Saturday, March 30, 2024

Dissemination: Spain


I’m María Las Heras Egea an Spanish participant of the Erasmus + project “My Hobbie My Business” in Predal (Romania). In order to contribute to the dissemination and promotion of the organizations and their youth projects, I decided to make a meeting in my class for my classmates. I’m studying a vocational training course about tourism in Muro de Alcoy specifically in the high school IES Serra de Mariola. Because we are a small group in class (6 people), I asked my tutor to take the tutoring class to talk about my experience in the project. She accepted my suggestion, so I made a small talk for 6 people in my classroom with the approximately duration of 45 minutes. The dynamic of the talk it was me talking as an informal way about different things related with the project:

On the first place I talked about how I found the project, how I applied, the process of selection and all the technical things that made me be a participant.

Then I continue talking about the sessions and the topic. I was explaining that the project was about business things, so I told them that the first sessions were to introduce ourselves, meet the other participants and to talk about our expectations related to the project. After that I told them that we started to do activities to introduce the business as a topic, for that we did one activity very interesting about the things that involves the self-employment for the young people who want to start a business in each country. That it was nice to analyze the situations and opportunities of other countries. After that I explained the main activity, it was thinking about one business idea and working in mixed groups to develop that idea and finally to present it in front of everyone.
After that I also talked about leisure time in the project, with this I mean that I was talking about our excursion day in Brasov, and explained what the intercultural nights are (and I showed them some videos and photos that I download from the drive to give them a visual example).

To conclude the meeting, I was saying that being part of an Erasmus + project is a very nice experience to meet new people, to learn new things in a different way, to discover a new country going out of your comfort area... I also add that is very good practice for them, because they are studying tourism, so it is a big opportunity to practice English that is a necessary thing in our sector.
I spent all the class talking so I answered most of the doubts of my classmates during the school break. Some of the questions were about in which places you can do this kind of projects, about budget and money, kinds of topic and questions related with the level of English.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTIAL MEETING

NAME (person who did it) 

Maria Las Heras Egea.

LOCATION 

Muro de Alcoy (Valencian Community – Spain). 

IES Serra de Mariola (high school).

DATE 

27/03/2024 (during the tutoring class)

PEOPLE 

It was a talk for 5 students and 1 teacher.

PRESNTATION 

No presentation, just some pictures and the explanation of the  whole project that i described in the text.

Dissemination: Türkiye

On March 28, 2024, a  gathering took place at Pablo Coffee in Gaziantep, where 12 enthusiastic participants came together to learn about the Erasmus+ program, our project’s core activities and its primary objectives. The session lasted for a concise yet impactful 30 minutes, providing a wealth of information and sparking lively discussions among attendees.


The session began with a brief introduction to Erasmus+, a European Union initiative aimed at supporting education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. Participants learned about the various opportunities Erasmus+ offers, such as youth exchanges, training courses and European Solidarity Corps. The program's focus on fostering cultural exchange, enhancing skills and promoting international cooperation.


The participants were informed about the project aim, its goals and the target audience. The core activities of our project were highlighted, showcasing the diverse and engaging nature of the program. 

The primary focus of our project revolves around cultural diversity and inclusion. By bringing together young people from various backgrounds, the project aims to break down cultural barriers and build a more inclusive society. 

Throughout the session, participants were encouraged to ask questions and share their thoughts. This interactive approach not only kept the audience engaged but also allowed for a richer exchange of ideas. Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a keen interest in participating in future Erasmus+ activities and similar projects.

HERE you can find the presentation.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

#Day9: Saying Goodbye

Today was another wonderful day in Predeal. The sun was out, melting the snow and making the day feel bright and warm.

This was an important day because it was the last time we all sat together in a circle. Tomorrow, each of us will head back to our home countries, starting a new chapter in our lives.

Our session today focused on how this new chapter will be different from the one we’re leaving behind. We talked about what we’ve learned and how it will shape our future.

We started by catching up on some missing documents from yesterday’s work. Then, we had some fun with guessing songs and sharing gossips. We also revisited the 8 competencies, discussing what we had learned about each one.

We talked about why sharing what we’ve learned is important and how we can do it in our home countries. We made a plan to help spread our ideas effectively.

We set up a trash bin and a suitcase in the middle of the room. Each person shared what they wanted to throw away and what they wanted to take back home with them. It was a symbolic way of letting go of the old and embracing the new.

