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The Cooperation pROCKject
The Cooperation pROCKject
Start date: May 3, 2015,
End date: Dec 2, 2015
PROJECT
FINISHED
The Cooperation pROCKject addressed the topics of intercultural communication and cohesion by using the instruments of sport, outdoor activities and non-formal education. The main project activity was the implementation of an intercultural exchange for young people from 6 European countries. Participants in the project were 32 young people from Bulgaria Slovakia, France, Italy, Spain and Romania at the age of 17-30 years . The activities were carried out from 19 until 28 August 2015 in Sofia and Krushuna, Bulgaria.
The goal of the project was to increase the intercultural awareness of the participants and to promote the acceptance of differences based on cultural, social and geographical background, by using sport and outdoor activities as an instrument to foster dialogue and culture of cooperation and understanding.
The objectives of the project were:
- To stimulate dialogue and interaction between participants and to make them more aware regarding cultural diversity, and at the same time to increase their sensitivity towards issues related to social inclusion and accepting differences;
- To stimulate the personal development of the participants and to make them aware of their role as a driving force of the society, by identifying the applications of sport, sport climbing and outdoor activities in acquiring key competences and skills, useful in life;
- To provide space for exchange of ideas and experience between the partner organisations and to set a basis for cooperation and future common initiatives.
- To foster culture of active and healthy life-style and stimulate practicing sport and outdoor activities in the free time.
During the work programme of the project we have combined various methods of non-formal learning, sport and outdoor activities in the implementation of the following modules: Activities for getting to know each other, ice-breaking, stimulating group dynamics and team building; Effective communication, verbal and non-verbal communication; Identity, cultural expression, visible and invisible cultural characteristics, intercultural communication; Stereotypes and prejudices, accepting values, social inclusion; Self-confidence, motivation; Sport and healthy life-style; Sharing good practices and ideas for future initiatives.
In order to ensure positive, supportive and stimulating environment we have implemented activities for group dynamics, team building, communication, discussion and reflection, work in small groups, simulation games, practical exercises with sport elements, outdoor activities, experiential learning. The activities were followed by discussion in a big group, reflection and group presentations.
The project involved youngsters with limited opportunities as well. All the participants during the project had the opportunity to get to know different cultures, life-styles and social realities. For most of the participants this was the first intercultural project they take part in and it had increased their intercultural awareness, their understanding and appreciation towards diversity. Their interest and motivation to participate in similar future projects have been increased.
The project could be used as a good practice in fostering intercultural understanding and cooperation through sport and outdoor activities. It can also serve as a basis for development of future initiatives, upgrading the current project. The combination of sport and non-formal education tools will be also used in the future activities of the sport club with children and youngsters as it proved to be very useful for increasing team spirit, motivation, self confidence and understanding. We have shared our experience with other sport clubs and organisations with whom we cooperate as well.