<< Objectives >>The objectives of the projects were -to raise awareness of saving our planet and environment-to exchange experiences on *how to stop climate change*how to save energy*how to manage waste products-to train young participants about *climate change, *greenhouse effect, *pollution, *waste management and renewable energyBy implementing this project, we mainly raised awareness of the possible results of climate change but specifically we achieved those objectives. All participants;-had the chance to know about different cultures-had the chance to improve their communication skills in English-had the chance to learn all the terminolgy concerning the climate change -have learnt what policies are being implemented in different countries-what activities our partner organizations are doing to stop climate change and energy waste-improved their collaborative working skills-developped their critical thinking and creative thinking-through workshops they invented new practical things from used materials<< Implementation >>-Online MeetingsWe had online meetings every two months so as to discuss our activities, tasks and progress. We evaluated our activities and exchange ideas during these meetings. -Local SeminarsAll the partner organizations gave seminars regarding our project topic at schools and raised awareness of climate change in their communities.-Social Media CampainsWe have run different campains on different topics such as:save energystop climate changeshift to renewable energywaste managementThe campains included creating digital visuals and sharing them with as many people as on social media.-Ride a bike activities-We organized riding bike activities with local people to take attention to clean and renewable energy. We also did the same thing during the youth exchange. -Youth ExchangeDuring youth exchange we followed a structured schedule including training, workshops, outdoor activities and experience exchanging. The training included;*Climate change terminology*Waste Management*Underwater Life *Greenhouse Effect*Climate change General statistics*Climate change - different country's policies / implementationsThe workshops included;*inventing new materials from wasted materials*drawing pictures of the possible results of climate change*offering / inventing new solutions to the current issues related to climate change*playing short theatres on climate change-Dissemination activitiesAll the organizations and participants shared pictures and results of our projects on different platforms like their social media accounts, their personal blogs, organization web sites and local press<< Results >>38 participants took place in youth exchange activitiesNearly 1600 high school and university students were given seminars concerning the negative results of climate changeMore than 10.000 people were sent visuals including information about climate change, waste management and saving energy As a result of these activities people gained a high awareness of this significant problem and they were helped to attain new habits to stop climate change, energy waste and reusing materials.

<< Objectives >>Project specific purpose is to ensure the protection of natural, historical and local cultural heritage by increasing the capacity of 37 young people from Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania and Romania on ecotourism and its practices in Kiyikoy, 8 days between 29/07/2022 - 07/08/2022.Project Goals:- To develop knowledge and skills on the definition, aims, scope and classification of ecotourism;- To promote the conscious use of natural resources and the protection of cultural values;- Empowering young people in rural development through ecotourism practices;- To increase the awareness of the development of tourism in harmony with the local people;- Promoting ecotourism, increasing public interest in ecotourism and environmental awareness.<< Implementation >>The project includes the Youth Exchange – Program Countries mobility, which is the A1 activity. Mobility took place between 29/07/2022 - 07/08/2022 for 8 days in Kiyikoy town of Kirklareli province.37 participants from Turkey, Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania and Romania were involved in the project. Eighteen of these participants are fewer opportunities.Project activities are as follows.• A1 - Ecotourism Education• A2 - Practice Academy• A3 - Other ActivitiesA1 - Ecotourism Education1.1 What is ecotourism?: Developed knowledge and awareness about ecotourism, tourism, alternative tourism, natural resources, cultural heritage1.2 Principles of ecotourism: On the basics and principles of ecotourism1.3 Ecotourism in my country: Participants learned and presented different ecotourism practices and strategies in their countries1.4 Zero waste tourism: Stories are created to reduce waste through tourist visits1.5 Good ecotourism practices: To know the activities to be carried out for ecotourism in order to ensure rural development (Kıyıköy Municipality, Vize Kıyıköy Culture and Tourism Association)1.6 Role model: Learning a business model for ecotourism developed through a grant (visitation to the Kiyikoy Lavander lavata field)A2 – Practice Academy2.1 My local products: Getting to know local products and learning how to use them for tourism2.2 Outdoor ecotourism practice: Experiencing canoeing as a part of ecotourism; Understanding the place of extreme sports in ecotourism2.3 Special occasions and celebrations: Understanding how cultural values ​​are used in ecotourism2.4 Photo Safari: Photographs were taken to understand the damage done to the environment by