We then opened the time capsule we made on the first day and read the notes we had written to our future selves. It was amazing to see how many of our expectations had been met.

Next, we had a fun reveal of our secret friends. We stood in a circle, and one by one, we hugged our secret friend, discovering who had been sending us gifts throughout the week.

After lunch, we spent time writing our thoughts about each participant on their paper. It was a great way to remember all the amazing people we met here.

Thank you all for making this experience unforgettable. We love you and will miss you a lot. ❤️

Friday, March 22, 2024

#Day8: Final Business Presentations

Today was another wonderful day as we wrapped up our business projects. It was amazing to see our ideas come to life after four days of hard work.

Congratulations to all the teams for their innovative ideas: AIxperia, Dream Factory, Craft Corner, Malaparts, Drivers on the Storm, and PillowTalk. We’re excited about the future possibilities, including virtual reality for cultural events and museums, educational classes for artists, craft events in cozy cafés/restaurants, 3D printed car parts, niche engines for running cars, and AI in psychology.

Here you can see all of our ideas:

1. AIxperia - Business Plan & Presentation

2. Craft Corner - Business Plan & Presentation

3. Drivers on the Storm - Business Plan & Presentation

4. Malaparts - Business Plan & Presentation

5. Pillow talk - Business Plan & Presentation

6. Team Kalorifer - Business Plan & Presentation

A special shoutout to the PillowTalk team for securing the most investment from our investors!

We closed the day with an amazing cultural night featuring Turkey and Italy. We enjoyed learning about your cultures, watching traditional dances, and tasting delicious traditional foods.

It was a fantastic end to a day filled with achievements and cultural celebration. Here's to more days of creativity, learning, and sharing!

Thursday, March 21, 2024

#Day7: Building Businesses

We spent the morning working on our businesses. All the teams focused on how to build better customer relationships and manage finances. It was a productive session filled with learning and collaboration.

After lunch, we had a fun snowball fight to energize us. Then, we presented our ideas to the rest of the group. Each of us received feedback and advice on how to improve our business plans. We gained a lot of knowledge about presenting and building our business plans step by step. It was really helpful for all the teams.

We enjoyed dinner together and then had a special pajama party! We danced a lot and played games like Ninja and Ho Ha Hi in the session room. It was a night full of laughter and fun.

Another wonderful day passed with all of us having fun and sharing our dreams. Here's to more days of learning, growing, and enjoying each other's company!

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

#Day6: Business Insights

Today was a day full of learning and fun. We started with a session on SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) using Coca-Cola as an example. This helped us understand how to build our business and create a strong value proposition.


In the afternoon, we split into groups to work on presentations we had been preparing. By 4 PM, we presented our work. Each group received helpful feedback on how to manage time and improve the look of our slides. This advice will help us make better presentations in the future.

The highlight of the day was the Spanish night. We learned interesting facts about Spain, danced flamenco and "chipi chipi," and enjoyed lots of tasty Spanish food. The night was filled with laughter and joy, making it a special experience.

Today was a perfect mix of learning and celebration. We learned new things, shared our work, and had fun together. It was an amazing day that added to our wonderful memories. Here's to more magical moments and strong friendships on this journey!






Tuesday, March 19, 2024

#Day5: Cultural Visit

After a hearty breakfast, our group gathered for a memorable photo outside our hotel, ready to embark on another day of adventure. At 10:00 AM, we set off from Predeal to Bran's Castle by bus, our spirits high and anticipation palpable.

We arrived at Bran's Castle around 10:45 AM. Walking into its old walls felt like going back in time. The castle, full of stories about Vlad the Impaler and beautiful Transylvanian architecture, was fascinating. Its tall towers and narrow staircases made us feel like we were discovering secrets from the past. The experience was magical and made us all feel connected to history.


By 12:30 PM, we were back on the bus, continuing our journey to Braşov. The scenic drive was a feast for the eyes, with rolling hills and quaint villages passing by like scenes from a postcard. We arrived in Braşov around 1:00 PM, greeted by the charm of this picturesque town nestled in the Carpathian Mountains.

