Hello!
My name is Elisabete and I took part in the “Include ME” project in Berlin. As this was my first training course with Erasmus+, I didn’t have much knowledge of the activities to be carried out. However, it turned out to be a unique and enriching experience in every way. Firstly, the hotel conditions were excellent, as was the variety of food.
As for the development of the project’s theme, each participant’s report of discriminatory acts in their country and personal experiences of hate speech, had a great impact on me, showing me how important it’s to be empathetic, accepting of differences and respectful of everyone’s opinion.
The opportunity to take part in the global women forum was one of the most inspiring moments of the week. Another positive point was the exercises carried out at the beginning of each session, simple activities that, in a way, were more directed towards the holistic aspect, bringing our attention/concentration back to the present moment, as well as techniques for activating our energy. On the other hand, one of the negative points to mention was the lack of communication and organisation between trainers in some activities, discussions in class and the lack of tools and knowledge on how to act actively in society. Finally, I can only thank everyone involved in the project, as well as the Check-IN association, for the opportunity to debate such a topical issue, to get to know other cultures and incredible human beings, as it has contributed to my growth as a person and my understanding of the importance of fighting for a fair and equal society.
Elisabete F.
Taking part in an Erasmus+ training course means much more than learning about the subject matter. For me, taking part in these courses represents a change in mentality, where we meet new people, new experiences and have the opportunity to maintain a dialogue where we can create relationships for life.
At IncludeMe I learnt to distinguish various concepts related to discrimination, as well as various themes related to culture and our realisation as cosmopolitan citizens. Participating in this project was a privilege that provided me with knowledge that was different from that acquired in schools, colleges and so on. It’s an experience that every citizen should have.
Madalena S.
My name is Ângela Rangel and I would like to share my testimony as a participant in the Include Me project in Berlin, Germany. I enjoyed taking part in the project, I found the people very welcoming and friendly. I learnt about different cultures’ ways of life. I also learnt how to fight discrimination, combat stereotypes and promote the inclusion of different people. We did various activities, such as energisers, I learned some words in other languages, and we also did presentations and group work, such as organising ourselves in groups and discussing skills and other issues.
As for the accommodation, I really liked the room, the food offered by the hotel, and the conditions of the hotel itself. I also enjoyed going to the Global Women Forum in Berlin, I learned about women’s rights and I liked the lecture that was organised. As for the organisation of the activity, I think there could have been more coordination and fewer conflicts between people. I would also like to say that overall it was a good experience, apart from a few aspects mentioned above.
So I’m grateful for the experience and the moments of socialising between the different nationalities.
Ângela R.