tourism, to increase environmental awareness and to increase the visibility of the local area.2.5 Local flavors: Developing practice skills for using local flavors in ecotourism2.6 Ecotourism guide web page content preparation: A web page was created with the collaboration of all participants to promote ecotourism (https://sites.google.com/kiyidosk.org/tourismawareness)2.7 Photography exhibition & web page display: Display of photographs and web page in the public domainA3 – Other Activities3.1 Meeting / Accommodation & presentation of the project conditions / The content of the project & the activity calendar were introduced: General information was given about the origin, content, aims and mobility of the project.3.2 Dating games, ice breakers: Cooperation and teamwork relationships are developed.3.3 Expectations, Contributions, Fears: Developed the capacity to set group rules regarding learning goals, needs of other participants, profile of participants and cultural differences3.4 Team building: Increased collaboration and team dynamics3.5 Erasmus+ Introduction: Information was given about the Erasmus+ Program and different opportunities3.6 Youthpass Certificate Training: Information was given about Youthpass certificate and basic competencies, and participants were made to understand them3.7 Corporate market: Institutions introduced themselves3.8 Institution visit (Kıyıköy Municipality): The practices of public institutions for tourism and ecotourism in the local area were learned, Kıyıköy was better known3.9 City Bingo: Communicated with local people and learned more in Kiyikoy3.10 Cultural Night: Intercultural dimension developed3.11 Check-in: Facilitated mental and physical integration into the training program3.12 Evaluation and reflection: The learning process is reflected, the process is evaluated<< Results >>The capacity of 37 young people participating in the project on ecotourism and its practices has increased. Understanding the importance of preserving natural, historical and local cultural heritage, their interest in this subject has increased.Concrete Outputs:• Promotional materials of the project (roll-up, banner, brochures, etc.)Logo: https://bit.ly/3DLX3xkWeb page 1: https://www.kiyidosk.org/project/tourismawarenessPoster: https://bit.ly/3Fnw3oOPlaque: https://bit.ly/3DFTSXPCertificate: https://bit.ly/3fhDpQkInformation package: https://bit.ly/3W8aeQ5• Zero waste tourism booklet: https://bit.ly/3WfHbKI• Photos at the end of the photo safari: https://bit.ly/3fjxJFe• Participant interviews: https://bit.ly/3FtrEkd)• Project web page 2: https://sites.google.com/kiyidosk.org/tourismawareness• Posts of the project on the web page;• Photo exhibition & web page presentation.Significant Consequences and Impacts- 12 participants traveled abroad for the first time;- 10 participants participated in the Erasmus+ project for the first time;- Second Erasmus+ project with 6 participants;- A new project partner was established with Romanian institution participants on ecotourism and 2 projects were developed.1. Outcome and Impact on ParticipantsA1 – Ecotourism Education: Participants improved their knowledge and skills on the definition, aims, scope and classification of ecotourism. He learned about ecotourism good practice and business model in different countries. They visited Kiyikoy Lavander and other local businesses and saw the importance of local resources and products in ecotourism.The 'zero waste stories', 'eco-practical ideas' and the project website created by the participants enabled them to apply the skills they learned in practice.A2 – Application Workshop: Participants got to know their local products better and gained the ability to present them. He developed his knowledge and skills on how to adapt local products to ecotourism.They experienced canoeing, pedalo and boating as a nature and alternative tourism. In the Local Tastes activity, the women living in Kiyikoy will teach local delicacies, while at the same time they will develop the idea of ​​how they can do something about ecotourism.A3 – Other Activities: Participants' interest in and tolerance for different cultures increased. Their prejudices at the beginning of the project decreased at the end of the project and they understood the European Union values ​​better.They understood the importance of reflection in the learning process and learned how to carry out this process.Participants with fewer opportunities were helped to overcome their problems by developing key skills.2. Impact on PartnersGroup leaders transferred the experience they gained on the project to their own institutions with the young participants they worked with individually. A new project on 'ecotourism' was developed in cooperation with the Romanian group leader.3. Impact on StakeholdersAs a result of the cooperation with Kıyıköy Municipality, cooperation opportunities have increased for new projects to be realized by our association, especially in the field of nature sports and ecotourism. It also contributed to the development of civil society – public dialogue.Some local young people participated in the photo safari and they were encouraged to continue photography actively.Women and young people living in Kiyikoy participated more in social life and were in the international environment. Their interest in including their children in such projects has also increased.Good relations were developed with businesses dealing with tourism in Kıyıköy and public opinion was formed to identify common problems. In this way, it was ensured that the private sector got to know the Erasmus+ Program better.

