Dates of project: 03 – 08 May 2015

Place of project: Deutschlandsberg, Austria

Deadline for application: 22 February 2015

 

The Partnership Building Activity (PBA) “Next Step – Strategy For Inclusion” will gather 21 active project coordinators and youth workers from NGO’s or associations involved in youth work from Program and Partner Countries to reinforce the partnership in the framework of EU Erasmus+ Youth in order to create qualitative projects and cooperation’s based on „Accessible/Inclusive projects for All” approach.
During this seminar participants will have not only the possibility to get to know each other and create future cooperation frames (with focus on long term partnerships tackling inclusive projects), but also have possibility to get familiar with the terminology of inclusive youth project, analyze the meaning of the term “youngster with fewer opportunities”, share their tools and best practices and find common understanding of “Accessible/inclusive project” that it can be adopted in fallow up projects. They will discover how to use Erasmus+ as a tool for Inclusion of youngster. The project will use non formal education methods and it will based on active participation balancing theoretical input with practical ones (learning by doing, simulations, etc.).

The seminar will take place in Deutschlandsberg, Austria from 3rd – 8th May 2015 (Arrival date 3rd May evening, departure date 8th May morning).
Deutschlandsberg is a small town in West Styria (Weststeiermark) in so called “Schilcherland”, 45km from Graz (the capital of province Styria and 2nd largest city in Austria), 368 m above the sea level and has apr. 8200 inhabitants. This area is named after its famous wine “Schilcher”, known for its distinctive taste and rich shades of the colour. Deutschalndsberg situated at the foot of Koralpe Mountains, was originally a settlement which was a part of the castle of Lonsprech. During the times of Roman domination it already was an important place of passage, and a centre of trading. The popular archduke John of Austria (Erzherzog Johann) called it the paradise of Western Styria. The small town has grown into an important centre of commerce, but it has conserved its ancient flair, and a healthy and clean environment.

 

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the PBA – to give space and time for participants and their organizations to reinforce the partnership in the framework of EU Erasmus+ Youth in order to create qualitative projects & cooperation’s based on „Accessible/Inclusive projects for All” approach.
The objectives of the PBA:

  • To get to know each other personally and professionally and build trust and partnership among promoters
  • To foster networking among participants and create space for project’s building
  • To increase knowledge and competencies about inclusive youth work
  • To strengthen the collaboration and cooperation on European level in the field of inclusion


Target group

This PBA is designed for youth workers, project managers, representatives of NGO’s who are working with young people (especially with young people with fewer opportunities) on local, national or international level & would like not only to gain new skills and knowledge about inclusive youth work and inclusive projects, but also create and establish partnerships, which are aimed to be long term and inclusive.
Why

Inclusion nowadays is one of the priorities of EU. Also Erasmu+ Youth In Action points out inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities as a priority for this Program. Young people with fewer opportunities lack access not only to education, labor market, travelling & so on, but also to free time activities, contact with their peers and so on… These groups mostly have different activities separately from each other (for example, disabled young people and non – disabled young people). When there is no possibility created for different groups of society to come together, to work together, to learn together and to spend time together there is space created for prejudices, discrimination, xenophobia, homophobia… Also many conflicts and misunderstandings are founded on reciprocal ignorance. Because people are badly informed or educated on inclusion topics, people are often victims of media’s interpretations of information, etc. Many activities are not accessible for all groups (including environment, financial aspects). To be able to combat ignorance, fight against discrimination and exclusion, xenophobia, it is important not only to gain knowledge about those groups, because more you know about “others” the more you are inclined to care and take in account the their needs, but also create space for organizations to come together, create networks and joined projects. We believe that direction towards more inclusive society can be achieved more through networking as to be alone.
Inclusion is very complex issue and we have come to conclusion that “joint work” sometimes brings more effective results, than if we would work alone. Inclusion activities doesn’t stop with one project, it should be ongoing process. Erasmus+ has been opening new possibilities for organizations to work on projects in a longer run, combining different activities under one project (like Strategic Partnerships under KA2). Nowadays the modern technologies & social networks are giving possibilities to establish partnerships online without any problems, but never less, we believe that the quality of the activities can be higher, if you have met the person before, have discussed topics face to face. Also common understanding of the topic is important asset of future projects done by partners & finding common definition and understanding is more effective in a face to face activities than rather sending out email to escape misunderstanding afterwards.

How
The educational process of the PBA will be lead and developed by the facilitating team, based on project objectives and participant’s needs and expectations. The program of the activity will be implemented using the methods of non-formal education. The seminar method is based on learning by experience, exchanging information, self directed learning and reflection and learning outcomes of it.

The main methodology that will be used in this project in non – formal learning approach, in terms that the seminar will be:

  • Learner centered tailor to the group of the participants
  • Flexible and adaptable – the program and the methods for each session will be adapted once all participants are identified to best target their learning needs
  • Inclusive – as the program will be adapted to any needs of participants (including disabled participants)
  • Planned – all activities will be planned, in terms of logical flow of session methodology in a logical sequence for a structured learning
  • Evaluated – each experiential learning session, as the whole training will be evaluated, through different methods, debriefing and feedback, in order to ensure the reflection on the competence development of the participants
  • Voluntary – no participant will be “forced” to participate 

PBA will be facilitated by 2 facilitators, which are experts in inclusion, non – formal education, Erasmus+ and youth work. The facilitator’s team will be supported by expert on accessibility issues to assure accessibility of the seminar also to the participants with disabilities (if there will be need for it).

 

Participant profile

  • are persons who are already experienced about work with young people, project management itself and she/he would like to be involved in a long-term perspectives in youth fields through the activities of promoter NGO’s
  • are willing to develop their competences in field of inclusive youth work activity and share their knowledge, skills and experiences with other participants
  • ideally, but not compulsory are working with young people with fewer opportunities (e.g., disabled young people, people from rural areas, economically less developed areas, migrants, minority groups and so on) on local, national or international level
  • would like to establish long term partnerships/strategies/networks with involved participant’s, NGO’s
  • are able to communicate in English
  • are at least 18 years old
  • are motivated to be fully involved in preparation process (homework’s) and attend at least 98% of the seminar
  • are motivated to take part in after seminar (evaluation, self assessment, etc.)
  • be ready to take part in their sending organization after they return from the project

 

Financial conditions

Food and accommodation will be 100% covered.

Travel costs will be covered up to 275 EUR.

 

SENDING FEE payable to CID: 500 MKD

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 22 February 2015

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