This course met all my expectations. It was healing, empowering and educational, all at the same time. Firstly, it gave me lot of practical tools for non-formal education, to apply in my organisation and in projects with young people. In addition, all the psychological theories related to self-esteem were really useful, not only to apply in educational environments, but also to apply in my personal life. I believe that social and educational work should be very self-aware and always work on itself while working with young people, and this project came at the right time. I already feel more confident in my workplace and life in general, and also expressing myself as an artist. But the most amazing part of this trip was the group. Thanks to Laris, our exceptional facilitator who I really admire and who has become a reference point for me, everyone really bonded. By the end of the week, we were a family – with space for vulnerability, authenticity, freedom of expression, the ability to make group decisions and create together, and even inside jokes! We’re even planning to create projects together in the future. Finally, I’d like to highlight the attentive team who organised our week and also the fantastic location in nature, which really allowed for an even more peaceful environment.
Rita M.
Signing up for this project was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
With the help of Check-in, in partnership with other organisations, we were given an unparalleled experience. I’m pleased to say, with complete certainty, that the person who got on that plane on 8 December was not the same person who got off on 17 December; I can apply everything I’ve learnt, everything I’ve been told and everything I’ve been given, to my personal and professional life. In addition to all the tools we were introduced to, the intensity of the project has left me – us – with a feeling of friendship and closeness with all the participants, real and tangible connections that I’m happy to call “my little friends of the heart”.
I am ineffably grateful.
Maria N.
My name is Isabel Gala and I went on the Self-Esteem project in Madrid, more specifically in the city of S. Lorenzo de Escorial. As it was my first time on a training course with Erasmus+, I really went out to discover, not knowing exactly what to expect. If at first I was a little fearful and reticent, that feeling changed as the process went on.
In fact, it turned out to be a very impactful experience, the marks of which will continue to resonate throughout my life. Right from the start, the entire staff team was totally available to help with the whole process – from buying the plane tickets and all the logistics, to the activities on the ground and back. I can’t fail to mention the excellent accommodation and the varied food to cater for any dietary restrictions.
When it came to developing the project, the theme alone was challenging. Even so, exploring themes such as vulnerability, our fears and emotions with people from other countries took the activities to the next level. In my opinion, the sessions were well thought out and structured, with super diverse dynamics that were completely out of the box. We had to get out of our comfort zone and find alternatives to possible obstacles. Realising that despite the cultural differences, what separates us is no more than a few kilometres between the respective countries, made me realise and deconstruct certain ideas I had in my head. After all, we’re not that different. We’re not an isolated point in the world, our actions and the actions of others influence us, mould us unconsciously. All this reinforced the importance of empathy.
The opportunity to take part in Self Esteem was indeed very inspiring. Another very positive point was the activities before the sessions themselves. Simple activities that forced us to bring our full attention to the present moment, as well as techniques to activate our energy to start the day well. The rest of the programme allowed all the participants to simply get carried away and dive into the depths of their inner selves. No-one comes out of this experience being the same.
Isabel G.