“WE INVEST IN YOUTH” TRAINING COURSE, an important dissemination and multiplication of non-formal learning among Romanian participants!

As we planned, at the end of September, between 26 – 28, Youth Center from Ramnicu Sarat was the place where 20 youngsters decided to start a valuable learning process together with specific trainers, youth workers or simple volunteers in BEST project. One of the most important steps followed by the training was to capitalize the opportunity to give to the participants the chance to be creative, to use their knowledge, their experiences and dynamic spirit in order to understand and be part of a different kind of learning through, also, different tools and methods used, all coming from non-formal education. Starting with a dialogue from which we tried to make them be aware about the differences between formal and non-formal, after a work on teams, the training course succeeded to be a good promoter of a new way of learning structured and build on ERASMUS PLUS principles and guided to new future projects in which the participants of the training will be involved. In this way the training wanted to be a valuable investment in participants education and preparation, considering their motivation for participating in future projects in which all these experiences to be capitalized. 

For that, the training was built each day on two sessions of learning each one being composed of two sub-sessions. The first part of each session was represented by the training process in which the trainers tried to teach the youngsters new tools and methods of non-formal education as: Brainstorming, Workshop, Photovoice, Public Café, Open Space, Teambuilding, Debate, Energizers, Storytelling, Know each other games and Case study. The most important part of the training process after a complete presentation for each method was to application of the method. For that, the participants were divided in teams or motivated individually in order to complete different tasks which helped for a better understanding of the methods. For the training course, they were prepared application forms and a selection process for which each participant applied, the selection being made after a motivational interview in which the most important argument was the motivation to multiply the knowledge and experiences gained in new future ERASMUS PLUS Projects. Also, an important part of the training was reserved to present ERASMUS PLUS Program, it’s principles and the importance of non-formal language, Youthpass and competences in each participant development. 

“INVEST IN YOUTH” training course, at the end of the process, as the evaluation appreciates was a full learning process, one which for this moment created a new team of youth ready to be part of new mobility projects (especially), continuing in this way the collaboration started in BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORT project.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

U18 Project of SABBEEN GROUP – a good opportunity for disseminating BEST project results!

Being part in a new stage of the project, dissemination and multiplication, U18 partnership building project was the perfect opportunity for disseminating and multiplying for all the results gained in BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORT project developed in Ramnicu Sarat between 11-19 august 2014. Considering the topic of U18 project developed also under ERASMUS PLUS Program and having this time SABBEEN GROUP (Italian organization also partner in BEST project) as beneficiary, the project succeeded to build and sustain a strong connection between the results of our project and a new vision concerning in developing new partnerships in European Union starting from previous contacts.

One of the most interesting activities developed was a PROJECT BAZAR in which the focus of Onix Youth Association was to present the results and management process of BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS project in front of all partners coming from 10 countries. The idea promoted by our organization was built on the sustainable impact produced after the implementation of BEST project in all 6 communities thanks to a strong communication, collaboration and involvement in all three stages of the project. It was a successful presentation in which a very important role was represented by the promotion of principles which made possible the project and which also were implemented during the youth exchange. On the other hand, our organization presented in a dynamic way, using also promotion materials, the vision of the project which was in accord with the specific objectives of our Ngo: promoting sport, a healthy lifestyle and a sustained access of youth in the field of sport and for the decision making process.

Together with this activity, the presentation made on paper was analyzed in a workshop by all the youth leaders presented, it generating a lot of positive impact results and appreciation through a strong representation made by Florin Ceparu – Project Manager in BEST project and President of Onix Youth Association and Maria Constantinescu – participant in BEST project.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

WHAT “BEST” PROJECT CHANGED?!

