Even when you think you know everything, you discover something new

At the beginning of 2023, three happy travelers Andres, Silver and Marko had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ project "Competences and Interculturality," which took place in the city of Gymur, Armenia. Young people from five countries put their heads together for the project: Armenia, Estonia, Georgia, Italy, Moldova, France.

We came together to learn more about the eight basic competencies that are discussed in the youth passport, how to use them in youth work in general, and how to use these skills and knowledge when working in international companies. From a point of view where young people and adults of different nationalities are represented, whose cultural background may be completely different from ours. We use the discussed competencies every day, but most of the time, we are not even aware of them because it is just so natural. During our project in Armenia, however, we took things a little more seriously and focused on each competency in more detail. The workshop, during which we studied them more closely and mapped them, turned out very well. Everyone could laugh heartily, rattle their brains, and find something new in themselves that they hadn't even noticed before. We also noticed that we have been using some techniques, doing some activities quite naturally without knowing that it is related to one of the eight key competencies.

But how did this whole trip through all the competencies go? Namely, we got white "passports" and then we went on a trip. Each "state" had a different competence and related task. For example, during the analysis of mathematical-technical competence, we had to do one mathematical operation and assemble a shape from the materials provided. With language skills, we had to learn phrases, words, sentences in languages. which we do not use on a daily basis (except English), and sing a song together that is not in the mother tongue or read a poem. In each "country", when we passed the exam, the passport was stamped and we could move on to the next destination.

I can personally add here that I have come across all the competencies at home and in the past. However, I once again found a number of nuances that I use, either on a daily basis, or constantly, although I still could not connect them to the given competencies. Every time you consciously deal with them, you learn something new.

In the final phase of the project, when we had shared our experiences with others, discussed them, and found answers to questions that we had been looking for answers to for a long time, and questions that we had not thought about before but that arose during the discussions, we put our heads together again to find ways to help those who may be similar questions. Based on our personal experiences and interweaving them with those of others, we created a small collection of games, techniques that could help you get into a situation faster when different people meet who apparently have no common interests and language. Techniques that could be used especially when working with young people to help them understand the different competencies that we practice on a daily basis, and how to understand those who have different cultural backgrounds and traditions.

But in fact, the week we had the opportunity to spend in the wonderful city of Gyumri was not as hard and laborious as it might seem. All the topics and workshops that we performed during the project activities went by like a bird's eye view. Every night we had the opportunity to be a part of the culture of the participating countries. On national evenings, we could introduce our own culture and homeland, share with others our songs, dances and the best pieces of national cuisine.

This wonderful feeling and uplifting emotions that prevail after the project are indescribable. To see and be a part of a project where so many young people are together, all working to contribute so that other peers can have the same opportunities. Young people who look at what is happening around them and find that some situation is needed and can be changed for the better, contribute to it in any way they can, is inspiring. If you feel that this is what you would like to do yourself, such projects are ideal places for inspiration, to make contacts for the future, find common thoughts and ideas to implement together, share your energy and take a piece of energy home with you. .

Thank you, MTÜ Edela Eesti Development Center and Art House from Armenia, for this opportunity to participate in this project, and to everyone else with whom you could spend this week together. The contribution you make both locally and internationally can change the world view of many young people! In addition, give them opportunities that they might not otherwise be aware of and thanks to you find a vocation that they want to pursue in the future.

Updated on Friday, 03/03/2023