Ukraine Follows Up
Ukrainian participants are living in different towns due to the situation so we had more than one follow-up activity.
1st Follow-Up Activity: Anna Boiko
18.11 in Warsaw's main coworking center, Varso Tower, was a follow-up activity. It was challenging to find people as I'm not in my country, but a bit of marketing has changed the whole situation!
(my advertisement was focused on traveling just to make it catchy, but during the meeting we discussed serious things.)
After publishing an advertisement on social media, I've got over 60 volunteers willing to join the activity. So I did two "sets" to divide people into two groups for their comfort. Some people from the first meeting left to participate for the second time!
We started with a warm-up: 2 truths and 1 lie, where everyone told some facts about themselves.
After getting to know each other, we started the formal part. First of all, we discussed Erasmus in general. What kinds of programs exist, where can I find them and how do I apply?
Then I shared my experience with the Cyprus "CreAction" training course. I told you about our topic and how important it was personally to me. I showed some pictures and the Acpelia Facebook page (shared later in a group chat). I performed some activities, like writing a letter to future you, telling about laughter yoga and shared blindfold and wheelchair experiences that we've had on Cyprus.)
The audience had different ages and occupations. But everyone was involved. Afterwards, people asked me the questions and we finished with some discussions and chatting. The activity took around 1.5 hours (in general for 2 groups).
As well, I shared information with my students during an online meeting. I motivate them to learn English and get involved in such projects because they are truly life-changing!
Personal Links for dissemination
That's what I highlighted in my posts on social media. I would post again and again because I want the whole world to know about this amazing opportunity! My gratitude and emotions are here:
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https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzHUr5ENlNM/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjmF1-taQE/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2nd Follow-Up Activity: Zhyla Tetiana
From October 21 to 30, 2023, an Erasmus+ training course on the topic "CREating with ACt and arTs a safe envIronment in Our ceNters CREACTION" was held in Pissouri, Cyprus.
According to the results of the training, on November 13, a participant from the Ukrainian team, Tetiana Zhyla, organized an educational event with students of Hrebinka secondary school №1, Poltava region
The event was aimed at preventing bullying in the school environment and introducing students to the opportunities of the Erasmus+ programs.
Here are the activities that were held:
The impact of stereotypes
A piece of paper with a certain role written on it is attached to each participant's back (actor, beggar, rich man, princess, boss, policeman,...). The participant does not know what their role is. All participants walk randomly among others to the music. When the music stops, they find a partner and look at their role. They should talk to each other in a manner that would normally be done with a person of that status (but not to tell the person who they are). And it repeats several times.
At the end, each person already has an idea of who they are. The participants conclude that we should not treat a person according to their position in society, we are all equal and should respect everyone (and not overestimate) regardless of their role).
Self-esteem
Portrait
Each participant draws a sketch of his silhouette, namely the head and shoulders. Inside you need to write 20 of your best traits. After that, the participants have the opportunity to write to others what traits that persons have (write outside the shape).
Conclusion: We are all wonderful and unique!
Power and
submission
1) Participants are divided into pairs. One is a sculptor, he has to "sculpt" any figure he wants from his partner. The "model" obeys. Then the participants change roles.
2) Participants in pairs imagine that the power is in the palm of one of them, and with the movements of his hand he "controls" the other. The other obeys and follows the movements (where the palm goes, he goes there too).
At the end, all participants discuss whether it was pleasant to obey to the other and what feelings arose on both sides of the process.
Meditation "Bubble"
All participants sit comfortably on chairs and close their eyes, trying to relax and focus on their sensations here and now. The presenter says the words of the meditation like this: "I am in my bubble, it is comfortable and safe. I am protected and no one can hurt me. I myself manage my feelings, relationships with others, my life... I see other people in in their own bubbles...We are all strong, and the bubble is our personal space, our boundaries, which no one has the right to violate without my consent..." Then the presenter suggests that the participants slowly "get out" of their bubbles, but maintain a feeling of safety and the presence of borders.
After that, to the accompaniment of the appropriate music, the participants walk near each other, imagining themselves in a bubble, without physically touching each other.
Conclusion: We all have our own boundaries and no one can violate them, everyone has the right to feel safe. We must protect our borders and not violate the borders of others.
Also, the participants of the event were informed about Erasmus+ projects, their opportunities and advantages as well as photos and videos from the project in Cyprus were shown.
