ALTERNATIVE CRAFTS – INCLUSIVE NON-FORMAL PATHWAYS FOR YOUNGSTERS (Part A)

Alternative Crafts – Inclusive non-formal pathways for youngsters (Part A)

Youth exchange 11/06/2024 – 17/06/2024 in Vila do Conde, Portugal

EKO is happy to announce that the first of the three mobilities for the trilateral youth exchange has been completed successfully. The project “Alternative crafts” united 21 young participants from Portugal, Greece and France. It was organized by the Portuguese Municipality Vila do Conde and took place in Vila Do Conde  (Portugal) from 11 to 17 June 2024. 

Aims & Objectives of the project 

The aim of the youth exchange “Alternative Crafts” was to to develop essential skills to tackle evolving social challenges, particularly in the wake of heightened poverty and the impacts of the pandemic. It highlighted how educational and social disruptions have exacerbated difficulties for young people, especially those already facing significant barriers.

More specifically the objectives were:

• Combat the harmful effects of academic failure among young people from stigmatized areas of Europe;

• Promote essential lifelong learning skills in young people, including young people with Fewer Opportunities (FO);

• Expand perspectives and opportunities for young people with FO, building bridges between the teaching of traditional nautical construction techniques and issues of environmental sustainability, interculturality and diversity, entrepreneurship and employability;

• Promote positive educational experiences.

Workshops & Activities of the project 

During  the exchange, the participants worked with a non-formal methodology, icebreakers, energizers, team/group work, interactive and creative workshops, open space workshops, discussions, evaluation, role playing, informal gatherings, local visits, guest visits etc. Τhey also  had the chance to learn specific practices and skills related to shipbuilding through non- formal activities. Participants visited local marines and spaces where they had the opportunity to watch how the ships were being built. Also they enjoyed some summer activities, but overall they had a very positive and educational experience.

An amazing opportunity and great experience for EKO’s team

Agapi, Christos, Dimitrios, Panagiota, Panagiotis, Styliani, and Theodoros were the members of this amazing Greek team whom we really wanna thank for all their contribution and collaboration throughout the project!

As EKO, we are very grateful for that amazing opportunity given to the Greek team and we thank our partner Vila do Conde and the members of the hosting organization for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!

Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – Obrigado.