Learn, learn and learn again!

Learn, learn and learn again!
It was with such thoughts and mood that three representatives of the Opora went to Armenia! A training seminar “YOUthArt-Supporting Community Development”, funded by the European Commission ERASMUS+, took place in Stepanavan (Armenia) from 22 to 30 October.

The training was attended by 27 young leaders and youth workers from 8 countries: Armenia, Germany, Russia, Portugal, Georgia, Italy, Romania and Ukraine. The main objective of the training course was to bring together youth workers and Erasmus+ programme managers from Europe and Eastern partner countries to exchange experience, knowledge and competences. Moreover, the training provided tools for organising public art events, which participants can apply in their local context.
Daily workshops immersed participants in learning about themselves and their community through the use of artistic techniques such as drawing, contact improvisation, musical improvisation, environmental workshops and theatre performances. All this and not only the participants did it both on their own and in groups. Working in an international team allowed the children to get to know each other and realise that no matter where they live, we are concerned about the same problems and issues.
Every day throughout the project, participants were introduced to new cultures and traditions at national evenings. The guys prepared and brought national costumes, food, games and dances.

On the day of the project, participants went to get to know the area, someone went to the neighbouring town of Dilijan to enjoy the nature and special landscape of the area, and someone decided to get to know the town of Stepanavan itself. Both gained new strength and started the second part of the project with great enthusiasm.

The project was nearing completion, the participants got acquainted with all kinds of art methods for working with young people, and it was time to practice. Stepanavan has a beautiful culture house, which is visited by schoolchildren during the day. Here they continue the traditions of their people: they make carpets, embroider Armenian ornaments, master the art of woodcarving, dance folk dances and sing songs. The participants were given a tour of the House of Culture, the “vaults” of traditions, culture and history of the Armenian people. On the final day of the project, the participants presented the results of their work on the project to the children from the Culture House: a fairy tale “Cinderella” in different languages, a song performed in 4 languages, as well as interesting and moving games.

During the training course it was possible to create an international team. In their free time, participants discussed new ideas and joint projects, so we do not say goodbye, and we talk before new meetings on new projects!