The “MADEINESC” project was a remarkable initiative involving seven young Portuguese people, who were hosted by two different organizations, the Student-Youth Council and the Better World Foundation. These organizations played a key role in coordinating and executing the project, enabling the young participants to get involved in volunteering activities in two partner countries, Georgia and Egypt. This experience gave the young people a unique opportunity to explore and contribute to communities in cultural environments very different from their own.
The “MADEINESC” project focused on four main areas of activity, covering a variety of interests and capabilities of the volunteers:
- Media: The young people involved were able to learn and apply communication techniques, including social networks, journalism and content production to increase visibility and awareness of local causes.
- Children’s/Social Animation: The volunteers dedicated themselves to activities that promoted the interaction and development of children and young people, contributing to the social and emotional well-being of local communities.
- Cultural Heritage: The preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage was one of the areas of focus, allowing volunteers to work on projects related to the history, traditions and cultural identity of the host countries.
- Art and Sport to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Volunteers encouraged the practice of sporting and artistic activities as part of a healthy lifestyle, promoting physical and emotional well-being in local communities.
The experience of living and working in countries outside Europe was enriching, as it exposed the young people to different cultures and realities. This exposure had a significant impact on the participants’ personal development, allowing them to acquire new knowledge, skills and perspectives. In addition, the interaction with the local communities allowed the volunteers to make a valuable contribution to the social and daily development of these communities.
The “MADEINESC” project also stood out for its use of non-formal working methods. These methods allow for a more flexible and inclusive approach, which takes into account the needs and interests of young people in each local environment. In addition, this approach provided a unique opportunity for the volunteers to share the fundamental values of Portuguese society with the cultures of the partner countries, promoting intercultural understanding and mutual enrichment.
In summary, the “MADEINESC” project was a remarkable initiative that not only offered young volunteers the chance to make a difference in foreign communities, but also enriched them personally, providing them with a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to share fundamental values with the world.
Partners
Student-Youth Council
The organization actively participates in the Erasmus+ Programme, getting involved in 99 different types of activities, including 35 Youth Exchanges, of which it was a co-organizer, and has organized the hosting of 17 projects. The organization is also actively involved in the European Solidarity Corps Programme, having welcomed 79 ESC volunteers to the organization and sent 96 Georgian volunteers to various EU countries. The Student-Youth Council has experience of working in various areas, such as Ecology and Migrants and Refugees.
In addition to projects under the Erasmus+ Programme, the organization carries out various activities supported by the local government, many of which are implemented by CES volunteers. The organization acts as a host organization for various projects under the Erasmus+ Programme.
You can find out more about the Student Youth Council on their website: http://www.syc.ge/index.php/eng
Better World Foundation
Its main objectives are to increase language and computer literacy, provide life skills education and employment support. The target group is young people between the ages of 18 and 35, with a greater focus on disadvantaged public university students and recent graduates, regardless of their gender, religion, color or ethnicity.
ICT Egypt’s main program is to create change in Egyptian society by providing young Egyptians with the basic skills needed in today’s job market.
Currently, ICT Egypt offers training in computer programs and international languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Arabic. Classes are taught by a
volunteers, all of whom are native speakers of the respective languages. In addition, the charity organizes seminars on life skills, including management skills, organization, time management, CV writing, public interviewing and presentation skills, communication skills, etc.
and presentation skills, communication skills, critical thinking, mental health, leadership skills and teamwork, the main program, Better World also offers Internships, volunteer projects in various areas (Social Awareness, Environment and Entrepreneurship).
You can find out more about the Better World Foundation on their website:
https://bwfngo.weebly.com/National Partners
– Municipality of Beja
– Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth
Cofinanced
– Erasmus +, reference number: 2020-2-PT02-ESC11-007213
MADEIINESC in Georgia
Volunteers played an essential support role for the organization. They played a key role in strengthening the organization’s online presence, creating informative and engaging content for social networks. They successfully organized a series of events that not only promoted Europe’s values, but also engaged the values of the local community. The volunteers had an impact on collaborative activities with local young people, encouraging them to be active and participative citizens in the community.
MADEINESC in Egypt
Volunteers played a crucial role in supporting the host organization, actively getting involved in the preparation of both local and international projects. They worked hard to design and implement initiatives that contributed significantly to achieving the organization’s objectives. One of their notable contributions was running language workshops, with Portuguese and English classes for local young people. These classes not only strengthened the participants’ language skills, but also promoted intercultural understanding and global communication. In addition, the volunteers played a key role in developing the organization’s social networks, increasing the visibility and reach of the initiatives. Volunteers also promoted an active and healthy lifestyle by organizing sports activities for the community. These initiatives not only encouraged regular physical exercise, but also strengthened the sense of community and fostered a spirit of cooperation.
