Training, debates, mobilities and much more to come…
The implementation of the European Project “Extraordinary Citizens” (Project Number: 1018925) is taking place at full speed, as in the last few months, a lot of activities have been carried out. Indeed, the year began with the Training of Trainers in Portugal, March and April have been all about the implementation of the Youth Training and the 3rd TPM (online meeting with all partners), and May was about debating what has been learned in the training with youth associations, youth councils and decision-makers. As a consequence, all partners of the Project have been very busy lately, but they were always making sure to deliver the best possible results.
Let’s find out more!
Training of Trainers
As the main objective of the project is to promote and facilitate the inclusive participation of young people with intellectual and physical disabilities in our society, as well as to address the protection and promotion of human rights among this group of people, the Training of Trainers, organised by Aproximar, has been crucial to give the right knowledge and best tools to all trainers to achieve the project’s goals in the next phases.
Indeed, the Training of Trainers is the best model of training for the preparation of instructors to present information effectively, respond to participant questions, and lead activities that reinforce learning.
The event took place in Oporto, Portugal, in January 2024, where two professionals from each partner country and two external professionals have participated. During the 4-days training, all partners exposed and explained the training modules that they have developed, as well as implemented the practical activities of each module. The participants have also had the opportunity to visit, with a guided tour, the local centre of inclusion, where all partners could see different technics of inclusion practices.
Youth Training & Other Activities
After the Training of Trainers, all partners in their countries began with the implementation of the Youth Trainings to facilitate young people with functional and/or intellectual diversity to actively participate in all democratic processes of our society. This has been a great opportunity for them to learn more about the democratic values and principles, as well as to train communication and decision-making, which are fundamental for full democratic participation.
Many practical activities have been carried out in each session in order to consolidate the understanding of each topic. Also, the young participants have been able to debate everything they have learned during the training, to be able to express clearly their opinions. Some partners have also already held a Peer to Peer Dialogue with national Youth Councils, where young people with disabilities could share opinions with their representantive peers.
3rd Transnational Partnership Meeting (TPM)
As part of the periodic partnership meetings, the 3rd TPM took place online in April. During the meeting, all partners have had the chance to check up on the progress of the project and its next steps. The next TPM will be face-to-face in Greece in November 2024.
Next Steps
After all partners implemented the Youth Training, each organisation will have to elaborate a national report with the results of the trainings and future recommendations. The findings will be compiled in a single report by Aproximar and will be available on our website. The consortium is also preparaing all the logistics for the September mobility to Strasbourg, where 30 of the young people with disabilities who participated in previous project activities will visit key European institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Council. Before this mobility, the participants will go through a pre-departure training elaborated by ALDA, in order to ensure the maximum comfort of the young people with disabilities.
