News

As we conclude this transformative week of our youth exchange on domestic violence and codependency, it is clear that our participants have not only learned but have also grown in ways that will have a lasting impact on their lives and communities. Each day brought new insights, challenges, and opportunities for deep reflection and action.

The first day was all about building connections. Participants from Spain, Poland, Greece, Turkey, and Romania arrived, eager to meet one another and dive into the program. We spent the day getting to know each other, exploring the structure of the exchange, and discussing Erasmus+ and the broader objectives of the project. The intercultural evening was a highlight, filled with laughter and shared experiences as participants introduced their home countries through food, stories, and traditions. This laid the groundwork for the trust and collaboration that would define the week.

On the second day we dove into the heart of the subject matter. Using the World Café method, participants discussed fundamental questions about domestic violence – what it is, why it happens, and who it affects. The conversations were intense and thought-provoking, as participants shared their perspectives on the signs and causes of domestic violence. In the afternoon, the walking debate provided a platform for more open discussion, with participants physically moving to different areas of the venue to express their views on prevention strategies. This activity allowed them to grapple with difficult questions about responsibility and intervention.

The third day was a turning point for many of the participants, as they engaged in creative, hands-on activities that deepened their understanding of the issues. The “restaurant” exercise in the morning provided a unique way to approach the topic, as participants were served “courses” of scenarios depicting domestic violence, each accompanied by difficult questions. This was followed by a Forum Theatre session in the afternoon, where participants acted out scenes of domestic violence and codependency, using frozen movements and then short plays to recreate real-life situations. This activity helped them explore different approaches to breaking the cycle of abuse.

By the fourth day, the participants had developed a strong understanding of the causes and consequences of domestic violence and codependency. Experts from various fields provided valuable insights into how to prevent violent incidents and support victims. The participants were particularly engaged with the presentations by Telman Enikő, Csiszér Csaba, and the representatives from the National Anti-Drog Agency, who shared their professional experiences and practical advice. The day ended with a Turkish cultural evening, further enriching the participants’ understanding of one another’s backgrounds and perspectives.

The final workshop on the fifth day focused on solutions. Participants explored ways to break free from the cycle of domestic violence and codependency, discussing how raising awareness about the consequences is essential for both victims and perpetrators. In the afternoon, they enjoyed a city tour and free time in Sighișoara, before returning for a closing cultural evening featuring Romanian and Szekler traditions.

On the sixth and seventh day, participants delved into the methodology of Digital Storytelling. They shared their personal stories – a difficult task given the sensitive nature of the topic – in the circle of The Council. The safe and supportive environment allowed them to open up and express themselves creatively. By the end of the day, they had begun crafting powerful short films that captured their reflections and experiences.

As the youth exchange came to a close, the participants presented their final projects – videos they had created using the CapCut app, which visually represented their stories and learning from the week. The day also included a brainstorming session for future project ideas, an evaluation of the week, and the distribution of Youthpasses, marking the completion of this incredible journey.

In conclusion, this youth exchange has been an unforgettable experience for all involved. The participants leave with a deeper understanding of domestic violence and codependency, equipped with the tools to raise awareness and advocate for change in their communities. The knowledge shared by experts, the creative exercises, and the cultural exchanges have enriched their perspectives and inspired them to take action. As we move forward, we look forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this exchange in the months and years to come.

News

We are excited to announce the start of our youth exchange, supported by the Erasmus+ program, dedicated to addressing the critical topics of domestic violence and codependency.
From the 20th of September 2024, 31 young people from Spain, Poland, Greece, Turkey, and Romania will gather in Cristuru Secuiesc for an intense, transformative week that aims to raise awareness, build empathy, and inspire action on these sensitive issues.


This exchange is an integral part of our ongoing youth strategy, now in its fourth year. Over the course of the program, participants will explore the roots and consequences of domestic violence, gain insights into the dynamics of codependent relationships, and develop practical tools for breaking free from these cycles.

Through non-formal education methods, we will create a safe and collaborative space for learning, dialogue, and creative expression.

