Youth Exchange Diversity Academy will take place September 23 – October 1 2019 in Nevaršonys, Lithuania.
In a modern democratic society based on the principles of pluralism, freedom of speech, movement and expressions, diversity is a reality, but the richness that it brings to communities and teams is generally underestimated. Inclusive groups and communities are more effective and faster in reaching their common goals. To improve the welfare of society, the phenomenon of diversity should be addressed.
It is not simply enough to gather young people with different background, age or culture to achieve inclusion and better results. However, in such groups there is a high probability of misunderstanding and conflicts between its members. Thus, diversity approach does not work without its proper management and facilitation. The goals of this approach are not only to empower minorities and marginalized groups, but also to foster activities that reflect on power relations, representation practices, and normative patterns.
The project is designed for young leaders to develop their diversity management competences and help them to implement a culture of diversity in their life and work environment. Youth exchange “Diversity Academy” is a 7-day activity gathering 36 participants (6 per country) from Lithuania, Macedonia, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine.
The youth exchange objectives are: – To equip 36 participants with skills, knowledge and attitudes in diversity management on personal, organisational, and community levels; – To deepen capacities of youth workers on inclusion practices and learn how such practices can involve people with fewer opportunities in mobility projects in their daily work; – To develop competences of participants in designing and facilitating educational workshops for youth exchanges; – To learn the youth organisations` beneficiaries needs and bring organisations and their target groups closer to each; – To create a space for self-reflection and self-assessment of young people and promote the Youthpass as a tool of the learning progress recognition; – To promote diversity-oriented and inclusive approaches of the Erasmus+ Youth programme and generate new project ideas.
The participants will improve communication, project management, public speaking, intercultural, facilitation and other skills. Acquired diversity management competences will lead to deeper understanding of the interconnection between their personal views, attitudes, behaviors and the perception of others.
The project will strengthen civil society, promote the European values of equity, solidarity, social inclusion and concept of active citizenship, and increase the quality of youth work with diverse groups of youngsters in EU and EaP countries. The participating youth organisation from different sub-regions of Europe will be networking and creating a common vision of the European future actively engaging young people in its formation. The project contributes to forming tolerant, peaceful and inclusive Europe through educating young leaders.
The profile of participants:
- the age limit is between 20-25 years old (not younger).
- gender balance is a must.
- with proper English skills (at least speaking).
- youth interested in learning.
If interested to apply, please register at following link no later than 20th of March via this link.