Youth Exchange 'Me+ Environmental Activists'
From 21 till 28 November, 2019 the team of “Educational and Cultural Bridges” NGO from Armenia consisting of 5 people and team leader had the opportunity to participate in youth exchange “Me+ Environmental Activists”, that took place in beautiful city Figueira da Foz in Portugal. The exchange was financed by European Commission, within Erasmus Plus project.
The project was organized by Portuguese Partner Bonae Spei, based in the coastal town of Figueira da Foz in central Portugal. Bonae Spei is an association that develop different activities through the promotion of new opportunities for all generations in different topics, Bonae have a special connection with the protection and awareness of the environment.
This youth exchange united 6 Partner countries each represented by 5 participants and a team leader. The participating countries include Portugal, Armenia, Czech Republic, Romania, Italy and Spain.
The main topic was environmental awareness and the results of climate changes. The project intended to make an impact at a personal level, by giving the tools to increase their employment opportunities while disseminating it on their own cities and turn them active and alive, being actively cooperative to their community.
During six working days, the international team of participants had opportunity not only to share with each other their own culture, traditions and language but each prepared presentation about environmental situation in their countries, the challenges that they face. During discussions they found lot of similarities. The project was also full of team building games and activities that joint participants and created united team based on peaceful cooperation.
The activities of the exchange were arranged in a non-formal learning perspective, participatory methodologies that enable participants to learn in a practical and reflective way. The Youth Exchange developed civil, social, creativity and teamwork skills among young Europeans of different nationalities and different cultures.
The hosting NGO prepared different interesting activities for the participants such as visit to the local municipality, cleaning beach together, participation in intercultural evening, local concerts and etc.
The whole team of “Educational and Cultural Bridges” NGO came back to Armenia full of positive impressions. This exchange was a first stone of cooperation between NGOs and no doubt will lead to new great projects in future.
Download guidebook (pdf) here.