In addition to learning, the programme also offers the opportunity to explore the local area. On the fifth day of the training, participants will have the opportunity to take part in an organised tour to discover the old town of Sighisoara, with its rich cultural and historical heritage.

News

In August, our one-year project called Youth Power in Motion, financed with the support of the European Youth Foundation, was closed, the main goal of which was to create a stable student council by training local youth.

In the first phase of the project, young people had the opportunity to participate in various training sessions using non-formal methods, thanks to which they strengthened the team, strengthened their personal skills and abilities, learned about effective communication, research methodology, negotiation techniques, got acquainted with the mechanisms of decision-making processes and lobbying. At the same time, they conducted a research study examining the needs of their own community, based on the results of which they developed an action plan, which was presented at the town hall. After that, they started implementing their own mini-projects, organizing quiz nights for local youth. As an outstanding activity of the project, during May and June, attention was drawn to active participation in the 3 secondary schools operating in our town. At the end of our project, an EU Parliament simulation took place, where they could experience the importance of debate and the complexity of decision-making processes.

During the one-year term, the members of the student council already made themselves known at the regional level, as the vice-president of the student council participated in a two-day regional meeting, where she gathered ideas for the future. In addition, an end-of-summer interactive activity took place at the beginning of September.

During the project, 20 students actively participated, 11 self-knowledge and training sessions took place, 2 times young people had the opportunity to present their ideas to local decision-makers, 3 awareness-raising actions, 1 EU Parliament simulation was organized, and 5 other programs were organized so far.

The current priority for them is to recruit new members. Our goal as an association is to continue to provide them with effective training and knowledge, therefore we are working on launching a debate club as a continuation of the project in order to enable high school students to advocate themselves more effectively in their own communities and in front of decision-makers.

News

This week, we organized an amazing Creativity Camp at Korispatak for the kids. Each day was centered around a different theme, allowing the children to learn about creativity in a fun and engaging way. They made crafts, played games, all focused in creativity education. Let’s walk through the week, day by day:


Monday: Crafts Day
We kicked off Creativity Camp Week with Crafts Day. The kids made their one name tags and played ball games for warmup. After that, they did straw craft, so they learned how to use the important material in Korispatak to make decoration, utensils, earrings and bracelets . Finally, they got a fun time in interaction games with duck duck goose and freezer game, where they learned about how to use the creativity to exercise themselfs.





Tuesday: Music Day
Music Day was all about discovering and learning about diverse instruments to play music. We started with a popular game, oli oli octopus to warmup. Then, the kids expressed their creativity by doing maracas with a plastic bottles. They danced a lot in musical chairs and to finish the day, they organized a orchestra with the maracas they had made.



Wednesday: Sport Day
Midweek, we focused in sport. The kids made Bowling pins with plastic bottles and rice. To reinforce what they learned they played bowling with their pins. In the end we played a games with them, dodgeball and tag game.



Thursday: Theatre Day
On Theatre Day, we taught the kids about the importance of expressing themselves and use the creativity. They made puppets with cardboards and plastic spoons and after that they organized a puppet show. We ended the day with a mimic game and face painting.



Friday: Painting Day
On Friday, we explored ways to use the creativity and paintings. The kids paintings the t-shirts and did a Pictionary. To finish the camp we played a water game with them in the warmest day of the camp.



It was a fun and successful week where the children learned to develop the creativity and the importance of difference way to use the materials for the play.

News

This week, we organized an amazing Green Camp at the school in Szentábrahám for the kids. Each day was centered around a different theme, allowing the children to learn about nature in a fun and engaging way. They made crafts, conducted experiments, and played games, all focused on environmental education. We made some changes to the activities on Thursday and Friday to ensure we covered energy and water conservation. Let’s walk through the week, day by day:

Monday: Earth Day

We kicked off Green Camp Week with Earth Day. The kids made grasshead dolls, which helped them learn about how plants grow. After that, they did leaf rubbings and colored leaves, learning about different leaf types. Finally, they got a fun introduction to the solar system, where they learned about the planets.

