Lithuania Follow Up

FOLLOW UP activity

After the project, we returned to our workplace, where our big team welcomed us and was eager to find out about our experience. Since we work in kindergarten, we work on the project, during which we have to implement various themes and activities for children.

The project's theme was and is very important up to this day, as there are still so many cases of bullying, harassment, and intolerance between young people and even adults. Working in a big team is a challenge and it is even more challenging when working with children. The chance to participate in this project was an amazing gift to our community because we came back inspired, insightful, more skilled, and with many methods on our minds that we could adapt back home.

On a particular day, we invited 50 people from our staff to participate in a team bonding workshop on 'self-esteem portraits'. At the beginning, we shared our wonderful memories of Cyprus and the project, and then we introduced the method that we were going to use. It was amazing to see how many faces smiled and relaxed when drawing each other's portraits and you could hear and feel that the atmosphere was very warm and enjoyable. All of the team definitely enjoyed the activity, which, to their surprise, was to be continued.

The pictures were hung on the wall in the corridor along with envelopes where all the team members were invited to leave notes or small presents for their co-workers. This offer was very welcomed and it is still being used to this day. All the staff members reflected that they are really looking forward to more similar activities and that they are really fruitful and needed for the community.

Links for online dissemination

Evaluation and Feelings of the participants

Jolanta Belousiene

I think that project's organization part was at the highest level. Preparation for the project was done very well, information was provided according to the plan. When I came to Cyprus I felt that the people we met, were a strong team and we got clear instructions, other information that was useful. Facilitators team was with high qualification, very professional and competentive. I liked the fact that activities were planned according to human's body clock, in the morning more active activities, later on continuing with theory, there were a lot of team work activities, reflections at the evening. I also felt that they really cared about our comfort and needed feedback. It is important to mention that the project was held at a very special place, where many different activities could take place. Information was provided very accurately and always on time, it is actually unbelievable how perfectly organized it was. In my work follow up activities were very resultative and useful and gave to participants very positive emotions. Most effective for me were the tasks where I had to apply them first to myself and show my initiative and skills. I have to mention that it was amazing, that we could choose the location where we can perform the tasks, or do the activities. Culture evenings were very enlightening as many different cultures people were there, so in two hours time we could learn a lot.
One of the most important activities for me were english speaking, as I had to do it through all week, also meeting other professionals from different countries, The projects theme was also important matter for my own work, my knowledge was broadened.
We have organised for our staff members who are working with children the activity of Self Esteem portrait.
We plan to continue or follow up activities throughout the coming year, because we have learned a lot of new methods of work and got many inspirations.
Like a team you are very professional, projects planning, organizational part and managing group is great, but I realised that when the real problem of project's participant arose there was no psychological help or assistance offered. It was strange that the problem was left to be solved for the participants by themselves, because the projects idea was about prevention of violence and abusive behaviour. We saw a lot of proffesionalism but no empathy in that situation.

Also when there were group reflections activities, there were people who said that they don't understand how participants who have minimal English can participate, it made difficult for us to be there, we felt uncomfortable of their disappointment and no wish to find other ways of kind communication. In some moments, one guy kept ironically joking about that. It is strange because Erasmus projects are for all people in general to make connections and learn, no matter what their level is.

I think more practical activities would be great, less theory when the weather is hot. Activity in Pissouri was amazing and the trips also, cultural nights were another activity that we were happy to participate and see. Food was very tasty.

Zaneta Motiejuniene

Everything was perfectly organised, from planning, providing information and the projects idea, activities were presented really proffesionally and were very different, new to us and interesting. Project's location was ideal, we felt secure and cared as every day we reflected about our experience.
Activities were ideal for our professional developement, because in our daily work we use similar methods, but during our short visit time in Cyprus we learned so much. This project's theme is also very important while working with kids and young people and no doubt we strenghened not only our personal social, english speaking, but also working in a team and problem solving skills.
We organised for our staff members who are working with children the activity of Self Esteem portrait where were 50 participants .
This experience and project was of very high value to us and our work and we will continue to share the knowledge and methods not only with kids and young people, but coleagues as well.
Everything was organized at a highest level. Apart that we appreciate the experience, the spectrum of cultures and people we met also the project's activities and methods.
Only felt that few participants could have been more tolerant as it was difficult for me to communicate in english, but apart from that everything was wonderful.

