MAKE AN IMPACT! A European project with the support of the EU Programme Erasmus+ PROJECT SUMMARY Make an Impact! was a training course that took place in Larnaca, Cyprus 27 March- 2 April 2015. The educational activity was organised by SEAL CYPRUS, the Cyprus Organisation for Sustainable Education and Active Learning. The training course was part of a wider capacity building project with the same title and a total duration of 10 months (January October 2015). ORIGINS OF THE PROJECT The project originated from an expressed need of the partners to raise the visibility of their projects in order to create more influence with their youth work. They wanted to learn how to promote their projects and how to disseminate their projects results. The youth workers in the partner organisations expressed the need to learn how to benefit from the experience gained from past projects without having to start from zero every time they plan a new activity. This is why the partners decided to explore together methods and techniques to make the most out of their projects. During the initial needs analysis, the improvement of Information Communication Technology skills emerged as an important factor for successful communication and dissemination strategies. MAIN THEME OF THE PROJECT The main theme was DEOR: Dissemination & Exploitation of (Project) Results. Dissemination = spreading information about the project results to key actors. We explored ways to use a wide variety of media to document our project results and deliver them to the most appropriate target groups. Exploitation = making sure the project outcomes & products are effectively used. We went a step further in order to make sure that our project results can make a difference and can be used in other projects or policies. We learned how to adapt our projects to different contexts and new audiences, how to share our experiences, how to train others and how to improve systems and procedures. Results = project elements worth showing off from the point of view of the receivers. We identified the most important results of our activities and the ways these results can be used in order to have the greatest possible impact. This project was financed with the support of the European Commission. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the publisher and the European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information.
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT The project brought together youth workers and youth leaders in order to explore ways to increase the impact of their projects within their organisations and their communities. The participants were guided to extend the potentials of non-formal education methods and techniques in creating original projects to address the needs of young people. Special focus has be given in the use of information communication technologies in order not only to coordinate (international) projects but also to multiply their impact. The participants were trained in ways to use open source software and the social media in order to maximize the influence of their work with the youth. A guide for dissemination and exploitation of results was created with the contribution of all the trainees. By augmenting their skills, the participants are expected to make a better utilization of nonformal education and to raise the visibility of their projects. This way they will support their own target groups, in particular young people with fewer opportunities (i.e. young people from remote or rural areas, young people in unemployment) in becoming more visible. The outcome of the training is expected to have a strong multiplication effect. We believe that youth workers should benefit from the experience gained from the implementation of past projects without having to start from zero every time they plan a new activity. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The goal was to support the professional development of those who work in the field of youth in order to improve the quality of youth work across Europe. The main objectives of this training course were: to explore ways to increase the impact of youth projects within our organisations and our communities; to extend the potential of non-formal education methods and techniques in creating original projects in order to address the needs of young people; to provide the participants with the skills necessary for strategic thinking and planning in order to raise the visibility of their projects. One of the objectives was also the acquisition of competences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) in order to improve personal development & employability. PROJECT TYPE Erasmus+ Key Action 1. Mobility of Youth Workers. Youth Workers Training & Networking.