3rd Follow-Up Activity Nataliia Kuzenna
I had a unique opportunity to take part in an Erasmus + Training course "Stop Bullying" that took place on October 13-20, 2023 in Pissouri, Limassol, Cyprus. Once I got home, I started to plan the follow-up activity that I had experienced during the training course. So, I conducted 3 activities with students, 30 participants, at the college where I work as an English language teacher. Currently, there is a war happening in my country with Russia, so, as the head of the methodological association of English language teachers in the region, I organized an online meeting with colleagues, 12 participants during which I shared information about the opportunities offered by Erasmus+. In all the activities that I have done
Self-esteem Portrait
In this activity, each person drew an outline of their head and shoulders. Inside this outline, they listed 20-character traits or things the students like about themselves. Following this, they wrote kind words about each other around the drawings.
This activity is important because it helps us see positive aspects about ourselves and others. By acknowledging our own qualities and expressing kindness toward each other, it boosts our self-esteem and mutual appreciation. As a result, we come to recognize that everyone possesses unique traits that make them exceptional.
Upon completion, we noticed that everyone's individuality shines through with their special qualities. Engaging in this activity significantly uplifted our self-esteem and created a warmer and more appreciative atmosphere among us.
Team Building Activity
During this activity, the students were divided into 3 groups, during which they had to reach a consensus on what's better between 'plain or car', 'pizza or sushi', and 'cat or dog'. This activity fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork among students as they engage in discussions, negotiate differing opinions, and collectively reach a consensus on preferences.
My Life is not a show!
The aim of this activity was to explore how knowledgeable students are about the term 'cyberbullying', whether they have been victims of cyberbullying, and how capable they are of protecting themselves from it.
Here are the results of this research
- High rates of unauthorized access to their email or text messages.
- Incidents of receiving insulting or offensive messages, pictures, or videos through mobile phones or emails without consent.
- Instances of personal information, pictures, or videos being shared without their permission on websites or social networks.
- Potential cases of image or video manipulation without consent.
- Experiences of being insulted or harassed in online interactive platforms or chat rooms.
- Receiving disturbing or offensive phone calls.
- Inappropriate comments or behavior directed towards them on their blogs or social media accounts.
- Incidents of receiving false or harmful information or rumors through email or SMS.
- Knowledge of other individuals who have been victims of cyberbullying.
- Awareness of existing laws or regulations addressing cyberbullying.
- Opinions regarding the need for internet regulation and the limitation of content.
What do you know about Erasmus+
During our online meeting, I shared my experience of participating multiple times in Erasmus+ projects and how it positively influenced my teaching methods, especially in incorporating non-formal approaches.
I highlighted how these projects not only improved my teaching techniques but also introduced me to innovative and non-traditional teaching methods. Collaborating with educators from diverse backgrounds, I acquired new, informal teaching strategies that significantly engage students.
I also emphasized that Erasmus+ projects offer more than just professional growth. They serve as a gateway to meeting people from various countries worldwide, exposing participants to different cultures and traditions. This aspect of the projects fosters a global perspective, broadens horizons, and enriches personal experiences beyond teaching methodologies.
Here are links to social media posts with my impressions of the project:
Evaluation Paragraphs from Participants:
Anna Boiko
I can't find enough words to show my gratitude to become a part of a training course "CREACTION" in Pissouri, Limassol, Cyprus organised and held by NGO ACPELIA. Those days (21-30.10) were so informative, deep, intensive and inspiring that this project has exceeded all my expectations! I've received so many insights about my personal life, new activities to implement during my English lessons, awareness about aggression and bullying and how to fight them. I feel inspired and ready to share my knowledge with others!To describe my feelings and the whole experience I have to write a book! As we are a bit limited here, let's give a look at the most memorable activities for me: Of course wheelchair basketball! That was something I've never expected to try in my life. I felt scared, embarrassed, nervous.. But at the end it was a vital experience: to be in someone else's shoes! Million times thank you Apollon Wheelchair Basketball, for this incredible opportunity!As well as blindfolded activities we had during our travel course thanks to NGO SENSE. Also to talk to you guys helped me realise one more time that no matter what - life is amazing just if we want it to be amazing. Everything depends just on us and our way of thinking. So positive mindset is a fundamental thing in our lives. But what to do if you don't feel even to smile? Ask Δημήτριος Μόρφης!
