ways of preventing problems among and with youngsters.  There we met about 20 more people from 8 countries who are in one way or another involved in young people’s lives and have the chance to help.

The project was full of activities, presentations, games and talks. The topic was divided into bullying, sex and affection, cyber-bullying, social inclusion-exclusion, drugs and alcohol. Each of these were discussed and addressed during this week of many intercultural activities.

From an evening if intercultural food, dancing and games to a hike on top of Pustevny mountain, the week offered both learning and fun. It was clear that the organisers (org Educator) had put a lot of effort and time in to making this experience useful and interesting for all of the participants. This was not a simple task as the participants varied from possible volunteers to youth workers to municipalities’ representatives.

All in all, it was a very diverse and yet a unison week!

Summary was made by Hiie-Helen Raju