Tuesday: Animal Day

Animal Day was all about discovering and learning about various animals. We started with a dance to the popular song “What Does the Fox Say?”. Then, the kids expressed their creativity by painting eggs. They also made origami animals like birds, frogs, and rabbits out of paper. To finish the day, they made bird feeders, learning how to help the birds in their environment.

Wednesday: Recycling Day

Midweek, we focused on recycling. The kids made recycling bins out of recyclable materials and learned how to sort different types of waste. They also crafted jellyfish from egg cartons, further developing their crafting skills. To reinforce what they learned about sorting waste, we played a game with them.

Thursday: Water Day

On Water Day, we taught the kids about the importance of water and how to conserve it. They made ocean crafts from paper plates, creating fish and jellyfish, and painted a large whale. They were eager to learn about water conservation and had a lot of fun playing a game called “Carrying Water.” We ended the day with a water fight using water guns and balloons.

Friday: Energy Day

On Friday, we explored ways to save energy. The kids built a waterwheel to learn how water can generate energy. We also made a solar oven to demonstrate how the sun’s energy can be harnessed. Later, we did an experiment using friction to inflate balloons, and we finished the day with a tug-of-war game to encourage teamwork.

It was a fun and successful week where the children learned to truly appreciate nature and the importance of sustainability. Each day’s activities taught them that the environment is incredibly valuable.

News

The student council of our town, established nearly a year ago, sent 10 young people to Zwickau, Germany, from July 27 to August 1, 2024, to gain knowledge, experience, and connections for their future activities. You can read their report below:


“The arrival day went well: we settled in and explored our accommodation a bit, then spent the afternoon with leisure activities to get to know the city. In the evening, we played language games with the French participants.


We also started the second day with a language-learning game, followed by a discussion on political participation. After a shared lunch, we went bowling.


Tuesday was a pleasant day as we spent our free time playing football, grilling, and chatting with the other young people participating in the exchange.

On the third day, we got a taste of life in Zwickau with a joint barbecue and graffiti session. Everyone really enjoyed this day because we got to know the local young people, and although we often encountered language barriers, we still managed to understand each other. We didn’t need words to express our feelings or actions, or even our desires.


On the fifth and penultimate day, the program was to visit and explore the regional capital. Upon arriving at the train station, we were already impressed by the center of Dresden. Gaining insight into Saxony was interesting and caught everyone’s attention. During the visit to the secret police base, we learned things we never would have imagined.


The last day of the exchange began with preparing breakfast together with the French participants, then we were divided into mixed teams and made short films about how young people participate in politics. Later, we had the opportunity to try a new sport where we slid down a pre-planned track on wheeled sleds. In addition to this, we evaluated the days we spent together and shared our opinions on the exchange: what was good and what could be improved in the future. Returning to our accommodation, the girls tried out the pool, and the boys played football against each other. One thing everyone agreed on: this youth exchange was a fantastic experience, and everyone returned home with some valuable lessons.”

News

“After the intensive exam session at the university, with my eyes glued to one screen after another, it was time for a detox. So, I seized the opportunity and signed up for the You in Europe Detox Box Youth Exchange program: five days in Ormylia, Greece, on the shores of the Aegean Sea — but without a phone. I had five brave partner-in-adventure: Angyalka, Tamás, Misi, Orsi and Ágota. So, in the second half of July, our small minority group, under the aegis of Romania, set out on an adventure to Greece.” – This is how the leader of the Romanian team that participated in the youth exchange called Detox Box, organized between 22-26 July 2024, began her report.

“We arrived at our headquarters (the White Rabbit hostel in Ormylia) on Sunday afternoon, coming from Italy, Greece, Slovakia and Romania. On our first evening and the following Monday morning, we were still allowed to use our phones — taking our last selfies, making calls and sending “I-am-okay” messages to our loved ones. However by Monday afternoon (after the icebreakers and name-games had warmed us up) we said goodbye to our constant companion, to our lover, the one who is always-always with us — our phone. We sat in a circle in the backyard of the hostel and to the heart-wrenching tune of “Goodbye My Lover” we each placed our phones into the depths of the Detox Box.

