Follow Up Ukraine
Follow-up Activity:
The follow-up event was held on January 3, 2024, as an online webinar. The event was announced on the official accounts of "Development and Initiative" NGO on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram as well as shared on the personal accounts of participants.
More than 50 young leaders and youth workers attended our event that lasted approximately an hour and a half. During the webinar we shared our knowledge about participatory art practices (photography, collage, indirect self-portrait, photo storytelling, exhibitions etc.) as tools for community work. We discussed the ways of using art methods to explore ways of communication, to ensure engagement, social innovation and skill building in their work with youngsters. Also we shared the tools for workshops dedicated to topics of breaking stereotypes, creativity as well as gave ideas for team building activities and energizers.
Moreover we shared our experience of developing, implementing and evaluating workshops for Cypriot teenagers using art methods. We pointed out the most successful ideas and the mistakes that we made in our groups during the project and potential ways to avoid them. We discussed the steps of project planning and management, exchanged ideas and lifehacks of working in groups, developing projects and preparing for events. After the webinar all participants received a follow up email with a presentation.
Dissemination and evaluation from participants
Yelyzaveta Kekkonen
Participating in the training course VARCOU was truly beneficial for my professional and personal development. I did not only learn new educational methods such as participatory photography, indirect self-portrait, photo storytelling, and collage making, but also I met a bunch of amazing people, discovered a lot about other cultures and had fun. This project also gave me the opportunity to share my professional experience and information about Ukraine. I am extremely grateful for all people involved for sharing this time with me!
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C0r51HxLnkS/?igsh=MWV4a3Nqa2hxOXptZg==
- https://www.facebook.com/yelyzavetakekkonen/posts/pfbid027GJ98jPWqRiq3rpJNUotgBk4ufxu4dG7vwigaHutSLbMiyjaPL5sDuMJoyZyJsq5l?locale=uk_UA
Anastasiia Mishanchuk
The "Voice of Art and Community" project in Cyprus wasn't just a workshop; it was a kaleidoscope of unforgettable moments etched into my soul. From guiding Limassol students through vibrant collages to conquering sea swims (even post-hike in my hiking clothes!), every experience held a unique warmth. The laughter-filled dinners, the starlit night hikes, and the joyous "Eurovision" victory at Hylatio Tourist Village painted a tableau of shared creativity and endless adventure. My heartfelt thanks to NGOs ACOELIA and Development and Initiative for orchestrating this symphony of inspiration. The seeds of expertise and joy sown in Cyprus will forever nourish my artistic journey, a testament to the power of art to unite and uplift. ✨
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1pjIKRImxD/?igsh=MXI1eHBwemF6OTZqYQ==
- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hC8kFPPQ7ENUDRm6/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Kateryna Pozhychkevych
A training course VARCOU was an awesome experience that changed my outlook. The friendly warm-up activities helped me make lasting friendships. The project's topic was interesting, and the trainers were great. I learned a lot about collages and arts, improving my skills through interactive activities. Also, I had an opportunity to interact with teens through art. Thanks, Erasmus+ for this cool opportunity. I'd totally suggest others join in!
- https://www.instagram.com/p/C1poRFKtvsU/?igsh=MTRpNWwweHdpb2Q2MA==
- https://www.instagram.com/reel/C10Fl84NUPd/?igsh=MjAydHhrMDlwMXhv
Tetiana Shmyrina
Participating in the VARCOU Training Course enriched both my professional and personal growth. The 8-day immersive experience with participants from various countries delved into the transformative potential of participatory photography and collage. A highlight was organizing a mini-event on emotional intelligence for Cypriot schoolchildren, marking a crucial professional milestone. Gratitude fills me as I reflect on these vibrant, knowledge-filled days under the warm Cypriot sun. Forever thankful to all involved for sharing this valuable time with me!