The afternoon in Braşov was ours to explore. Some of us wandered through the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, uncovering hidden gems in artisan shops and cozy cafes. Others chose a leisurely stroll through the lush parks, basking in the tranquil ambiance of nature. The town offered something for everyone, from historical landmarks to serene green spaces.


As the sun began its descent, our laughter echoed through the town as we shared tales of our explorations. Each moment added to the tapestry of memories we were weaving together, a testament to the magic of travel and the joy of shared experiences.

At 7:00 PM, we boarded our trusty bus once more, our hearts full and our cameras loaded with snapshots of a day well spent. The journey back to our accommodation was filled with a contented silence, each of us reflecting on the day's adventures.

Upon our return, we enjoyed a delightful dinner followed by a free evening. The night was ours to enjoy, a perfect ending to a perfect day. We relaxed and soaked in the joy of being together, knowing that each day brought us closer and made our bonds stronger.

Here's to the magic of travel, the bonds that grow stronger with each shared experience, and the countless memories we create along the way.

Monday, March 18, 2024

#Day4: Going deep into entrepreneurship

Today was a day full of learning, creativity and team spirit. We kicked off with an energizer, a Romanian game called “Country, Country, We Need Soldiers,” which got everyone moving and energized for the day ahead.

Our first session took us into the world of hobbies and business ideas. We each charted our hobbies and came up with potential business ideas based on them. We displayed these ideas on the ground, and everyone voted for their favorites. From this, we chose six business ideas to develop over the next few days. The chosen teams and their projects are:

Alxperia

Craft Corner

Team Kalorifer - The Dream Factory

Malaparts Inc.

Pillow Talk

Drivers on the Storm


To gather more inspiration, we watched some videos showcasing business ideas from another project. This gave us valuable insights and sparked new ideas for our own projects.


In the afternoon, we got our energy back up with a second energizer and watched videos on how to react to a bear, continuing our learning from the previous day.

Next, we delved into defining the aim, field and main objectives of our new businesses. This task took longer than expected, but it was a valuable exercise. It sparked a meaningful discussion on the importance and challenges of defining these aspects for a business. It also gave us an opportunity to reflect on our roles in this project and consider what we could improve.


We were introduced to the SWOT analysis, which helped us dive even deeper into the entrepreneurial spirit. By the end of the day, we felt more connected to our projects and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Today was a day of discovery and collaboration, setting a strong foundation for our future work. We’re excited to see how our ideas will develop in the coming days!

Sunday, March 17, 2024

#Day3: A journey through entrepreneurship and culture

Today was an exciting day! We kicked things off with a fun and energetic Ninja game that allowed everyone to show off their hand skills and get energized for the day ahead.

Our first activity was a research and presentation session focused on entrepreneurship. It was fascinating to learn not only about entrepreneurship in our own country but also in many others. This activity gave us valuable insights into different business landscapes and sparked many interesting discussions.

Here are all the country presentations:

1. Greece

2. Italy

3. Portugal

4. Romania

5. Spain

6. Turkiye



For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious traditional dish, "mămăligă cu tochitură", prepared by our lovely hosts. It was a perfect meal to fuel us for the rest of the day's activities. After lunch, we had some free time to relax and enjoy ourselves.

In the afternoon, we explored various business challenges and opportunities through creative role-plays. This interactive session helped us understand different types of businesses and the problems they face, as well as potential solutions.


A big thank you to Adi and Ioana for recommending the group reflection session—it was incredibly useful for everyone. 

The day ended with a Portuguese and Greek cultural night. We had a fantastic time learning about these rich cultures through their foods, drinks, histories, dances, and fun facts. The presentations were both educational and entertaining.


To sum up, we have a bit of advice for you all:

Drink like a Portuguese

Dance like a Greek

And always be happy like an Erasmus!

Saturday, March 16, 2024

#Day2: Who we are?

We began our day with an exciting and engaging city rally in Predeal, dividing into five different teams. Each team was given a series of nine tasks that led us on an adventure throughout the town. These tasks were designed to help us discover the unique aspects of Predeal, encouraging us to meet and interact with the locals, take pictures with them, and learn about their daily lives. One of the more unusual tasks involved practicing our response in case we encountered a bear, which added an element of thrill to the activity. These varied challenges not only provided us with a deeper understanding of the local environment but also made the learning process entertaining and memorable.