A long string of conclusions can be taken at the end of the mobility but as it follows, I decided to be focused on 10 things which were developed or built at the basic ground of the project:

1. A better understanding of the importance of the values and principles in sport. In this way each partner prepared a motivational presentation whose aim was to create a strong impact in order to create a strong awareness in the field of relations in sport. So, principles as: communication, fair-play, understanding, self-confidence, responsibility, professionalism, altruism, respect, equality, non-discrimination were addressed and discussed at the end of each day crating a visible influence among the youth who starting with it, understood much better their importance and need.

2. A strong collaboration between partners thinking that in BEST partnership were involved organizations with a strong and long connection with Onix Association as it was the case of Turkish partner: E-Genclik, and Italian partner Sabbeen Group and on the other hand organizations who were for the first time involved in a project developed by the Romanian partner, as host, in Romania: KANE – Greece, Turisticno Drusvo Zetale – Slovenia and STOWARZYSZENIE MIA – Poland. For them BEST project built not just a success story but new partnerships were established between all NGO’s so at the end of the project each partner applied in his country with a total sum of 10 projects! That means a proof of success, a reality which will be continued in the future and will offer to other youngsters also the possibility to study abroad in order to gain new competences, learn new languages, solve other problems and be part of intercultural groups on ERASMUS PLUS Program.

3. A better involvement of all partners in the field of sports and strong competences in the field of sport, thinking that during the project were implemented specific sport activities which prepared all the participants to become important future youth leaders in their communities for the problems of sport;

4. A better collaboration between Ramnicu Sarat municipality and partner NGO’s and future perspectives for organizing of new projects in a common frame. This was developed considering that for the intercultural evenings were invited to participate responsible of local authorities in order to be all the time near the project. Also to local council meeting which took place in the last day of activities which confronted the project participants with the vice-mayor and some local councilors created a strong connection and a valuable experience sharing process which helped also the partner organizations and the municipality and which offered an important guarantee of a continuous support of the municipality also in the field of sport and other interesting fields which address the youngsters coming from partner communities.

5. A better understanding of a Project management process due to the involvement of all the participants, leaders and connectors from the 6 countries in each step of the project: preparation, exchange, evaluation. Considering that BEST project was oone of the first mobility developed in Europe under ERASMUS PLUS Program, our focus came of a strong involvement of the participants in management process they being part of a complex plan of activities in which they had the chance to play different roles: to prepare, to organize, to be beneficiaries. This frame gave to the participants strong project management competences which will help them to be better involved in the near future why not in project writing process or project management of other projects.

6. A strong image of ERASMUS PLUS Program in all partner communities first of all thanks to the visibility activities developed by all partners also online and offline. Regarding the outdoor activities in which the participants promoted the project and ERASMUS PLUS details, they produced a strong vision in which concern the advantages of being beneficiary of such a great Program, and also regarding the importance of cohesion, citizenship or inclusion in European Union. Developing thematic discussion in all communities or organizations with local youth and administrations, it was produced a valuable impact and appreciation regarding the involvement of ERASMUS PLUS Program in sustaining youth development and also the involvement of youth in order to implement ERASMUS PLUS Program objectives.

7. A wonderful intercultural communication between partners and an important understanding of diversity in the collaboration process facilitated by the European connection realized by the mobility during the eight days of activity when the 36 participants had the chance to communicate, to develop new contacts, competences, to achieve new cultural skills and to become altogether promoters of the Multiculturalism values in their local communities and in European Union.

8. The interest about mass sports was increased due to the involvement of the participants in activities developed in public space, fact which created a real start in which consist the attention offered to the sports also by the participants and citizens, creating in this way true perspectives of promoting sport in the near future through specific strategies, programs, activities initiated and supported by each partner.

9. The attention/appreciation of non-formal and informal activities as a way of learning which created a success story in which concern learning to learn process was developed. The group understood in this way the differences between school and other institutions as formal ways of development and non-formal and informal tools and methods as a consistent way of capitalization for all the informational basic.

