Open Up :)

It may be the lack of knowledge about the Programme and its rules, the fear of communicating with others in a foreign language or the lack of reliable partners. This training is designed to open participants up for new ideas and opportunities and support them in organizing and implementing their first youth exchange. Main aim of the training: To provide participants with knowledge about youth exchanges (in frame of Action 1.1) and an opportunity to find partners so that they can organize and implement Slovak-Polish projects together. For those who are afraid to communicate in a foreign language the training offers a possibility to get to know and practice the idea of language animation. It’s a method of teaching that supports and improves communication between people, increases the motivation to learn a foreign language and supports the process of intercultural education. It helps to overcome the fear of not knowing people and the way they speak and shows that communication is possible also when you don’t know the language. Language animation is based on games which help to support intercultural dynamics in the group and overcome the language barrier. After the training participants will: - know and understand the idea of youth exchanges, - know the formal criteria of youth exchanges, - know the quality aspects of youth exchanges, - know the funding rules, - know how to build partnerships in international projects, - know and understand youth exchanges cycle and management, - know what kind of support they may expect before and during implementation of a project and where to look for it, - know the idea of the language animation and how to use it as a tool in youth exchanges. Participants will also have a chance to meet Polish and Slovak National Agency officers responsible for youth exchanges and consult with them their ideas for projects. Target group: This training course is meant for those who: - would like to organise a youth exchange; - are from a group or organisation that is in a position to implement youth projects after the training; - are committed to attend for the full duration of the course; - are able to understand at least basic English; - are residents of Poland or Slovakia. Dates and venue: The training course will be held on 27-30 June 2013 in Slovakia, Hotel Villa Siesta, Nový Smokovec. Participants are expected to arrive either on the 26th or 27th of June (in the morning). Activities will start on 27th of June at 10.30. Departures are planned on the 30th after lunch. Trainers: There will be two trainers from Poland and Slovakia. Anna Szlęk (PL): cross-cultural psychologist and trainer working for the Trainers’ Pool of the Polish National Agency of the Youth in Action Programme. Anna organises and conducts national and international workshops and training courses for young people and adults. Topics in which she specialises include: Youth in Action Programme, project management, active participation of young people, supporting young people through coaching and counselling, non-formal education philosophy and methodology, risk management, intercultural learning and education, supporting youth organisations in their development. Miroslav Droždiak (SK): freelance trainer working for the Slovak National Agency of the Youth in Action Programme. Miro is involved in designing and conducting national and international trainings for young people and youth workers. He specialises in the following topics: Youth in Action Programme, project management, active participation of young people, non-formal education and the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.