"Teaching Tolerance was a youth exchange that brought together 50 young people coming from different backgrounds and was held in lovely Bremen, Germany. Countries: Germany, Spain, Lithuania, Turkey, Italy, and Macedonia. Ethnic and cultural diversification through migration processes changed the population structure of communities and societies and new demands on educational organizations. Our societies are becoming more and more diverse. Diverse in various historically-culturally determined dimensions (including differences in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, language etc). The project aimed to develop an understanding of the importance of diversity in societies. The project based on the question that we asked ourselves ""What Can We Do to Promote Tolerance?"" Tolerance in a proactive way enhances respect for diversity. The aim of engendering respect for diversity is to create a basis for peaceful togetherness. The project exposed participants to different perspectives through different methodologies includes workshops, discussions, hands-on actions, simulations, etc. and raise awareness of tolerance and acceptance. The key objectives of the project were: - to stimulate youth to take actions to promote respect and strive for equality for all people living in Europa - to understand and experience the diversity by bringing together from different cultural backgrounds - to empower youth to be knowledgeable, respectful, and involved in their communities - to understand and deal with intolerance - to identify similarities and differences between different EU countries and raise the sense of belonging to the EUYoung participants were from 6 different nationalities. Some of the participants had different cultural and/or national background. Having diverse social grounds, religious faiths, and illuminating accomplishment helped the project to understand the concept of the project and embrace diversity. Our purpose was that within pointing to these differences we encouraged and strengthen our connection. Activities have covered different topics such as communication, intercultural dialogue, human rights, religion, European values, interfaith dialogue, dealing with stereotypes and prejudices etc. and were based on non-formal education methods. The most successful impact on young people was the change in the attitudes they had towards other cultures, religions, beliefs, mindsets, races, communities, and groups. Participants who were diverse in their worldview and behavior started to comprehend intersectional and power relationships better. The project helped to improve the participants' behavior and approaches towards other people and they became more tolerant and patient. The way of communication has been changed in a positive matter and became more nonviolent and nonjudgmental. They understood the importance and beauty of diversity."

<< Objectives >>This training course was aimed for youth workers, who are working with young people. The main aim of this project was to educate youth workers in the field of entrepreneurship with a focus on SE. We aimed to equip the participants with knowledge of entrepreneurship that they would then pass on to youth. We focused on SE so that with the information on SE and with knowledge and skills on entrepreneurship itself, these youth workers could open their own SE and/or help their organisation follow the SE path.The objectives of this project are: -To help the youth workers to get hands on thе ‘Dеsign Thinking’ process, by creating business ideas inspired from prе-dеfinеd challenges in thеir local communities.-Show what it takes to be an entrepreneur and how to manage risk taking.-To tackle the topics of leadership, Self-empowerment, time management, risk assessment and team work which are all essential in the area of entrepreneurship. -To help the participants to get an experience on the Canva business model and how to adapt the Canva business model for the planning of a social enterprise. -Up-skill youth workers to foster the employability and sense of initiative with the young people that they work with. Through this project we gave competencies to youth workers on how to educate young people in starting a business. One outcome was that once the knowledge was transferred from the youth workers to the youth, the youth had better support system and guidance towards the right support needed to start up a business venture that had the possibility of growing more in the future and thus employing more people within the same society. This led to a multiplying effect.Furthermore, as the youth workers were empowered and given skills on how to effectively open and run a business with a focus on SE, they were given all the knowledge to open a SE themselves, which benefitted them, and the whole community. Also, these entrepreneurial skills that were to the youth workers, are now used by the youth workers themselves, in the running of their organisations.Apart from training youth workers on the area of entrepreneurship, this training indirectly trained the youth workers that took part in this training course on how to make use of digital tools in their youth work activities. As we had a number of preparatory online sessions, carried out by the trainers, the participants also learnt what mediums one can make use of for delivering online sessions, how to plan and deliver and online session and how to make it interactive. Thus, this was a holistic learning experiences for our participants who had the opportunity to sharpen their skills on various areas.