10. At the end of the project, each participant obtained a Youthpass Certificate and a Romanian national Certificate of competences recognition and on the other side the leaders were rewarded with a Leader Certificate offered by the Romanian partner, all these being used by the leaders and participants in order to certify their competences in organizing, participating, managing and coordinating a European project. As a multiplication result, these certificates will be possibly used in order to get new jobs, to apply for another projects , why not EVS or strategic projects.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

BEST FOOT-TENNIS CUP, a successful tournament developed in Ramnicu Sarat!

DISSEMINATION PERIOD HAS STARTED!

The dissemination of BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS project passed this weekend a very important stage of the moment consisting in a foot tennis tournament organized in front of Ramnicu Sarat Municipality building. With the participation of 8 teams of 2 players passionate of sport and foot tennis and beneficiating of a good outside weather and in the same time with the presence of Ramnicu Sarat vice-mayor, Mr. Sorin Cirjan, a strong fan of this sport and one of the best players in the region considering his profession of Sports Education Teacher, the tournament was a real success of involvement and a wonderful proof of availability together coming from ONIX organization and local public administration. For this event the street situated in front of the municipality building and also around it was blocked, this being a perfect opportunity also for rollers, skaters, cyclers to come and enjoy the atmosphere, creating in this way a common image guided by a new and dynamic spirit at Ramnicu Sarat.

This action organized between 23-24 august 2014 was only the first meeting of all those who love practicing sport in Ramnicu Sarat, the next activity being planned for the next weekend when will be organized a inside football competition opened for all the youngsters coming from Ramnicu Sarat and neighbor communities.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

Proiectul BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS aflat la finalul schimbului!

Perioada 11-19 august 2014 a consemnat pentru municipiul Ramnicu Sarat poate unul din cele mai importante evenimente ale anului, un mix intercultural fundamentat pe ideea promovarii sporturilor de masa si a impartasirii intr-un cadru unitar a valorilor culturale ale celor 36 de participanti provenind din Romania, Turcia, Slovenia, Polonia, Italia si Grecia. 

Avand o tematica activa, un scop si obiective indraznete in complexitatea lor, schimbul de tineri a inclus in derularea sa o tripla dimensiune abordata: pe de o parte a fost vorba despre promovarea sportului de masa, pornind in acest sens pe o dubla directie: pe de o parte prezentarea si dezvoltarea principiilor ce stau la baza bunei intelegeri a actiunii umane in sport: fair-play, comunicare, respect reciproc, responsabilitate, profesionalism, egalitate si non-discriminare, nerenuntare, incredere de sine ori altruism si pe de alta parte practicarea efectiva a sporturilor de masa comune pentru fiecare din promotorii implicati, asa cum a fost cazul unor sporturi precum: fotbal, baschet, handbal, voley, tenis cu piciorul, darts, badminton, atletism, bodybuilding sau aeriobic. 

Pentru derularea tururor acestor activitati echipa organizatoare a planificat din timp si asigurat pe perioada schimbului terenurile de joc, modul de organizare, perioadele de timp aferente, fiind distribuite sarcini si responsabilitati in randul fiecaruia dintre grupuri in vederea asigurarii unei implicari egal proportiunate a grupurilor atat in procesul organizarii, coordonarii cat si participarii. 

In acest sens, activitatile au avut loc in locatii precum: Complexul Sportiv Bella Italia, Sala Municipala de Sport Ramnicu Sarat, Sala de bodybuilding si aerobic “Terminator”, Parcul Municipal si stadionul Victoria. Modul de organizare a activitatilor a tinut cont de realizarea unui mix intercultural continuu, de impartirea in echipe multiculturale si de derularea activitilor intr-un cadru non-formal participative care a oferit tuturor tinerilor posibilitatea de a lua parte la un proces de management amplu ce si-a derulat pasii pe baza unui program de activitati asumat in etapa pregatitoare ce initial a fost dezvoltat si programat temeinic. 