PROFILE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE TRAINING Trainers, youth workers, youth leaders, volunteers from 1o European countries (Cyprus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Malta, Italy) and one Neighboring country, Ukraine. TRAINING METHODOLOGY All the working activities aimed at fostering intercultural learning and exchange between participants from diverse backgrounds. Methodology included simulation games, role play, plenary debates, interactive lectures, audio-visual presentations, small and large group discussions, self- assessment and more. With their participation in this capacity-building activity, the youth workers will be able to strengthen and support their organisations to tackle social problems, to raise the visibility of their projects and to multiply the impact of youth work. COMPOSITION OF THE PARTNERSHIP At the end of March 2015, more than twenty youth workers from all over Europe met at the beautiful beachside of Larnaca, Cyprus to discuss and exchange their experiences in the field of youth projects. More than an intercultural exchange, the training course Make an Impact! was an opportunity to learn about communication and dissemination strategies. All the participants were passionate to be involved as leaders of European projects in order to create new spaces for youth work. Some of the NGOs are already involved in different projects in their local municipalities like Solis Tuvāk from Latvia. MHSA, Malta Health Students Association is famous for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and drug use prevention. AKTYVUS JAUNIMAS, which is the biggest students organisation in Lithuania, work on the same issues. The NGO Joetz from Brussels is the youth organisation of the Belgian National Health Service. In addition to health topics, an interest in environmental issues and their sustainability was also shown. The organization ITTA, from Ukraine planted trees and engaged local people towards a more beautiful, greener city. In addition, the organization NaturKultur from Germany promotes an environmentally friendly and sustainable way of life. Similar projects have been implemented in Latvia by the organization Solis Tuvak. There were also organizations that promote political participation in civil society such as EProject Consult from Italy and Young Partners from Romania. A variety of projects were presented by the NGO FOCUS from Bulgaria and Raplection from Croatia who work with children. Last, but not least, the host organisation, SEAL CYPRUS, works on Environmental Education and Active Learning with the promotion of Non- formal Education and Life-long Learning. The participants had the opportunity to identify similarities and differences in terms of culture and work methodologies. All in all, the exchange of work strategies regarding the Dissemination and the Exploitation of project results was a great experience for all the participants. By Alina Nora Thiel, Germany Dniel Fauldi, Germany
By Elena Cicardo, Italy Oksana Tykhovska, Ukraine INTERVIEWS We asked organizers and participants of the training course "Make an Impact" to share their experiences and ideas about the project. Andreas Skouropatis, Project Manager of Make an Impact! ANDREAS, IS IT THE FIRST PROJECT YOU MANAGE AT SEAL CYPRUS? - No, it's already the second one. The first one took place in 2014; it was a training course on Biodiversity & Active Learning and it took place in Limassol with the participation of NGOs from 10 European countries. HOW LONG HAVE YOU ALREADY BEEN WITH SEAL CYPRUS NGO AND WHERE DO YOU GO AFTER "MAKE AN IMPACT"? - I joined from the beginning, when the organisation was an informal group with the name YouthLabCY and we continued working together after the official establishment of SEAL CYPRUS in 2013. I am glad to be part of an NGO which impacts locally as well as globally. After this course, I am going to a contact-making seminar organised by Euroteam in Czech Republic where I hope to identify partners with the same aspirations and aims in order make fruitful partnerships with SEAL. ANDREAS, WHAT IS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS FOR A SUC- CESSFUL PROJECT? - In the case of training courses, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for every activity you put in the agenda. It is important to have good partners and to communicate with the participants. A good project also includes balance between info sessions and different methods of non- formal education. WHICH PART OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT ARE THE HARDEST? - I think communication with participants and the creation of an education environment so that everyone can benefit in terms of knowledge but also attitudes towards different cultures. We want the participants to make as more impact as possible to their local communities upon their return home. ANDREAS, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MEASURE THE RESULTS OF THIS PROJECT? - We will analyse the evaluation reports of the participants and we will monitor the dissemination activities of all the partners and the measures for the exploitation/ multiplication of the project results. Anna Dalosi, Project Manager & Trainer in Make an Impact! ANNA, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF A SUCCESSFUL TRAINING COURSE? The consistency between the learning outcomes you want to achieve and the learning activities you are choosing to facilitate those outcomes. Moreover, there has to be a balance between info sessions and non formal methods. Another major factor for success is the quality of your partnership. You need reliable and committed partners to work with you throughout the project life cycle. During the training sessions, the active participation of the participants and their input are the most valuable indicators of success.