<< Implementation >>Our training course, Fighting Youth Unemployment Through Social Entrepreneurship during and after COVID-19, was a 6 day (Plus two travel days), training course was held in Megara Greece between the 10 – 17th of September 2021with participants coming from Poland, Romania, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain, Italy, Greece and Malta. The training had sessions that aimed to educate youth workers in the field of entrepreneurship with a focus on social entrepreneurship. Now these youth workers, are in a better position to equip young people with skills and knowledge that is now helping them think in an entrepreneurial way. We also equipped them with leadership skills and now they are capable to start their own social business.All the planned activities made use of non-formal methods of education to implement the sessions. The sessions made use of methods like, Energizers, Team building, simulations, workshops, on-site visits outdoor activities and discussions amongst others.All the activities involved, included non-formal methods of learning. The programme was divided in a way that one session lead to another, thus creating a flow that kept the participants learning and also kept them motivated and always ready for the next step. The training was divided into three main parts. In the first part, the participants got more skills and knowledge on entrepreneurship and the traits of an entrepreneur, more knowledge on the different types of entrepreneurships and also knowledge on social entrepreneurship. In the second part, they started thinking on the need that they want to address and then they started developing their business idea. During this time, they had the opportunity to meet successful social entrepreneurs and also to visit a successful social enterprise and a local incubator centre. After they pitched their idea to the sharks the project passed on to the third and final stage that is where the participants learnt more on funds that they can make use of to kick start their idea. The selected participants for this training course had to be one of these categories: -Yоuth wоrkers whо are empowering young people, and regularly соnduсting lосal aсtivities with young people in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship.-Youth workers with more than 2 years’ experience and active in the youth field so as to make sure that they have some experience of youth work and that they really work with young people - Nоn-fоrmal eduсatiоn trainers/faсilitatоrs: Who had faсilitated previоus aсtivities aiming to drive the entrepreneurial learning of their partiсipants and who were interested in the Design thinking methodology and сreative thinking methods in general.Apart from that the selected participants had to have: - An interest in the topic of entrepreneurship - Working knowledge of English although if they do not have we will help them to achieve this so that they do not miss on any learning. - Able and willing to disseminate learning outcomes on a local level - Availability for the Online preparatory meeting with the trainers and with their local sending organisation.-Ready to read the preparatory material that the trainers will send.It is important to note, that the selection process was transparent and was made available for all the partners to see so as to make sure that as the selection process was fair, and all applicants had a fair chance of being accepted. The participants also had some online training sessions before the actual training course itself. This helped them to prepare for the training.<< Results >>This training course was aimed for youth workers who are working with young people. The main aim was to equip the participants with knowledge of entrepreneurship that they would then pass on to youth. In return, they are now in a better position to equip young people (their target group) with competencies that will help them to acquire an entrepreneurial mind-set, while equipping them with leadership skills to be capable to run their own business. Although they were not physically present in the project, these young people, gained from the learning and experience that these youth workers got from the project as the youth workers implemented the learning, they got in their youth work practices As we also focused on SE the participants present were equipped with knowledge and information that they now use to either open their own social enterprise and/or help their organisation follow the SE path. Furthermore the participants:-Got hands on thе ‘Dеsign Thinking’ process, and learnt how to create business ideas inspired from prе-dеfinеd challenges in thеir local communities.-Learnt what it takes to be an entrepreneur and how to manage risk taking.-Learnt on the topics of leadership, Self-empowerment, time management, risk assessment and team work which are all essential in the area of entrepreneurship. -Got more experience on the Canva business model and how to adapt the Canva business model for the planning of a social enterprise. -Up-skilled their skills and ability to foster the employability and sense of initiative with the young people that they work with. These youth workers, in return helped the young people that they work with to:-Achiever personal fulfilment -Get better employability skills and improved career prospects-Get an increased sense of entrepreneurship-Get an increased sense of self-empowerment and self-esteem -Motivateed them to take part in formal and non-formal experiences abroad. Through this project we gave competencies to youth workers on how to educate young people in starting a business. One outcome is that once the knowledge was transferred from the youth workers to the youth, the youth got better support system and guidance towards the right support needed to start up a business venture that has the possibility of growing more in the future and thus employing more people within the same society. This had a multiplying effect.