Silence. No WhatsApp, no Instagram, no outside world, just HereAndNow. Like some weird, inverted Alices, instead of Wonderland we had now entered Realityland — in the White Rabbit house.

We spent the next five days together as a family — the organizers did a great job, ensuring we lacked nothing: they provided delicious Greek food, a fully-packed schedule and a pleasant atmosphere. During the activities we were divided into teams in various ways, giving us the opportunity to meet, think and create together with everyone. We only kept in touch with the outside world through a basic phone (no, it didn’t have Snake).

After the Monday-night board games, Tuesday was a treat for theater lovers. In the morning, we tried to get closer to each other quickly through trust games, then loosened up ourselves and our entrenched thoughts with improvisations — in that way a hat became a nest and pants turned into a magic carpet. In the afternoon, we further developed our storytelling skills through dance theater, pantomime or puppet theater — thus, a story emerged about a hydrophobic GoPro. This intense theatre-making day was followed by a retreat-like day.

We started our Wednesday morning among the trees: breathing exercises, meditation, walking and journaling. In the afternoon we engaged in art therapy (painting, drawing, sculpting, music, embroidery, etc.), then crowned the day with beach yoga.

As the days passed, the evenings became noisier and more liberated as we got to know each other and each other’s cultures: we learned the meaning of Italian hand gestures, participated in the first Ormylia Olympics, walked the Devil’s path together, then toasted and feasted Slovak-style. If you heard “Nézését meg a járását” from afar on that Thursday in July, know that it was us, because the connections made that evening were transcending borders.

That same evening with shiny eyes, big smiles and full of stories we headed down to the beach, where we washed all our worries into the black of the night sea and dreamed clean in the sand, under the naked sky. Although the night was short, we threw ourselves into the Friday morning beach games like reborn children — be it rock-paper-scissors, obstacle courses or candy-hunting-in-flour. However, by Friday afternoon we reached our final program point: the farewell evening.

We sat in a circle in the backyard, just like on Monday, with the Detox Box once again in the center — but none of us wanted to reach for the box. We just looked at each other with teary eyes and smiles for minutes.

I have to admit, I was skeptical that just a week without my phone could awaken new feelings in me. But that Friday evening, amidst the tight hugs, the satisfied cheeks filled with souvlaki and the unreserved conversations, I felt something genuine and a touch of sadness because I knew that as soon as I turned my phone back on, I would step out of the rabbit hole, out of Realityland, and back into normalcy…”

News

Welcome to an amazing week at Science Camp, where young minds get to discover the magic of science through fun activities and hands-on experiments. Each and every day is thematic with adventure, curious exploration, and love for learning. Our campers experience magic by discovering the secrets of geology and biology and exploring the amazing worlds of zoology and physics through interaction.

Monday: Geology and Compost
The first day, we started off with camp preparation and welcomed kids to make them energized and thrilled by having some games. Our first activity consisted of games related to geology and compost. They performed games on volcanoes, a compost race, an archaeological dig, and a memory game, then concluded the morning with a game called Hot Asteroid. This is followed by lunch, then more fun and engaging activities in the afternoon.



Tuesday: Zoology
The 2nd day was all about zoology. We kicked it off with play dough monsters, which were all about learning genes. Then the kids made and decorated animal masks. After the break, we played The Octopus game and a rock-paper-scissors evolution game. We did an animal migration tag game and an animal relay race to top it off. Kids learned loads and had so much fun.



Wednesday: Biology
The challenge for the 3rd day was the theme of biology. We outlined the body and put the organs in their correct places. Then, we did an experiment to extract DNA from strawberries. After lunch, they played Floor is Lava, learned about viruses, and completed first-aid activities. To close the day, we finished with drawing a heart to get them to remember what was taught in biology.