Haroldas Liumparas

The whole project was organized perfectly, the schedule of activities was balanced very well in order to keep our minds productive and fresh. Information about apartment, activities, free time and activities nearby was properly explained and any additional information was always available. Internal agreements between our group and the authorities suitable for both sides, we always felt the support of the authorities in any matter. The Lithuanian group was fully involved in the project's activities, other Lithuanians of the project adequately publicized the project on social networks. During the project, I created a song about bullying prevention and preserving inner value in any conditions, which I intend to record with a full live band and publicize it in this way on social and project networks. The project pushed me to the necessary internal changes that will serve the whole community around me.
Because I work as the artisic director of a cultural center, this project broadened my psychological knowledge and increased my sense of empathy for solving children and adolescents' problems. I also revived my English language skills during the project.
After the project, my activities were not public, I am naturally unable to advertise my benevolent work to others. I mostly expanded my psychological knowledge of self-worth by reading various books, then I helped solve the psychological problems of my acquaintances at work and in the urban environment, most related to self-worth. We are currently gathering a team of various artists with whom we promise to open an art day center for young people, where young marginalized people can discover themselves through music and art.
The people I met in the project and the project itself changed a large part of my personality and had a very good influence on my personal development. I know that after becoming personally stronger, I will be able to properly pull other people out of the pit who will need my help.
Personally everything was perfect for me, the project is moving in a very good direction and the project leaders are doing a great job for the welfare of the world. Perhaps the dissemination of the project could be greater and include those groups that need help more. For example, smart young people from poor families could be more invited to the project.
I loved the charming project participants, the morning activities, the environment, the food, the sun and the sea. I really wanted to spend at least one more day in the town of Pissouri.

Zygimantas Augustas Kuzma

My experience at the "CREACTION" Erasmus+ training in Pissouri, Cyprus, was profoundly enriching and memorable. The environment, fostered by the trainers and organizers, was supportive and interactive. This training delved into anti-bullying strategies using various activities, including theater, meditation, art, offering daily learning and self-challenge opportunities. Additionally, the program included a cultural exploration of Cyprus, enhancing the overall experience. I'm grateful to everyone involved for this transformative opportunity, which underscored the importance of self-improvement, learning, self-confidence in personal growth. Erasmus+ programs like this truly expand horizons and inspire progress;
The activities implemented in the "CREaction" project included innovative and interactive methods to address bullying. These activities ranged from ice-breaking excercises and exploring bullying behaviours to understanding stereotypes in society and assertive communication. They also included unique approaches like laughter wellness and clay therapy, emphasizing personal and emotional growth. Additionally, the project incorporated cultural and social aspects, such as exploring local Cyprus culture and discussions on cuberbullying and disabilities. The variety and depth of these activities reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling bullying and promoting social and emotional learning.
In my organisation I organised a workshop that included some ice-breaking exercises which helped building trust among participants, followed by interactive disscusions to understand bullying behaviors and stereotypes. To enhance this workshop, I added some group discussions like cyberbullying and inclusion which promoted awareness and empathy. Also it included storytelling and role-play sessions which helped participants understand different perspectives.
The added value if the "CREaction" project lies in its comprehensive approach to combating bullying in schools. It focuses on non-traditional educational methods to break stereotypes and discrimination, fostering respect and understanding among youth. The project trains youth workers to be anti-bullying ambassadors, incorporates Social Emotional Learning, and emphasizes emotional education. This holistic approach aims to create safer learning environments, improve communication, and encourage overcoming personal fears and traumas, contributing to social inclusion and a world of respect and kindness.
To improve personally and within your organization, consider continuous learning and self-reflection, actively seeking feedback, embracing diversity and inclusivity, and promoting a culture of respect and kindness, and being open to change and innovation. Emphasize emotional intelligence, effective communication, and collaboration. Engage in community activities, practice empathy, and stay updated with best practices in your field. Additionally, maintaining a positive, solution-focused mindset is key to personal and organizational growth.
I am very happy that during the project "CReating with ACt and arTs a safe envIronment in Our ceNters CREATION" I had opportunity to gain knowledge, ideas and experience on the topic of bullying prevention, as well as being able to learn and connect with other 36 like-minded people from 8 countries of the world. I am sure that it will significantly contribute to the realization of my future dreams and projects. Also, I had opportunity to get to know the Apollon Wheelchair Basketball team very closely to try this sport. This is another invaluable experience that made me think about a lot of things. During the cultural evenings, we could get to know the national culture of our colleagues, dance national dances and try various dishes. It was my first Erasmus+ project, and after returning from it and remembering all the emotions I experienced or the adventures I lived, I only regret that I got out of my comfort zone now and Erasmus+ projects appeared in my future plans very recently.