<< Objectives >>The use of technology has increased remarkably during the past few decades. New technologies have fit seamlessly in our lifestyle, becoming a tool that has gradually changed our lives without even realizing it. We no longer interact in the same way with our family, our friends, likewise the conception of time has changed due to the efficiency provided by the new technological devices, which leads to a change in the work culture as well. Just think for a moment: Are you able to spend a day without looking at your phone? How often do you check your email? How many notifications do you receive on your cell phone? How often do you get interrupted in meetings? How much leisure time do you spend swiping from one video to the next?This was proven during the several months that we were in confinement at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020, a pandemic continuing until today. Technology was our only way to keep in touch with the people we love and could not see, but also to socialize, entertain ourselves, work, study, etc. Every addiction we already had to cell phones, television, computers, video games, had the perfect environment to grow. And it grew, serving as a survival mechanism to the world-wide crisis happening in the world. Before we knew that the COVID-19 pandemic would happen, we thought that it was a good idea to create a Training Course to share educational methodologies without the use of technology. Now, after the pandemic, we believe that it is crucial. With the new data regarding how attached we have grown to technology after the COVID-19 pandemic, this disconnection has the aim of creating new working ways, to expand youth workers’ creativity, and at the same time create a healthy relationship with the use of technological devices. The main Aim of Pause is to increase quality of youth work in a post-COVID world, through training of youth workers in non-formal education methods focused on disconnection from technology and their use in a healthy way, to improve youth and youth workers’ wellbeing.Thus, its Objectives are to:(1) Equip project participants by new methods of non-formal education to make them more flexible in their work and able to facilitate activities focused on human connection, than use of technology(2) Train participants in general methodology of non-formal education including group dynamics, needs assasement and evaluation(3) Increase participants’'s awareness of influence of technology on human mental health and motivate them to teach young people how to use technology in a healthy way(4) Re-introduce a sense of community in a post-COVID world (5) Provide participants the capacity to try out these methods in a safe learning space, and then transfer them back to their countries(6) Foster quality improvements in youth work and enhance cooperation between organizations that respond adequately to modern-day needs after the pandemic.This does not mean that we reject the use of technological devices and networks, but rather recontextualize their usage and put it in a more mindful, sustainable manner with community and offline connection coming first.It’s not the first time we organize projects with this kind of methodology; After organizing and implementing the Youth Exchanges “Unplugged” (2021), “Out of Spiral” (2021) and “Tandem” (2022) in Hopeland, our experience and feedback from both participants and partner organizations only highlighted why it’s important to focus on disconnection when working with youth post COVID. Participants reported remarkable positive change in their wellbeing, and their follow-up activities brought real benefits to their local community, raising local youth workers’ interest in the disconnection methodology. Thus, we decided to create Pause in order to educate youth workers on how to employ this methodology for themselves and their activities, to bring positive change in the wellbeing of themselves, the youth they work with, and their communities.<< Implementation >>The Pause PDA will take place in Hopeland, an educational eco-center located 15 Km from Mycenae. It’s bringing together 32 youth workers from countries Greece, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain on 2-9 October 2023.During the training, the youth workers are trained on using technology more mindfully and sustainably by disconnecting from it and learning how to connect with themselves, and each other. We will provide a combination of tools, processes and theories, and by collecting tools and experiences, participants will develop their personal method of working without technology, so that it can be applied in their communities. In the training we will use a variety of methods with a special focus on reconnecting with our 5 senses and each other in an outdoor setting, as a means for learning. We will use experiential non-formal processes, making sure that we will reach all participants through their different sensitivity and learning styles.Among the methodologies and working forms we use are group processes, group and individual coaching, reflection groups, exercises on communication, moments of open sharing, discussions in smaller groups or couples. All these methods and work forms will be alternated so that every concept that is introduced can be explored with the body, presented through simple theories and models, and practiced through exercises and processes.The main target groups of the project are:Youth workers in Non-Governmental organizations with a specific interest in training acquisition and in skills facilitation.Young trainers in E+ projects who want to better understand and participate in projects from a new perspective.Young workers who want to enhance their experience and are interested in creating similar experiences for their target groupsUnemployed or underemployed people who are interested in working with youth.The project is designed to bring together people who want to improve the quality of their lives and transfer the experience to others through methods of youth work. People from opposite parts of Europe will come together in one place, a location by the way chosen especially for the distinguishing features including the lack of internet connection, creating an environment that is culturally rich and diverse and includes a plethora of life experiences, backgrounds and ideas.