Etapa de implementare efectiva a schimbului de tineri s-a remarcat printr-o atentie sporita dimensiunii de reflectare asupra rezultatelor obtinute, avand in vedere faptul ca in component grupului intercultural au luat parte tineri proveniti din medii sociale si culturale diferite, unii pasionati de sport in timp ce altii venind in proiect din dorinta de a-si dezvolta competente solide si valori in ceea ce priveste adoptarea unui stil de viata sanatos. Atat pentru valorificarea competentelor cu care participantii au venit in proiect cat si pentru dezvoltarea competentelor existente la nivelul fiecarui participant, proiectul BEST a oferit solutii viabile, activitati dinamice si continuu datatoare de noi perspective pe baza carora a fost fundamentata o relatie de comunicare si colaborare exemplara a participantilor si a liderilor fara a fi nevoie de reguli deosebite ori conditii aparte in afara ariei non-formalului. 

Cea de-a doua dimensiune abordata prin proiect a fost cea sociala avand in vedere faptul ca mixul informational existent sub influenta faptului ca tinerii au imbratisat un bagaj informational amplu si o dorinta deosebita de a impartasi din propria experienta, au fost aspecte appreciate si valorificate atat pe perioada actvitatilor cat si a timpului liber. Intr-o stransa legatura cu valorile cuturale transmise vine ce-a de-a treia dimensiune BEST si anume aceea de promovare a comunicarii interculturale dezvoltata in special prin intermediul serilor cu specific traditional, a serilor interculturale si tematice. Impartasind acelasi spatiu, plini de subiecte de interes comune atat din aria sporturilor si jocurilor sportive cat si din apartenenta la valorile unui neam, tinerii au realizat un mix intercultural valoros, liber-exprimat, programat si organizat prin propriile forte pana la tarzii ore ale noptii. De remarcat in acest sens serile traditionale, in care au fost grupati cate doi promotori, atunci cand, de fiecare data comunicarea interculturala realizata prin prezentari, dansuri, muzica, scenete, quiz-uri, jocuri tematice, mancaruri si bauturi traditionale depaseau limitele temporare initial stabilite, sub impactul dorintei de valorificare a fiecarui moment din cadrul proiectului.

Aflati la finalul schimbului condus pe baza unor activitati si metode de educatie non-formala precum workshop, prezentare motivationala, Youthpass reflection, conferinta de presa, Misiune imposibila, teambuilding, Evaluari intermediare, finale si intalniri ale liderilor, putem afirma cu succes ca proiectul BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORT, una din primele mobilitati ale tinerilor derulate in cadrul UNIUNII EUROPENE pe Programul ERASMUS PLUS  a consemnat un success declarant al relatiei parteneriale dintre cei 6 promotori, un exemplu de success in ceea ce priveste comunicarea dintre parteneri, participarea la procesul de management si implicarea tinerilor in procesul de luare a deciziilor la nivel European. Finalizarea schimbului de tineri nu reprezinta insa si finalul proiectului avand in vedere faptul ca perioada urmatoare pregateste o serie noua de activitati de educatie non-formala ce vor fi organizate sub atenta promovare a idelului de dezvoltare a fenomenului sportiv si a atentiei pe care organizatiile promotoare trebuie sa o dezvolte in domeniul promovarii sportului de masa. Rezultatele proiectului coincind in mod efectiv cu rezultatul sprijinului oferit de catre UNIUNEA EUROPEANA prin Programul ERASMUS PLUS, iar Programul ERASMUS PLUS a reusit prin faciliTarea proiectului BEST sa ofere un exemplu de buna organizare/ participare si management avand in vedere perioada scurta in care echipa organizatoare, AT ONIX a reusit sa porneasca sis a finalizeze demersurile de organizare si derulare efectiva a activitatilor in cadrul proiectului (mai putin de o luna).

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

VIZIUNEA BEST SI ERASMUS PLUS!

          BEST IN CONTEXT!

