Connection –Skills-Resilience
Co-funded by the: Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
Advanced Planning Visit period: 13-15.08.2021
Youth Exchange period: 16-27.08.2021
Location: Sovata -Outward Bound Romania Youth Center, Gurghiului Mountains and Bezid Lake
Participants: 24 young people with different backgrounds and 5 group leaders
Participating countries: Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Slovakia
Partner organizations:
- Novo Mundo Azul-P
- Outward Bound Croatia-HR
- Outward Bound Slovakia-SK
- Élményakadémia Egyesület -HU
- Outward Bound Romania-RO
Call: https://www.facebook.com/outwardbound.ro
Info letter: https://shortest.link/BXP
Our main goal:
The aim of the project is to develop resilience among 24 young people from 5 European countries in various areas (rural and urban) during the international youth exchange program and national follow-up programs
Specific objectives of the project are:
O1-Increasing interpersonal connections between the 24 young people from 5 countries during the 10 days long YE after a long social isolation.
O2-Encouraging the active involvement and social inclusion of the 12 young people from rural areas in the international community during the YE and in the local community after the youth exchange.
O3-Identification, development and harnessing of at least 10 skills (social and civic competences, linguistic skill, communication skill, cultural awareness, learning to learn skills, technical skills), which belong to the key competencies identified by Erasmus +, and which would help to manage the crisis more easily, among 24 participants during the 4 types of outdoor activities and 3 types of reflection in YE and during the follow-up.
The elements of the program: get to know each other activities, team building activities, problem-solving activities, reflection groups, 3-day hike in the Gurghiului Mountains, canoe expedition on Bezid Lake, rock climbing, ropes course activities, preparation and presentation of videos about the crisis management, cultural day, closing activities.
Results:
The most important result of the project is its contribution to the personal development of 24 youngsters, who will be the direct beneficiaries, and, through this, the subsequent building of their resilience in a way that will prepare them to react more adequately and efficiently to different crisis situations, such as the current global pandemic.
R1: More aware youngsters about the benefits of spending time in nature, with a more ecological-oriented thinking and more awareness about the importance of movement in the outdoors
R2: New friends and an expanded personal and professional network amongst the youngsters as a result of the connections established between participants during the youth exchange
R3: Youngsters who are more aware of at least 10 existing abilities in them and ready to make use of these abilities in more difficult crisis situations
R4: Youngsters with more developed key competences
Opinions about the program:
“For me the ropes course and hiking provided the best learning opportunities, because I learnt that it is OK to ask for help when I need it and I learnt to faith and trust in people.”
“I liked those activities when our limits and endurance got tested. I think that you can get to know yourself more during hard times, facing difficulties.”
“I would recommend the program to my friend, because it is a very good chance to improve your personality, it helps you to develop in several things.”
“I learnt during the whole program that I am not alone.”
“It was the most challenging experience for me that I have had, because I was faced with new roles and activities. It helped me a lot to grow and be more confident. I am grateful for this opportunity and I would do it again.”
“I am taking this home as one of the most life-changing and growing experience of my life so far. The 3 day expedition provided me the experience in teamwork, time management and the most important: leadership. It also helped me practice mindfulness, patience and communication.”
Photos about the program: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=outwardbound.ro&set=a.4671391309539559
Videos about the program:
