When learning becomes a game: ISZ Youth Workers at Erasmus+ training course
From 18 to 24 September 2024, the training for youth workers entitled "The Learning Game" took place in Iscar, Spain, as part of the Erasmus+ programme. The main aim of the project was to promote innovative learning approaches through gamification and thereby improve the learning process. Adam and Uroš represented the Institute Advocacy Hub (ISZ) at the training.
The project brought together representatives from several European countries to share experiences, ideas and best practises. Teachers, schools and other educational organisations took part and worked together to develop new approaches to increase student motivation and engagement in the learning process. The event centred on gamification, the use of game elements in education, with a focus on the use of digital tools and games to improve learning outcomes. Participants also developed intercultural competences and strengthened cooperation between European countries.
Cultural evenings and interpersonal encounters
As part of the project, representatives from each country prepared a cultural evening where they presented the specialities of their countries, languages, customs and cuisine. One of the most memorable presentations came from Italy, where participants not only learnt about the language and culture, but also mastered their gestures, which had interesting meanings. The Italians also incorporated art history – participants worked in groups to recreate famous works of art with their bodies, which was both educational and entertaining.
The Spanish hosts also prepared a memorable evening where they taught the participants how to pour traditional cider properly – by holding the bottle over their heads and the glass by the hips. The Slovenian representatives, Adam and Uroš, presented Slovenian stereotypes, sang a song and demonstrated some martial arts techniques as part of an energising game.
Creative problem solving through games
Through various activities, the participants gained valuable experience in the areas of teamwork, leadership and intercultural tolerance. The central theme of the project was the development of new teaching methods based on gamification to increase students' motivation and actively involve them in the learning process.
At the end of the project, the participants had the task of developing their own game in groups to solve specific social problems. Adam developed a game for teachers and professors, while Uroš focussed on companies and employees. Each group demonstrated how gamification can serve as a powerful tool for solving real-world challenges.
Unforgettable experience, new knowledge and lasting friendships
Adam and Uroš gained numerous new skills during the project, created many fond memories and made lasting friendships. As they both say, they are grateful for this wonderful opportunity that has allowed them to grow personally and professionally. They look forward to applying the knowledge they have gained in future projects and sharing their experiences with colleagues and young people.
The "Learning Game" project is a testament to the importance of international co- operation in finding new solutions to the challenges in education and shows how gamification can become an integral part of the modern learning process.
Art MINDS: newsletter #1
A Journey of Growth: My Volunteer Experience from Spain to Bulgaria
''To say it straight away, my experience with ESC began with a short-term project (youth exchange) in Iscar, Spain. It was there that I realised that I really enjoy such activities and that I would like to continue taking part in exchange programmes or short-term projects. Fortunately, a volunteer for a long-term project at Art Centre Karnolsky in Bulgaria was needed immediately after my return from Spain and I did not give it a second thought, because I just wanted to travel and continue on the road of projects.
So I arrived in Bulgaria at the end of June. I was very grateful to have a few days to settle in as it was quite a big adjustment – it was probably the furthest away from home I'd ever been independently and it was overwhelming at first. While the big drop in prices (as I originally thought) basically allowed me to spend quite a bit, I realised quite quickly that it was all related to the state of the economy. So basically everything was half cheaper than in Slovenia, but so were wages. That was the biggest realisation I had, and after that it was easier for me to get used to it.
Once I had settled in, I went to the »P. R. Slaveikov« school almost every day and worked with our coordinator on activities in the school with the children and elsewhere. The other volunteers (there were 4 of us) focussed on giving lessons with the children, e.g. music lessons, dance and drawing lessons. Originally, I started talking to the students in order to run a photography club as an assistant. However, as I spent more and more time working behind the scenes of the projects for ESC, Erasmus+ and others, I realised that I really enjoyed the work and started to learn how to write projects, what basic knowledge you need, etc.
During my stay I helped design logos, flyers and other promotional material for projects and other
needs, which I really enjoyed as graphic design is my forte. I also took part in a number of trainings in
Bulgaria which broadened my knowledge about different topics and working
with children – this sparked my interest for my own career.
I took part in festivals organised by my host organisation, where I learned how to organise events, where and how everything can go wrong and, most importantly, got to know the feeling when everything runs smoothly.
Throughout my stay, I toyed with the idea of staying in Bulgaria to study and continue my work, and that's exactly what I am doing now. The paperwork is a chaotic mess, but I am glad that Bulgaria has joined the Schengen area, because that means less paperwork for me.
Now, with about 12 days left in the project, I am working on getting all my documents done, translated and sorted. I have decided to sign an employment contract with my host organisation and will continue to work with them on festivals and projects like that. I have also started writing my own projects, which I know is a lot more work when you write it yourself, but it will pay off as I continue to learn and develop as a person.
I have also decided to start studying here. As I have already mentioned, working with children and training like this has sparked my interest and I am going to study social pedagogy. Admittedly, the difference between here and Slovenia is that it's a four-year degree programme, but that at least consolidates my stay here.
As for why young people should choose to take part in such projects – I believe that this way we can learn more about the world and the communities around us, which develops our own personality and makes us grow as people. Part of being human is working together and helping each other – this can give us the tools we need to improve our own communities at home. You do not have to stay, of course, but for a year, two or even just six months, you will be a different person with new perspectives on everything in your life.''
– Teja Alovič
'HOW EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS CHANGED MY LIFE'
The story of our active and warm-hearted volunteer, Žiga.
Over the past year, my journey with the European Solidarity Corps in Medina del Campo and the rest of Spain has been nothing short of transformative. I have met and made, what I hope are, lifelong friendships with so many different people from various backgrounds. Among others, I've forged a close brotherly bond with my co- volunteer, “Chiquito” Giorgi, cultivated wonderful working relationships with the rest of our team, and formed friendships with people from all over the world through our projects. If nothing else, I’ve made connections I never knew I could. But there are, of course, other aspects to consider... Like my acquisition of new skills and personal development. Compared to before my volunteering experience, I feel as if I have entered a new chapter of my life. I am much less reserved and significantly more confident in my abilities, whether social or otherwise.
Furthermore, my repertoire of tangible skills has also expanded. During our time at the animal shelter, where we assisted in caring for the animals, maintaining their habitats, and creating adoption and social media posts, I significantly improved my animal handling skills. Similarly, our work with the local organization for people with disabilities provided numerous opportunities to prepare and create costumes, assist in organizing local events, and learn to accommodate and care for individuals requiring assistance. Additionally, I have gained invaluable insights from the projects and initiatives I have been involved in during my stay.
Regarding leisure activities, they were absolutely fantastic. As a personal treat, I traveled to Malaga for the Malaga Feria and attended three friendly basketball games between Spain, the USA, and Slovenia. This marked my first proper solo travel adventure, and it was truly amazing. Additionally, I participated in a recreational mixed-gender basketball tournament in our "home" town, enjoyed lively Spanish nights out, hosted board game nights with local friends, attended concerts (where I stood out like a pine tree in a grass field), and created countless cherished memories regardless of the setting, place, or company.
What I'm really trying to convey is that this experience has been truly unforgettable for me. In every aspect, it couldn’t have been better (well, almost). I wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of a break from their day-to-day routine or simply seeking a radical change to consider this opportunity. In my experience, it's straightforward, safe, and offers numerous benefits, and most importantly, it's effective on a personal, communal, and spiritual level. This experience has undoubtedly changed me for the better (even though my name changed every day). Through all of this, however, my Spanish still needs some work. I suppose I should get back to my Duolingo.
– Žiga Šmajdek
FROM PORTUGAL TO SLOVENIA: A JOURNEY OF PRICELESS EXPERIENCES AND CONNECTIONS
My journey in the Erasmus + program in Slovenia has been an incredible adventure, full of discoveries, new friendships and enriching experiences. Initially, I entered this program thanks to the Etic Algarve in Portugal, where I studied Digital Marketing and Social Media. After developing a project during the course, I was selected for this unique opportunity, which has been truly rewarding in every aspect.
Since the moment I arrived, each day has been a new adventure. Life in an apartment with fellow travelers has become a routine filled with memorable moments, from trips to the market to exploring the charms of Ljubljana. The diversity of the city, with its distinct areas, is truly fascinating, reminding me simultaneously of Portugal, Moldova and England.
The experiences here range from jazz concerts to tasting Balkan dishes, providing a true cultural immersion. Additionally, the opportunity to explore neighboring cities such as Bled and Venice, as well as Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, has expanded my horizons and enriched my understanding of the world.
Furthermore, at the agency where I am interning, Pika Digital, I have been greeted with warm hospitality. The people here are incredibly friendly and welcoming and I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet them. Each team member has been a source of inspiration and knowledge and I am constantly impressed by their dedication and professionalism.
This experience has been a true blessing, enriching not only my academic and professional journey but also my personal life.
Since arriving, in addition to the adventures and new friendships, I have had the rewarding opportunity to contribute to a local non-governmental organization, Inštitut Središče Zagovorništva, assisting with their social media activities. This experience has not only provided me with a sense of personal fulfillment but has also enhanced my professional skills. One of the highlights was seeing one of my creatives featured on the Slovenian page of the European Union website, validating the impact of my work in this global community.
Reflecting on what I have gained so far, it is evident that this experience transcends academic boundaries. Erasmus has not only enriched my resume but also enriched my life. The opportunity to explore new cultures, deepen my understanding of the world and establish global connections is truly invaluable.
Therefore, if I were to suggest to another young person to follow in my footsteps, I would say with complete conviction: do it! Erasmus is a transformative journey that will expand your horizons, challenging you to grow personally and professionally. The experiences I have had here in Slovenia and beyond are truly unforgettable and I am confident that anyone who embarks on this program will have stories to tell and lessons to learn that will last a lifetime.
Mihaela Badia
Round table on the integration of minorities
On Saturday, 9 March 2024, we took part in a round table organised by the Roma VHS Burgenland in Eisenstadt as part of the Erasmus+ ArtMINDS project, in which we are involved together with the organisation My Madeira Island from Portugal. The participating guests, the Burgenland provincial government, the Jewish Heritage Route in Burgenland – Eisenstadt, the University of Vienna, NEON Burgenland, Die Gruenen and Caritas Burgenland presented the work, needs and visions in the field of integration of minorities in Austria and shared with us useful and integrative ideas for thematic work in Slovenia. The topic of integration of minorities and immigrants was discussed at the round table.
All participants were welcomed and addressed by the main host, Mr Feri Janoska, representative of Roma VHS Burgenland, who was born in Austria and also belongs to the Roma minority. In his opening speech, he emphasised that the group of the round table is very diverse, from political parties to non-governmental organisations, representatives of minorities, individual writers, but we are all the same. In this sense, we, ISZ, continued with the presentation of our work and the situation in Slovenia in the field of integration of minorities and immigrants in our community.
The participants of the round table emphasised the active participation of women, the need for acceptance and tolerance and respect for other cultures. At the end of the round table, we emphasised the importance of multiculturalism and interculturalism when it comes to solving the challenges of integration.
It was this round table that gave the ArtMINDS partnership an insight into the reality of the importance of minorities in building local and national culture, which will be the focus of our research in the coming months. We believe that minorities, like the immigrants who have shaped our region, are extremely important to our culture and the future generation of young people.
Empowering voices: European Youth Week reflections
During the European Youth Week, our volunteers and young individuals from Ljubljana and beyond came together to share their perspectives on what the EU means to them. In an engaging dialogue, they explored the opportunities provided by the EU, discussed areas where it could further improve, and reflected on why they believe they are living in a better period of life compared to their parents' generation.
In our latest video, we captured these insightful conversations. Our aim is to inspire every young person who watches it to embrace the opportunities available to them as European citizens. We are fortunate to live in a continent that values human rights and democracy, offering numerous opportunities for growth and development.
Why EU matters
For our participants, the EU represents a beacon of opportunity. It provides platforms for cultural exchange, educational mobility, and professional growth. Through the EU, young people have access to diverse perspectives, experiences, and resources, enriching their personal and professional lives.
Challenges and opportunities
While celebrating the achievements of the EU, our discussions also highlighted areas where improvements are needed. From environmental sustainability to social inclusion, there are pressing issues that require collective action. By engaging in dialogue and activism, young people can contribute to shaping a better future for all.
Brighter future
Our participants expressed optimism about the future, believing that they are fortunate to live in an era of progress and possibility. They see themselves as agents of change, empowered by the opportunities provided by the EU to create a more inclusive and sustainable society.
As we celebrate European Youth Week, we invite every young person to join us in embracing the opportunities offered by the EU. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.
We believe that young people are the driving force behind positive change, and we count on their knowledge, passion, and activism to shape the future of Europe.
Watch our video and be inspired to seize the opportunities as European citizens!
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