He will make you cry from laughing, I can promise! "Our brain cannot distinguish fake laughter from the real one. So any kind of laughing releases endorphins and "happy" hormones like dopamine and serotonin." - said Dimitris! And it's true! We were laughing at and with each other and after 10 minutes I felt amazing! Laughter yoga guarantees reduced pain, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and lower stress levels! But of course if you feel chronically stressed you have to dig deeper.. and we had an amazing participant and friend for everyone in our group Valentina OantaShe offered just to choose some cards and put them on our life "timeline".. you can't believe how many insights you can get from such a simple exercise. You are discovering yourself. Because as Valentina says: "same card will never be understood the same by different people.." all the answers are in our heads. You just have to open your mind and hear your voice.But we had our unique mind and voice during the whole training course! Every activity from Erma Georgiou was a step to exploring myself: meditation, "bubble", self-esteem portrait and especially the letter to yourself in the future. I realised how is it important to stand on your own boundaries and to respect yourself. Thank you Erma and see you soon to do a yoga classes together! But the whole project wouldn't be possible without Nikolas Nikolaou, NGO On the Wings of Art and Boghos Avedikian. You are changing the lifes of young people! You are doing an incredible job! I am overwhelmed with gratefulness to meet you and to become a part of your family! Yes! It is a FAMILY, I will always keep warm memories in my heart about those 10 days. But it was just a beginning of our journey. Because you inspire me a lot! So see you on future projects (maybe even as a partner!) I love you all
4th Follow Up Activity Georg Boldeskul
I had the privilege of organizing a transformative course titled "Bullying Prevention" in Valencia, Spain, on December 7, 2023. Eager to implement the valuable insights gained from the knowledge which I obtained during the ''Creaction'' training course in Cyprus. The follow-up activity was organized at the International School of Education (ISE) in Valencia.
Training Evaluation Presentation: To effectively share the knowledge acquired during the training course, I conducted a presentation at ISE, focusing on the evaluation of the "Creaction" training in Cyprus. The event aimed to not only inform but actively engage the international school students in the crucial conversation about bullying prevention.
Interactive Display of Training Materials: To enhance the learning experience, I displayed training materials in the form of banners, pictures and participant notes on the walls of the venue. Visitors were encouraged to take their time, comprehend the materials, and pose any questions they might have. This interactive approach allowed for a deeper understanding of the subject matter and facilitated open dialogue about bullying and its prevention.
Personalized Experience Sharing: To make the session more relatable, I invited selected participants to share their personal experiences with bullying. This inclusive approach created a safe space for individuals to open up about their encounters and coping mechanisms. By fostering empathy and understanding, it set the stage for a more profound exploration of the subject.
Bullying Prevention Strategies Discussion: Before delving into my own insights gained from the Cyprus training, I facilitated a discussion on various strategies to prevent bullying. Participants actively exchanged ideas, providing a diverse perspective on how to address and prevent different forms of bullying. This collaborative sharing not only enriched the conversation but also allowed for a broader understanding of effective prevention methods.
Insights from Cyprus Training: Drawing from the comprehensive training in Cyprus, I shared key strategies and insights into dealing with various forms of bullying. Emphasizing proactive prevention measures, I highlighted the importance of cultivating a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusion within educational environments.
Q&A and Reflection: The session concluded with an open question-and-answer segment, encouraging participants to seek clarification and share their reflections on the presented material. This interactive format fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and ensured that everyone left with a deeper understanding of bullying prevention.
In summary, the follow-up activity in Valencia aimed to not only disseminate knowledge but also create an engaging and participatory environment, fostering a collective commitment to promoting a safe and respectful school culture.
The links to my Facebook posts:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1Ufk2FNOWvftDal9IJ-8yx0IT3kaQvdLdfoCg0/?igsh=MXJ2N2ozNGxiOGZwOA==
Feedback from participants from Ukraine
Tetiana Zhyla: I am very glad that I became a part of the CREACTION project. The training helped me get out of my comfort zone, get to know myself, and taught me to think more broadly. I learned many methods of working with youth to prevent bullying. This wonderful experience will help me in my daily work with young people. I am grateful to the organizers and participants of the project for everything.
Anna Boiko: CreAction training course gave me much more than I could ever expected: valuable experience, lots of insights and inspiration. The topic was very deep and versatile. I've got an "instruction" how to defend my personal borders, how to understand myself and other people better, how to recognise bullying, aggression and how to prevent them in our society. Beside the formal part I met new friends and explored the country under the warm Cypriot sun!
Nataliia Kuzenna: My Erasmus+ experience in Cyprus was truly unforgettable, fostering personal growth and creating lasting memories through cultural immersion in a new environment. This project not only facilitated cultural exploration and learning among nine European countries but also emphasized the importance of understanding other people's feelings and emotions and attempting to support them. The program significantly shaped my personal and professional development, and I am grateful to everyone involved in making this journey impactful and memorable.
Georg Boldeskul: The training course in Cyprus brought a new motivation and inspiration into my life. The venue, the trainers and the activities, everything was designed, planned and executed on the highest level. I would like to separately underline the activity which took place in the Apollon Limassol wheelchair basketball team center. It was an amazing chance for me and my peers to look into the training process of people who do not lose purpose in life despite the difficult situation they are at. During the training, we as a team, learnt how to be more empathic and inclusive, while also integrating and forming a very friendly atmosphere. I am very happy that I became a part of Creaction and hope to be able to participate in other activities organized by "On the wings of art'' and Acpelia.