Net-works!
Start date: Aug 1, 2015,
End date: Jul 31, 2016
PROJECT
FINISHED
Project "Net-works!" is realized in the context of multiculturalism, which is nowadays becoming a part of the lives of European citizens and is one of the key elements of development of the society.
The main aim of the project is to support the kobiety.lodz.pl association in creating and developing the multicultural network in Łódź, support with managing it and in stimulating positive values of the multicultural dialogue.
Specific objectives go in line with the aims of Erasmus + program:
* to raise participants' awareness and understanding of other cultures and countries, offering them the opportunity to build networks of international contacts, to actively participate in the society and develop a sense of European citizenship and identity
*to support learners in the acquisition of competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) with a view to improving their personal development and employability in the European labour market and beyond
*to exchange experience, share approaches and opinions from different countries and ability to draw conclusions, lessons learnt
and inspiration for further initatives
*to actively participate in everyday life and society of the project country, realizing specific tasks as well as observing and directly
being involved with local people will allow to understand better the background of the issue of cultural diversity
*to develop the cooperation between organizations active in the youth field through long term EVS project
Project "Net-works" consitutes of a long-term EVS that takes place in Lodz, Poland. The hosting organization is a local NGO kobiety.lodz.pl. The project lasts for 8 months, starting from September 1st until May, 1st. We are planning to host 2 volunteers, 27 year old Victor from Spain and 21 year old Olena from Ukraine, we are in partnership with their sending organizations: AFAIJ and AUAYC Alternative-V.
The working methods include activities based on informal and non-formal education. The tasks for volunteers include creating and developing the network (by organizing events, developing website or making research on the needs of foreign community living in Łódź), supporting current activities in the organization, volunteers will also have a chance to realize a project of their own idea. There will be trainings provided for tasks that require them. We use brainstorming, mind maps, creative sessions, discussions, presentations of ideas and effects. The methods used also include the project - based approach, volunteers will be working in team and also individually. Volunteers will plan their work individually in order to reach their goal, result. After, there will be space for reflecting, evaluation and improvement.
Expected results of the project comprise of two aspects:
* intangible results, such as: development of the organizational, communication and promotional skills; increased awareness on the theme of the project and awareness of themselves., increased European identity, understanding cultural differences as well as development of ability to work in multicultural team. Thanks to the project-based work and possibility of developing their own project, volunteers will develop their creativity, entrepreneurship attitude and responsibility for their own actions.
*tangible results:
a booklet including practical information, "tips&tricks" on how to build, develop and stimulate a network, community; workshops or seminar on the theme of building networks; meeting with Łódź City Council representatives; press conference.
Long lasting result of volunteers' work will be an existing network, stimulating a positive multicultural exchange. This community will create a basis to develop the international coworking space and multicultural center, which is a goal of our organization. We hope it will be already established during the project "Net-works!" and in the long run will make a big impact for the local community (both international and Polish), for our organization and the city.
Volunteers will be able to draw from their experiences as a source of guidance and inspiration for many years to come. By
becoming civically responsible at a young age, we expect the volunteers to internalize and display the sense of
accomplishment they making meaningful contributions to society. In combination with the skills and
experience they will gain from this EVS project, the efficacy they develop will endure, and reflect in their future careers, perhaps even
inspiring these youth to strive for an occupation with the social or EU/EC youth field.