Proiectul BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS – BEST asa cum si denumirea o afirma se doreste a fi o reconstruire a valorilor Uniunii Europene pornind de la centura unitara reprezentata de sportul de masa, ca modalitate de coagulare a unor viziuni comune, a unor modele pozitive pentru crearea de noi mentalitati. Astfel, BEST va reuni un numar de 36 de tineri provenind din Romania, Turcia, Italia, Grecia, Polonia si Slovenia care pe o perioada de 8 zile de activitati vor oferi solutii viabile prin activitati de voluntariat si educatie non – formala intr-un cadru non – formal, implicarii prin sport pentru indepartarea tuturor efectelor negative cu care comunitatile partnere se confrunta. Astfel, motivatia implementarii proiectului vine din identificarea cauzelor existente si anume: atitudini anti-sportive, un stil de viata nesanatos, vicios, afectat de multitudinea de atractii negative pe care mediul social le pune in calea acestora: consumul de droguri, ori alte substante, alcool, grupuri afectate, atitudini discriminatorii, toate acestea producand deja in prezent efecte deosebit de negative precum: discriminare, sedentarism, dependenta, reactii sociale individuale sau de masa, toate acestea conducand catre identificarea uneia dintre cele mai importante probleme si anume: slaba practicare a sportului. Situatia in care de asemenea in scoli, orele de sport sunt din ce in ce mai reduse, tinerii nemaifiind indrumati sa practice sportul nici pentru timpul liber, preturile mari la inchirierea salilor de sport, alaturi de lipsa/desfiintarea terenurilor publice de sport unde ar fi putut fi practicate sporturi de masa, toate acestea reprezinta baza motivationala pe care o utilizam in vederea pozitivarii situatiei existente si oferirii de solutii viabile problemelor, intr-un cadru multicultural. Toate aceste cauze conduc catre problema pe care o vom aborda aceea a slabei practicari a sportului de masa pe fundamentul unor oportunitati vicioase de petrecere a timpului liber precum si a unor atitudini de excludere.

In specific asadar, pozitivand, scopul proiectului BEST este reprezentat de dezvoltarea competentelor de practicare a sporturilor de masa in aer liber intr-un cadru multicultural, alaturi de promovarea unor atitudini pro-sociale bazate pe fair play, nediscriminare, respect reciproc, egalitate, solidaritatea, egalitate, toleranta, coeziune.

Rezultatele asteptate sunt: cresterea numarului de practicanti ai sporturilor de masa; imbunatatirea imaginii sportului; mentalitati mult mai dinamice si tineri mai implicati; noi oportunitati de petrecere a timpului liber si noi grupuri de manifestare benefice comunitatilor partenere; crearea de modele comunitare; 

          DE CE ERASMUS PLUS?

O intrebare la care, de altfel, raspunsul vine tocmai din componenta sa unitara si din valorile sustinute la nivel european. Programul Erasmus Plus ca si continuator al actunilor/proiectelor derulate in cadrul Programului Tineret in Actiune reprezinta oportunitatea perfecta de valorificare a sanselor de dezvoltare a tinerilor in context european si sub apropiata lupa a standardelor de evolutie impuse in cadrul Uniunii Europene in care o valoare aparte este oferita implementarii unor principii, atitudini, responsabilitati care sa vina in sprijinul implicarii tinerilor, a egalizarii sanselor si a facilitarii participarii acestora la procesul de luare a deciziilor. In acest context, ERASMUS PLUS transfera in fapt dreptul la implicare, mobilitate europeana, initiativa catre beneficiari selectati in baza unor proiecte oportune, bine concepute si structurate, astfel incat toate aceste principii, teme si valori ce pornesc in esenta de la tineri, sa fie concretizate, valorificate, puse in practica. 

