Workshop „Vyjeď do Evropy!“ / "Go to Europe!"

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Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem

Organisation:

Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem

Country:

Czech Republic

About organisation:

Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem is an information point that provides information about the European Union to citizens in region. We provide information about the EU to the general and professional public, offer information materials and organize events focused on topics related to the European Union. Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem is a Eurodesk partner, it means we work with young people and give them information about nonformal education possibilities. Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem is established by Office of the Government of the Czech Republic and is based in the North Bohemian city Ústí nad Labem.

Title of the project

Workshop „Vyjeď do Evropy!“ / "Go to Europe!"

Start date:

31/5/2022

End date:

31/5/2022

Objectives:

The workshop was aimed at secondary school students, who were introduced to the possibilities of non formal education and mobility within the EU in a non-traditional way. The students were divided into teams and had the task of promoting the selected EU mobility to their classmates. Each team worked on one of the following topics: study abroad and youth exchanges, volunteering, DiscoverEU, internships in EU institutions, Solidarity projects and work in the EU. They were provided with brochures, link to websites, videos and social media as a tool that helped them develop the ability to search for relevant information. After 60 minutes each team presented their topic to the classmates and tried to convince them to go to Europe for experience in the future. Mentimeter app was used for the final voting on the best team. The winners received small prizes. As a feedback students wrote which mobility they would like to try. The workshop aims to develop teamwork, presentation skills and searching for relevant information. The uniqueness of the workshop lies in the reversal of the traditional teacher-student role. Students are not just listeners, but they are in the role of teachers and give information to their classmates. At the end they know where to find information. This concept can be used repeatedly as a non-traditional tool within youth education. It was already used several times by colleagues in the regions. The implementation is financially undemanding.

Why the project was: empowering young people, adapting to changing realities, or thinking out of the box:

The concept of the workshop was built in such a way that young people are actively involved. All activities required an active approach. There was a change of roles, the listeners became the presenters and they determined themselves what information they chose to present. The search for information alone gave the students the opportunity to determine the content of the workshop and its further direction. The subsequent presentation of the individual topics was not an easy task for the students. It was a step out of their comfort zone and a test of their presentation skills. At the same time, they had the opportunity to find out their shortcomings and focus on their elimination in the future. During the workshop, we were available to the students, helped them and gave them feedback. The basis of the workshop is to give students a space to express their opinions, to help them be more active, to work in a team and to do something beyond their duties. It is important that they get information about opportunities that can broaden their horizons and teach them new skills. It was not just a matter of transferring information regarding the mobility European programs they can take advantage of but focus was also given to their project opportunities and internship. They passed all this information to each other and talked about what they would like to experience.

How the project was inclusive:

The entire content of the workshop had a European dimension. The general topics were opportunities within Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs, which were divided into specific topics: Solidarity projects, Youth exchanges, DiscoverEU, internships in the institutions of the European Union and work in the EU (EURES). Two presentations took place as part of the workshop, one about Eurodesk and its activities, the other presented Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem. The official poster for the event contained the Eurodesk logo, as did our presentation. Not only the winners, but also the participants of the workshop received Eurodesk promo items and contacts for consultants who they can reach in case of future needs related to European opportunities. The event was promoted on the website of Eurocenter Ústí nad Labem and an article about it was published in the monthly magazine Eurolisty. Moreover the workshop was also presented at the Eurodesk Network meeting as a good practice that others can use during their Eurodesk involvement (multiplicated by NA as well).

Green aspect:

Reusable information materials were used during the workshop. The printed materials were replaced with laminated QR codes that linked to online information. QR codes were printed only on one page of paper. Care was taken to minimise material consumption, so each group received one large piece of recycled paper to write on. The ecological publication „How to Travel Green“ was available to the students to learn about the possibilities of sustainable travel abroad. The DiscoverEU competition was also promoted as part of the workshop, so students can learn about the possibility of travelling Europe more sustainably by train.

How the project has given a European dimension to your event and ensured the visibility and promotion of Eurodesk?

The entire content of the workshop had a European dimension. The general topics were opportunities within Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs, which were divided into specific topics: Solidarity projects, Youth exchanges, DiscoverEU, internships in the institutions of the European Union and work in the EU (EURES). Two presentations took place as part of the workshop, one about Eurodesk and its activities, the other presented Eurocentrum Ústí nad Labem. The official poster for the event contained the Eurodesk logo, as did our presentation. Not only the winners, but also the participants of the workshop received Eurodesk promo items and contacts for consultants who they can reach in case of future needs related to European opportunities. The event was promoted on the website of Eurocenter Ústí nad Labem and an article about it was published in the monthly magazine Eurolisty. Moreover the workshop was also presented at the Eurodesk Network meeting as a good practice that others can use during their Eurodesk involvement (multiplicated by NA as well).

Impact:

The workshop "Go to Europe!" offered students information about the possibilities of European mobility and project opportunities with the financial support of the EU. Students gained awareness of programs in a fun way. Thanks to the interactive format of the workshop they will remember the information better which will be useful for them in future. The workshop also had a great impact on the teachers, who can pass on the information further in the school, reach a larger number of students and include gained knowledge into the teaching. The whole concept can help to improve the current situation in the region, when the mobility of young people abroad are not so numerous. The Ústí Region needs young people with experience from abroad, every such experience helps the development of the local community. That is why a secondary vocational school was involved in the first workshop, within which a more proactive approach is required. Part of the workshop was a visit to the newly constructed depository in the city library. The depository was built from money from European funds. Students had the opportunity to look into the interesting places of the library, they obtained information about its functioning and the use of European grants. The city library organises many events for the local community and the excursion allowed the students to learn the library offers. The impact of the workshop on the local community is significant and diverse, so we will continue to organise it in the future.