PEACE SOUNDS: two monologues don't make a dialogue

An exciting opportunity is currently available for youth associations or related organizations from Northern Europe and the Caucasus to participate as partners in a seven day intensive multicultural learning experience for 24 young people between the ages of 18-30. The training has the following objectives:
-Favor a community in which young people are promoters of mutual understanding, dialogue and respect for diversity;
-Build up young people’s ability to understand and facilitate intercultural dialogue;
-Develop young people’s skills in non violent communication;
-Favor the exchange and comparison of experiences and good practice in the field of non formal education;
-Foster cooperation and active participation in society;
-Promote the idea of active European citizenship.

The training course is aimed at young people who are interested in developing their intercultural and communication skills for use in youth education projects. It will see the 24 young people participating in seven days of training, discussion and dialogue, interactive workshops, social and cultural activities. Over the 7 days they will develop and enrich their skills in the field of intercultural dialogue and non violent communication, furthering their knowledge of non formal educational methods that they will be able to put to use in future projects within their organizations and widening their network of international contacts within the field of youth work. At the same time they will deepen their knowledge of themselves as people, learning about where their potential lies and how to make creative use of their skills and interests. They will share their living spaces with each other and be actively involved in all the activities, often working in small mixed groups so as to foster dialogue and friendship between them, with English as the common language of the course. The experience is highly intensive for all those involved; everyone is encouraged to exchange views, share experiences and best practices as well as experiment new skills. The deadline for confirming your partnership: as soon as possible.

Where and when: The course, due to take place in September 2013, will be held at Rondine Cittadella della Pace, 12km from Arezzo in Tuscany (Italy). The Cittadella is a small, medieval village on the banks of the River Arno, home to the International Hall of Residence and set in a nature reserve whose outdoor resources are the ideal setting for an experiential youth initiative.
Partners and participants: The course is open to 6 groups of young people between 18 - 30 years old from Italy, Turkey, the Caucasus and any other Northern European country. Each partner organization selects 4 participants (2 men and 2 women) who are interested in the field of non formal youth education and have had some previous experience (at least as participants) in this area.
Food and Lodging: Participants will sleep in large, fully equipped tents situated in a green area within the Cittadella, adjacent to the bathrooms, and close to the playing field and workshop spaces. Meals will be provided by the Cittadella’s Locanda and mealtimes will be shared with the students and staff from the International Hall of Residence.
Staff: The course will be run by a team made up of a coordinator, an experienced youth worker with co-workers, supported by a group of young volunteers and students selected from the Hall of Residence;
Costs: 70% of travel expenses to and from Italy, visa costs, board and lodging, and activity costs will all be covered by the “Youth in Action” European funding program.
Other: All participants will have the opportunity to receive the “Youth pass Certificate”. Through Youth pass, the European Commission ensures that participation is recognized as an educational experience and a period of non-formal learning and informal learning.
please contact the project coordinator for further information or questions:
Ursula Armstrong, Education and Training, Association Rondine Cittadella della Pace, Arezzo, Italy.
Email: ursula@rondine.org; Tel: +39 0575 364460