Youth in Action in Spain: Get Transnational!
At the end of June, GHRD’s European Volunter Service (EVS) volunteer, Barbara Mojzes attended a Youth in Action training programme in Spain, targeting
transnational youth initiatives within the new Erasmus+ Programme.
The training organized by Spanish
National Agency and took a place in Cercedilla; a picturesque Spanish village just a half an hour ride to Madrid. 24
participants representing various organisations from all around Europe, Turkey
and even Nigeria guaranteed the diversity of opinions and perspectives during
the whole week.
Our trainers were experts on
non-formal education and working methods, as all of the training sessions
involved games, energizers, simulations and amusing exercises, which created a
positive and cheerful atmosphere for further fruitful cooperation.
In the very beginning of the
training, participants got an opportunity to present their organisations and
activities during the Project and NGO market. The session gave us an overview
of organisations’ focus areas and their capacities. Since the core aim of the
training programme was to establish transnational collaboration among various
NGOs and set up projects (transnational youth initiatives) that are suitable
for future realization.
One of my best memories is definitely
the international night organized during
the first evening we spent in Cercedilla. The aim of the night was to present
your own traditional cuisine. We had so much fun while tasting various (and
sometimes peculiar) foods and drinks from Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic,
Croatia, Romania, UK, Spain, France, Turkey and the Netherlands.
Following four days of intensive
training and project management, we spent a pleasant afternoon in Madrid; the
amazing Spanish capital that never sleeps. The timing was perfect since we all
needed some rest and inspiration during
the last days of our great journey. So, we enjoyed the sightseeing led by local
hosts and delicious dinner as much as possible.
It was not always easy to work
with people with different cultural backgrounds and views, but I wanted to
cherish this multicultural environment to the fullest. I mean what a boring and dull world it would be without this incredible
diversity. Wouldn't you agree?
