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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 pro-

jects in order to create more influence with their youth work. They wanted to learn how to pro-

mote 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 Infor-

mation Communication Technology skills emerged as an important factor for successful commu-

nication 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 con-

texts 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 receiv-

ers. 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 respon-sibility of the publisher and the European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information.

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.

The project brought together youth workers and youth leaders in order to explore ways to in-

crease the impact of their projects within their organisations and their communities. The partici-

pants 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 non-

formal 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 re-

mote or rural areas, young people in unemployment) in becoming more visible.

The outcome of the training is expected to have a strong multiplication effect.

SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

The goal was to support the professional development of those who work in the field of youth in or-

der 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 pro-

jects within our organisations and our communities; to extend the potential of non-formal educa-

tion 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 compe-

tences (knowledge, skills and attitudes) in order to improve personal development & employability.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

PROJECT TYPE

Erasmus+ Key Action 1. Mobility of Youth Workers. Youth Workers’ Training & Networking.

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, inter-active 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.

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 envi-ronmentally 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

COMPOSITION OF THE PARTNERSHIP

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.

PROFILE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE TRAINING

INTERVIEWS By Elena Cicardo, Italy Oksana Tykhovska, Ukraine

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 estab-

lishment 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 activi-

ty you put in the agenda. It is important to have good partners and to communi-

cate with the participants. A good project also includes balance between info ses-

sions 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 envi-

ronment so that everyone can benefit in terms of knowledge but also attitudes to-

wards different cultures. We want the participants to make as more impact as pos-

sible 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 learn-

ing 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 relia-

ble 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.

We asked organizers and participants of the training course "Make an Impact"

to share their experiences and ideas about the project.

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 volun-

teers 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 im-

portant in the society. Psychological therapy helps people to know themselves bet-

ter and to make more informed choices. I want to disseminate the results of the re-

search 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 dia-

logue 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 coop-

eration. 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

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 exploita-

tion measures to be carried out during their project

The quality of dissemination and exploitation of project results is tak-

en into consideration within the project assessment process.

BENEFITS OF D.E.O.R

Address:

SEAL CYPRUS, P.O. BOX 28914, 2084, Cyprus. Website: www.sealcyprus.org Email: [email protected]

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 ed-

ucation and training, environment, sustainable development, youth, life-long learning, global educa-

tion, 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 ac-

tively 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 exploi-

tation 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 - PROFILE

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 develop-

ment 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.