Thursday: Physics
The 4th day, we did some physics experiments with children. First, we made a non-Newtonian fluid and let them play around in it. Then they prepared and decorated paper planes to be flown in a competition. After the break, we had this acting game where teams acted like machines and others had to guess what they were supposed to be. There were activities about electricity, too, as well as Meteor Shower Dodgeball. At the very end, we fit in a worm race, which was a lot of fun.



Friday: Chemistry
The last day was all about chemistry. We started with some icebreakers and then a song on the scientific method. Our first experiment was the science of pepper and water. Following that was making lava lamps. After the break, we had a cool virus and vaccines simulation. The children played a game with atoms and chemical bonds. We ended the day with a lemon message activity .

News

InFormal Creativity was a training course that took place in France from March 2-10 on methods and tools for visual facilitation and storytelling. It continued, however, with a drawing marathon “Drawing Together – InFormal Creativity” that lasted for two weeks from May 20 – June 3, 2024. It involved participants drawing a picture on any theme each day and posting it in the common telegram group.

Every day participants would see each other’s drawings, inspire each other for the next days, give constructive feedback and encourage each other to draw. This created a pleasant atmosphere of learning by practising together.

But this marathon was not the only outcome of the InFormal Creativity training course. The participants from Romania, Andreea Staicu, Ana-Maria Răducan and Teodora Răducan, had to disseminate the results and methods learned in France.

They facilitated various workshops in their communities.

Ana-Maria and Teodora facilitated a visual tools workshop for the volunteers of Asociația CREATIV, with whom they work in Brebu. For 3 hours they presented different drawing and visual facilitation techniques, challenged the volunteers to draw different ideas and objects in 15 seconds, helped them simplify more complex drawings using basic shapes such as triangles, circles, lines, and encouraged them to experiment with concepts for frames, arrows and fonts.

The volunteers were very excited and curious to practise, although initially they didn’t think they would have the skills for it The various games showed them that drawing is for everyone, regardless of talent or ability, and it can be practiced and explored.

Two other participants of the training course, Estel from Spain and Uğur from Turkey, also visited Brebu. On this occasion, together with Ana-Maria, they facilitated a drawing workshop for the children from Brebu who come to the activities organized on weekends by Asociația CREATIV.

They did a drawing activity based on the story of a shipwreck on a deserted island. After an adventure at sea, the children, split into two groups, were shipwrecked on a tropical island, where they had to draw their surroundings.

 

All the children had creative and funny ideas about what they need to survive and have fun, what animals they share the island with or what resources they find there. As they drew, they also had fun and constructive discussions, inspiring each other and working together to make the island as comfortable as possible to live on together. 

And then they still managed to escape by flying off with well-crafted paper airplanes.

The workshop ended with some more quick drawing and communication-through-pictures games, where the children felt the competitive as well as the team spirit. At the end, they all felt more confident in their drawing skills, more engaged and more self-confident.

A wonderful and valuable training that has and continues to bear fruit in the community!

 

 

Ana-Maria Răducan

Asociația CREATIV

 

News

Six young people left the summer heat behind to spend nearly two weeks in Oldenburg, a small, cool, and friendly town in Germany, which hosted this year’s football World Cup. From June 6-18, 2024, they, along with participants from Estonia, Ireland, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Germany, delved into the world of childhood tales and stories, exploring the stereotypes and prejudiced behaviors they had ingrained in us. Through various theatrical and digital tools, they aimed to change, rewrite, and rebuild these narratives. Their report is as follows:

“On the first morning, we started with introductory games to get to know each other better. After that, we agreed with some important rules and discussed the tasks and programs we will face over the next two weeks. In the afternoon, we were divided into teams and sent on a ‘treasure hunt’ in the city of Oldenburg. Our task was to find famous tourist attractions, proving we had found them with photos. During this activity, we got to know each other and the city better.

