Erasmus accreditation in Youth: 2022

Implemented Activities:

1. International Training Course “Shaking Things Up!”

   From March 21-25, 2023, an international training course “Shaking Things Up!” was held in Birštonas at the “Royal Spa Residence” hotel for individuals working with youth. This training included 25 participants from six countries: Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Romania. The participants were representatives of various youth organizations, social workers, educators, and other specialists working with youth.

   The goal of the training was to deepen participants’ knowledge and understanding of human rights and gender equality, to promote intercultural cooperation, and to share best practices in working with youth. The training covered topics such as:

   • Basics of human rights and their importance in everyday life.
   • Importance of gender equality and challenges in youth work.
   • Promoting intercultural dialogue and reducing stereotypes.
   • Practical methods and tools to promote gender equality in youth groups.

2. International Training Course “Meant to Be”

   From April 18-23, 2023, the international training course “Meant to Be” was held in Birštonas at the “Royal Spa Residence” hotel for individuals working with youth. The training included 25 participants from Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Portugal, and Romania. The trainers were experienced lecturers Vladas Polevičius and Aistė Rutkauskienė.

   The aim of the training was to deepen participants’ knowledge and skills in working with volunteers and mentorship. The training focused on providing practical knowledge about motivating volunteers, formulating their tasks, principles of mentorship, and sharing best practices. Topics covered in the training included:

   • Organization and management of volunteer work.
   • Basics of mentorship and effective practices.
   • Communication and cooperation between volunteers and mentors.
   • Motivation, personal, and professional development through volunteering.
   • Evaluation of activities under the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and YouthPass competencies.

3. Advanced Planning Visit for Youth Exchange “Me, Myself & I”

   On May 22-23, 2023, an advanced planning visit for the international youth exchange “Me, Myself & I” took place in Marijampolė. The visit included representatives and future participants from eight partner organizations from Portugal, Spain, and Poland. The main goal of the visit was to discuss project details, activities, and partner responsibilities, as well as to familiarize with the venue for the exchange.

   The pre-planning visit was highly successful and productive. Participants expressed great satisfaction with the organization, program structure, and knowledge gained. The main goal of creating a solid foundation for the upcoming international youth exchange project “Me, Myself & I” was achieved. Participants returned home prepared to successfully fulfill their tasks and contribute to the project’s success.

4. National Conference on Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Sex Education “(Un)Comfortably About Human Rights”

   On October 26, 2023, a national conference on human rights, gender equality, and sex education “(Un)Comfortably About Human Rights” took place in Marijampolė, the Youth Capital of Lithuania. The conference included 82 participants, including decision-makers, youth workers, educators, educational support specialists, and representatives of youth organizations. The event was organized in partnership with the Diversity Education House. Renowned experts participated in the conference, such as sexuality education specialist Lina Januškevičiūtė, teacher Antanas Jonušas, vice-president of the Lithuanian School Students Union Emilis Mikulskis, and director of the Lithuanian Human Rights Center Jūratė Juškaitė.

   During the conference, participants gained valuable knowledge and skills in various areas, with a particular focus on the following aspects:

   1. Participants deepened their understanding of human rights and their importance in society. Discussions addressed current issues and challenges in ensuring the rights of all individuals. Experts provided insights and practical advice on effectively integrating human rights principles into daily work with youth.
   2. The importance of gender equality and the need to ensure equal opportunities for all were emphasized. Discussions and presentations helped participants better understand gender equality principles, familiarize themselves with best practices, and learn how to effectively address gender inequality issues in their organizations and communities.
   3. Participants were introduced to topics and methods of sexuality education for working with youth. This included not only biological aspects but also emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of sexuality. Sexuality education specialist Lina Januškevičiūtė shared practical tips and methodologies on effectively discussing sexuality with youth.
   4. Participants learned to identify and address cases of discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity principles in providing services to youth. Specific examples and tools were presented to help combat discrimination and promote inclusion.
   5. The conference encouraged open discussions on uncomfortable topics to reduce stigma and promote understanding. Participants had the opportunity to express their opinions, share experiences, and collectively seek solutions.

   The national conference “(Un)Comfortably About Human Rights” provided participants not only with knowledge and skills but also with the opportunity to actively contribute to improving society’s understanding of human rights, promoting gender equality, and advancing sexuality education.

5. Best Practices on Youth Work Study Visit to Andalusia, Spain

   From March 19-22, 2024, twelve youth workers from Lithuania participated in a best practices visit to Andalusia, Spain. The visit aimed to explore various youth organizations, government institutions, and initiatives organized in geographically remote towns and areas. The visit was organized by the regional partner “Amigos de Europa” in Andalusia.

   During the visit, participants deepened their knowledge and skills in various areas, with a particular focus on the following aspects:

   1. Regional youth policy. Participants learned about Andalusia’s youth policy and strategies by visiting the Andalusian Youth Institute in Córdoba. This institute is responsible for implementing youth policy across the region, providing participants with insights into regional youth programs and policy formation.
   2. Provision of youth services at the local level. In La Rinconada, participants familiarized themselves with the municipality’s youth services and programs. They discussed key strategies: integrated youth policy plans that help youth acquire necessary skills and provide support and encouragement to achieve personal goals.
   3. Intercultural learning and cooperation. In Cabra, participants engaged in intercultural activities and met with local youth. These meetings helped participants deepen their understanding of the values of other cultures and opportunities for cooperation.
   4. Social innovation and solutions. In Málaga, participants visited the social innovation center “La Noria,” which provides transformative solutions to contemporary societal problems. Here, participants learned about new solutions to 21st-century challenges and how to apply them in their youth work.
   5. Initiatives and programs in geographically remote areas. During the visit, participants explored various smaller towns and learned about local initiatives, such as “Youth Correspondence” in Cabra, recognized as one of the most successful youth initiatives in the region.

   Participation in this project was highly beneficial for several key reasons:

   1. Participants gained valuable knowledge and skills related to youth policy, service provision, and social innovations. This knowledge will help them work more effectively with youth in their organizations, institutions, or communities.
   2. The visit provided participants with a better understanding of the values and traditions of other cultures, promoting intercultural dialogue and tolerance. This is especially important when working with youth in an international context.
   3. Connections established with Spanish organizations and institutions during the visit opened new opportunities for collaboration. Participants could share best practices and ideas that can be applied in their daily activities.
   4. Knowledge gained about social innovations and new solutions to current problems will help participants create and implement innovative programs in their countries to improve youth well-being.
   5. Participants had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge practically by engaging in various activities and discussions. This helped them acquire new skills, improve existing ones, and strengthen their professional network.

   The best practices visit to Andalusia was not only an excellent learning opportunity but also an inspiration for participants to continue improving and achieving new heights in their work with youth.