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Start living healthier
Start living healthier
Start date: Sep 30, 2015,
End date: Dec 29, 2015
PROJECT
FINISHED
?Start Living Healthier? ? ERASMUS + granted youth exchange which took place in Kaunas, Lithuania from 19th Nov till 24th Nov. Project was implemented by the organization ?Mokymosi Id?jos? collaborating with Caucasus International University and four NGOs from Estonia, Turkey, Spain and Macedonia. Thirty participants at the age of 17-30 from all partner countries were taking part in the project.
The goal of the project was to increase the motivation of participants and to take particular steps to improve the quality of life. Therefore, project name itself reflects the main idea of the project, because we expect from participants to start live healthier during the project, keep new gained habits of healthy life style after the project and encourage other youth to follow them.
We used the following methods of learning in the project: given topics discussed in seminars and trainings, workshops and case-studying, sport and team building activities. The main point was to show theoretical knowledge in practice, which helped participants to discover the benefits and importance of healthy lifestyle, for example, we showed attractiveness of different sport activities (yoga, body-pump, basketball, tennis and etc.) in order participants could choose the most suitable for themselves. All practical activities involved creative methods, like creating stories, songs, performances, related to the topic, which made non-formal education very attractive. Moreover, participants made interviews in the city to find out if Lithuanian youth is leading a healthy lifestyle and later created motivation video. What is more, two external speakers were invited to share their life experience and give useful advice. So, all activities were fun-packed learning experiences which motivated us and other youth to take part in such activities and learn furthermore.
Another activity which helped to observe the impact of the project was school sessions. We went to ?Kauno Gedimino sporto ir sveikatinimo gimnazija? and were sharing our knowledge gained in the project. Also, participants were encouraging youth to lead a healthy lifestyle by making presentations. In order to make the presentation useful, participants were using interesting methods: divided into five teams they were speaking on different topics and involved students into presentation by making experiments, energizers and performances. These presentations improved school students' and participants' competencies, skills and practical use of a healthy lifestyle in a daily life.
The direct impact of the project was cultural diversity, because participants were able to discover different cultures, mentalities and nutrition habits across the countries. Inclusion helped us to create long-term contacts, new ideas, friendships and peaceful environment. Moreover, English language skills was improved, which was one of main objectives of the project. Lastly, participants changed their attitude towards a healthy lifestyle and we expect participants to apply knowledge not only in their lives but also spread information among many youngsters.
We are planning to make follow up of this project in another partner country in order to create a bigger impact and approach more youth.