After completing the rally and taking some time to relax and have lunch, we gathered for an informative session about the Erasmus+ Program. This session was incredibly valuable as it gave all of us a comprehensive overview of how the Erasmus program functions. We learned about the various opportunities it offers, the benefits of participating, and the logistics of getting involved. The knowledge we gained from this session was both interesting and practical, equipping us with useful information that we could apply in our future endeavors.


In the evening, we had the chance to unwind and bond further through games and conversations. We played various games that were not only fun but also fostered teamwork. These activities allowed us to interact in a relaxed setting, share stories, and laugh together, strengthening the bonds we had started to form during the day's earlier activities. This time spent together in a playful and informal atmosphere was crucial in helping us get to know each other on a deeper level, making us feel more connected and united as a group.

Overall, the day was a perfect blend of adventure, education, and social interaction. The city rally in Predeal provided a hands-on learning experience about the local environment and culture, while the Erasmus+ session enriched our understanding of the program's opportunities. The evening games and conversations wrapped up the day beautifully, allowing us to relax and build strong relationships. By the end of the day, we felt more knowledgeable, connected, and ready to take on the next challenges together.

Friday, March 15, 2024

#Day1: Nice to meet you!

The day began with a series of exercises designed to help us get to know each other better. We started by pairing up, introducing ourselves, and sharing interesting facts. This helped us remember each other's names and gain some insight into our personalities. Then, we formed larger teams and continued these introductions, building a foundation for teamwork and collaboration.

After a much-needed coffee break, we reconvened to discuss our individual fears, expectations, and contributions regarding the youth exchange. We each wrote down our thoughts and hung these signs on the wall, categorizing them into three sections. This visual representation allowed us to see common themes and areas where we could support each other. Throughout the activity's duration, we referred back to these signs, working together to address fears, meet expectations, and utilize everyone's contributions effectively.

Following a refreshing lunch break, we dove back into activities with renewed energy. One of the key challenges we faced was the (IM)POSSIBLE tasks. These tasks were designed to seem impossible to complete within the given time limit, but through teamwork, creativity, and determination, we managed to achieve the goals set before us. This experience showed us that by working together, we could overcome any obstacle. The tasks were filled with storytelling, performances, and a lot of laughter, which helped us bond and form strong friendships.

In the evening, we had the pleasure of experiencing a cultural night hosted by the Romanians. They put on an amazing presentation that showcased their culture, complete with games and traditional food. This cultural exchange added a rich layer to our experience, allowing us to appreciate the diversity within our group and fostering a sense of unity.

Overall, the day was a perfect blend of getting to know each other, tackling challenges, and enjoying cultural exchanges. By the end of the day, we felt more connected, confident, and ready to take on the rest of the activity together.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Project Overview

"My Hobby, My Business!" is a youth exchange about entrepreneurship that is happening right now in Predeal between March 14 and 24, 2024. The aim of the project is to develop the entrepreneurial spirit, but also to increase the level of entrepreneurial skills and employment skills in order to become active on the labor market.


OBJECTIVES:

1. Increasing the level of awareness of the 36 participants regarding the need to develop entrepreneurship and employability in the context of economic recovery in European society by using non-formal techniques and methods, during 9 days of activities within the youth exchange.
2. Developing the level of knowledge and key skills in the field of entrepreneurship and employability for the 36 project participants, based on intercultural dialogue, cultural exchange and diversity, in order to be adaptable to the European labor market, during the project period.
3. Drafting of 6 business plans for the initiation and development of new businesses (exercise companies) through non-formal learning methods and multicultural role play, starting from the participants' ideas during the 9 days of youth exchange.
4. Encouraging and developing solidarity and tolerance among young participants to facilitate social cohesion at the EU level through cultural exchanges, inclusion and diversity based on non-formal non-discriminatory activities, during the implementation of the project.

PARTNERS:

Hellenic Youth Participation (Greece) 
Associazione Scambieuropei (Italy) 
Hawk Stars NGO for Education, Innovation & Social Development (Portugal)
Asociacion Deses-3 (Spain) 
Sof Dağı Gençlik ve Spor Kulübü Derneği (Turkey)

HOST ORGANIZATION: ODESA (Opportunities for Development through Education and Sports Association)

Dissemination: Greece (sending organization)

Our partner from Greece, Hellenic Youth Participation, gather the participants feedback and post on Social Media to encourage other young pe...