[Profiles]We expect that most of the project participants will be staff and volunteers of the partner organizations who are motivated to improve the quality of youth work and projects in their organizations and communities. The rest of the participants will be youth workers and youth leaders from other organizations from partner countries, which will be addressed by the partner organizations. To also support those who are interested in youth work but are not working or volunteering in the field yet because of difficulties they face, the training will be also available to people with fewer opportunities (especially educational difficulties and economical obstacles as described above), whom the training can help to get a job or further education in youth work. [Age Limit and Experience]In this project, the main requirement for participating is motivation and the will of adapting to this new work methodologies. Participants in this project will be over the age of 18 with no upper age limit, because we do not want to exclude anyone who is motivated to learn more and participate in this project.At the same time, we specifically target youth workers actively working with youth, who can share and contribute in all Phases of the project.[Gender]We are also aiming for a balanced group regarding gender, which we will ensure by maintaining an open communication with our partners. When we start receiving applications from interested youth workers, we will select participants with fitting profiles that are:40% male40% female20% (or more) other genders Last but not least, our target groups fall in 2 categories regarding their relationship to technology:participants that are used to using technology and they are not aware that they developed a dependence on it and that they need to “detox”participants who are aware of their addiction and are searching for a way to make a “pause” from the use of technology.These 2 target groups were decided because of their unique experience during COVID-19, and how each group can help the other through their own learning process during Pause.<< Results >>[Youth Work in General]For youth work in general, we are going to spread a new methodology in a post-covid world in which technology has been adjusted in all areas of our lives. For local youth work, youth workers are gonna go back home and deliver workshops on a local level with this new methodology. This is gonna be transferred through a ripple effect to a regional level, since it's gonna be such a good methodology.Then also in a national level + european level, as it's gonna make people be more aware of post-covid wellbeing regarding technology and also these youth workers may take these ideas and turn them into projects, especially through Erasmus, etc[Local]Participant implemented follow-up activities after the PDA will lead to:fostering of connection on the local level and strengthening the local community;better awareness of the topic of digital addiction;a rise of healthier, more present and more inclusive spaces (within partner NGOs, youth networks, workplaces, etc.) for young people to gather in;increased social activity and motivation of young people to volunteer, participate in political life, study abroad, apply for well-paid jobs, etc. (thanks to the feeling of safety of a supportive community);improved life quality of young people, especially those with fewer opportunities.[Regional]Participant implemented follow-up activities after the PDA will lead to:fostering of connection on the local level and strengthening the local community;better awareness of the topic of digital addiction;a rise of healthier, more present and more inclusive spaces (within partner NGOs, youth networks, workplaces, etc.) for young people to gather in;increased social activity and motivation of young people to volunteer, participate in political life, study abroad, apply for well-paid jobs, etc. (thanks to the feeling of safety of a supportive community);improved life quality of young people, especially those with fewer opportunities.[On All Levels]Social media has no borders, and our partners and participants have followers and friends from all over the world, so as a result of our online dissemination activities, we expect:increased awareness of the impact that isolation and digital addiction can make on an individual;increased understanding and capability to create connections in their daily lives; more mutual care and connection leading to more inclusive, accepting, supportive, compassionate communities.As the participants share their experiences from the project and spread the word about the Erasmus+ program:their peers and social circles will learn about the E+ program, broadening their horizons of the different opportunities made available to them by the EU, and using them;raised awareness of the cultural differences within the local, national and European communities.[International]We plan to share the activities implemented in the PDA and Follow up phase with the Sessionlab.com, enriching youth workers' toolbox with new activities and offering value to the community dedicated to non-formal education, not by creating a newtreasury, but by broadening an already established one.