Anthi Gavriel, EVS coordinator-yeu, Cyprus (NGO SEAL CYPRUS ) ANTHI, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO APPLY FOR "MAKE AN IMPACT"? - I wanted to learn how to promote the work I am doing (I am coordinating volunteers who participate in the European Voluntary Service), to multiply its effect and to disseminate its results better. Marios Proxenos, Teacher, Cyprus. (NGO SEAL CYPRUS ) TELL US, WHAT DID YOU TAKE FROM THIS PROJECT? - I learned a lot, especially through communication with the rest of the people. It is inspiring how motivated everybody was to think out of box. Maria, Kaniclidou, Researcher, Cyprus (NGO SEAL CYPRUS ) WHY ARE YOU HERE? - Currently, I am doing a research on neurodegeneration. This issue is very important in the society. Psychological therapy helps people to know themselves better and to make more informed choices. I want to disseminate the results of the research and to increase its visibility. "Make an impact!" helped me a lot to improve my skills and get invaluable knowledge. Oksana Tykhovska, Project Manager, Ukraine (NGO ITTA). WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THIS TRAINING COURSE? - I am happy I had the opportunity to expand my professional contacts and get to know many creative individuals all around Europe. Moreover, it was great to find NGOs for further cooperation and new joint projects. Alina Thiel, Drama Therapy student, Germany (NGO Natur Kultur ) WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED? - To be more confident about my English language skills, to foster structured dialogue and to manage my future projects better. Doris Velan, Teacher, Croatia (NGO Raplection ) WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THINK ABOUT THIS PROJECT? - To meet new people from different organizations. Cooperation and suggestions on how to disseminate of my projects better. I met interesting people for future cooperation. I found very interesting the visit to Europe Direct where we learned about information strategies and also we attended a presentation from the Cyprus Youth Council about their work on the Structured Dialogue with the Young People. Isabelle Ioannides, Researcher, EU Parliament, Belgium (NGO JOETZ ) ISABELLE, WHAT WAS THE MOST USEFUL PART OF THE TRAINING AND WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE HOME? The team building exercises was what I found the most useful in terms of content. The wonderful opportunity to meet potential partners for further impact. Building alliances already with like minded participants. Thank you SEAL CYPRUS for bringing us together.
PHOTO GALLERY A group picture to remember Make an Impact! From the visit to EUROPE DIRECT in Larnaca From the meeting with the Cyprus Commissioner for Volunteerism and NGO in the House of the Volunteer in Larnaca
BENEFITS OF D.E.O.R Makes it easier to get support within your organisation Do more with limited resources Spread the word Generate saving (not re- inventing the wheel) Create spin- off effects Improve the reputation and recognition of your organisation Get more funding Increase the sustainability of your results Raise the motivation of your people Transform and improve systems Enhance the impact of EU funded projects Feed the police process- influence youth policy DEOR measures at micro level (within Erasmus+): All promoters are required to reflect on dissemination and exploitation measures to be carried out during their project The quality of dissemination and exploitation of project results is taken into consideration within the project assessment process.
SEAL CYPRUS - PROFILE SEAL CYPRUS, the Cyprus Organisation for Sustainable Education and Active Learning, is a non-profit organisation based in Nicosia, Cyprus. SEAL CYPRUS was established in 2013 as the continuance of the informal youth group YouthLabCY. The members of the organisation are young people and people interested in the welfare of the youth. SEAL CYPRUS aims in promoting dialogue and cooperation in the fields of formal and non- formal education and training, environment, sustainable development, youth, life-long learning, global education, career guidance, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, employment & social affairs. The members of SEAL CYPRUS are enthusiastic youth volunteers. SEAL CYPRUS encourages Cypriots to participate in a variety of national, European and International projects. At a national level, the members volunteer in activities to tackle social issues and to promote values such as social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The members are very active at an international level and they actively participate in Youth Exchanges and Training Courses abroad. The main experience of the organization comes from the European Commission s Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme. In 2014, the organisation implemented the training course Biodiversity and Active Learning in Limassol, Cyprus with the participation of NGOS from 10 European countries. In 2015, SEAL CY implemented the training course Make an Impact! regarding the dissemination and exploitation of the results of youth work. For this training course, hosted in Larnaca, SEAL CYPRUS worked with youth workers from NGOs from 10 European countries and one Neighbouring country- Ukraine. SEAL CYPRUS - MISSION To promote dialogue and cooperation with the use of non-formal education tools. To develop initiatives regarding life-long learning and employment. To promote global education according to the standards of the United Nations, the European Union and the Council of Europe. To promote the cultural heritage of Cyprus and the social, intellectual, artistic and athletic development of the citizens. To promote creativity and the sense of initiative and entrepreneurship of Cypriots, especially the youth. To support trainers and youth workers in their work with the young people, especially those with fewer opportunities. To foster intercultural exchange. Address: SEAL CYPRUS, P.O. BOX 28914, 2084, Cyprus. Website: www.sealcyprus.org Email: sealcyprus@gmail.com