De ce mobilitate a tinerilor? Deoarece mobilitatea reprezinta spiritul tinerilor, creaza valori si sustine schimbul de experienta, toate contribuind la o buna intelegere a diversitatii la nivel european. Toate problemele existente in prezent, situatiile de necesitate, abordate integrat prin  normele mobilitatii si a „exchange-ului” constituie masuri viabile adoptate in slujba pozitivarii situatiilor existente si un pas major catre realizarea acestor deziderate. Intalnirea tinerilor provenind din medii sociale, culturale ori religioase diferite sub impactul implementarii unor principii unificatoare precum: toleranta, non-discriminare, egalitate, respect reciproc, incluziune, diversitate, comunicare interculturala, reprezinta modul efectiv in care UNIUNEA EUROPEANA reuseste sa se implice in oferirea de sanse de invatare, dezvoltare, schimbul de experienta fiind mijlocul adoptat.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.

BEST mai vizibil in comunitatile partenere!

Proiectul BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS isi deruleaza in perioada aceasta una din cele mai importante etape ale procesului pregatitor. Activitatile de vizibilitate si promovare a identitatii proiectului, Programului ERASMUS PLUS si Uniunii Europene cumuleaza intr-un mod unitar in cadrul fiecareia din comunitatile partenere o ampla gama de actiuni menite sa asigure o omagine adecvata ideii de promovare a sportului de masa, a identitatii in sporturile si jocurile nationale precum si a valorilor transmise prin sport. In acest sens, odata cu alcatuirea grupurilor nationale, am trecut in mod efectiv la activitati de vizibilitate care pentru grupul din Romania a consemnat o adevarata campanie sociala-comunitara derulata cu precadere in Ramnicu Sarat, insa cu efecte si in localitatile invecinate, in special datorita mediului online. 

In acest sens, promovarea proiectului a demarat prin crearea blogului BEST (http://buildeuropethroughsports.blogspot.com), un spatiu plin de identitate ce ofera tinerilor din grupul tinta precum si din comunitatile partenere ocazia de a fi informati, de a comunica si de a-si impartasi impresii valoroase de pe parcursul procesului de implementare. Mai mult decat atat, paginile/siteurile organizatiilor promotoare reprezinta, asa cum este si situatia AT ONIX locuri de promovare temeinica si de multiplicarea a demersurilor ce vor fi abordate in perioada urmatoare odata cu derularea schimbului de tineri. 

In continuare, mediul online asigura tinerilor din Ramnicu Sarat dreptul la infomare si participare prin intermediul blogului de initiative: http://euramnicean.blogspot.com, un spatiu deschis accesarii tinerilor si atat de apreciat de comunitatea ramniceana.

Activitatile outdoor nu trebuie nici ele a fi trecute cu vederea considerand consistenta actiunilor derulate odata cu finalizarea selectiei. In acest sens, in perioada 01-04 august 2014, grupurile nationale au derulat in propriile comunitati actiuni de vizibilitate in mediul public in cadrul carora au chestionat cetateni cu privire la importanta sportului de masa, au purtat discutii tematice cu elevi si responsabili de tineret, au dezbatut totodata subiectele de interes in sportul comunitar cu reprezentanti ai administratiei, in toate relatiile mentionate tinerii promovandu-se prin intermediul unor materiale precum: afise, flyere, stickere, roll-up, banner, tricouri personalizate. Mai mult decat atat au lansat inca de pea cum invitatia la participare, evidentiind in acest fel rolul deosebit de important pe care asumarea unei viziuni stretgice comune in promovarea sportului il are relatia dintre mediul ong, actorii deciziilor si administratiile locale. 

Activitatile de vizibilitate vor continua in perioada urmatoare atat in mediul online cat si offline, presa scrisa si audio-video reprezentand principalel resurse de promovare.

Florin Ceparu – Manager de Proiect

Articol realizat in cadrul proiectului BUILD EUROPE THROUGH SPORTS derulat cu sprijin financiar din partea Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului ERASMUS PLUS, Actiunea cheie 1 – Mobilitati ale tinerilor.