On the second morning, the we learned about the 8 key competencies and shared our own experiences, memories, and dreams using a drawn tree. The next program introduced one of the exchange’s key themes: the concepts of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Working in groups, we discussed, illustrated, and supported these concepts with facts and concrete examples, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of their true meanings. This was followed by a game, played by three teams, with different contests judged by a jury. In this competition, participants measured their skills in various games, but some teams began to feel something was amiss. It turned out that the winning team had been predetermined from the start, making all efforts by the other teams futile. This ‘rigged game’ prompted reflection among the participants, leading to deeper discussions about childhood stories and situations affecting entire countries. The day concluded with an intercultural evening, where each country presented their homeland through videos, presentations, dances, or childhood stories. Participants then tasted the foods, drinks, and snacks brought by representatives from other countries.

After the usual morning energizer, the coordinators outlined our next task. We could choose from four teams
Storytelling
Escape Room
‘Influencer for a Day’
Stand-Up
The teams were to create a performance or presentation – or, in the case of the Escape Room, set up an escape room – all based on stereotypes. We had until lunchtime to brainstorm and prepare these for the next day. In the afternoon, we traveled to Varel, a small town 30 km from Oldenburg on the North Sea coast, where we spent our free time on the beach. Some ventured into the cold water, while others relaxed on the shore. Back in Oldenburg, our little team had dinner at the local ‘Big Kebab’ restaurant, ending the day recharged, well-fed, and happy.

After the usual wake-up exercises, it was time to present the productions we had prepared the previous day. The first team, Storytelling, presented two Slovenian stories, and we had to identify the hidden oppressions and lessons. Next came the highly successful Escape Room, set in an old basement, where the other teams had to find the key to escape. Its theme was bullying and disadvantages, as some team members were restricted by conditions such as blindness, muteness, or tied hands. Then came the ‘Influencer for a Day’ team, bringing short videos to life, where we had to distinguish between funny and stereotypical videos. Last but not least was the Stand-Up comedy stage. Here, participants reviewed the countries represented at the exchange, using well-known negative stereotypes discussed over the past days to humorously entertain the audience… perhaps except for those being ‘roasted,’ but that’s the essence of Stand-Up. After much laughter and some frustration, the evening ended peacefully with everyone free to engage in common games, watch movies, or relax.

On the fifth day, we focused primarily on our ecological footprint, calculating the environmental impact of our travel using the Greendex application and discussing how to offset it. Then our leader, Gabriella, took over and introduced the art of Kamishibai (Paper Theater). After a short, beautiful demonstration, we divided into teams and started brainstorming. Each team received a type of stereotype to incorporate into their story. From the first minute, we took the tasks seriously, approaching them with great interest and dedication. After long hours, we presented our creations to each other, showcasing five very well-executed and touching stories. After the presentations, we discussed the lessons of the performed stories, the stereotypical forms we discovered, and how we could change them. After a tiring but enjoyable day, everyone relaxed at the accommodation, spending their time as they saw fit.

At the midpoint of the exchange, we held a joint evaluation, reviewing the activities, lessons, and experiences of each day, as well as the values of the 8 key competencies. Before the free afternoon, we got acquainted with the tasks for the upcoming days, involving the three production teams – two theater teams and a video/social media team. The coordinators presented their plans through lectures, interactive activities, and examples, allowing us to choose the community that suited us best. We represented ourselves in all three teams, sharing the activities we engaged in during the remaining days.

The Video/Social Media Team was responsible for updating the project’s social media pages during the project. For efficiency, we divided into several three-person subgroups to produce as much content as possible using various methods. I was personally thrilled to choose this team because, besides learning to create animation and stop-motion videos, we also improved our video editing and interview skills. We became closer to the other team members, forming a great little community where everyone took their share of the work. We constantly helped each other out if someone was unsure about something and overcame our fears by daring to approach strangers for a short interview. The videos can be viewed on the @scooby.youth Instagram profile.

The First Theater Team based their performance on childhood stories. We spent most of the days playing team-building and trust games, getting to know each other better. We shared stories that helped us tune into the theme and brought us closer, almost like a family. Our performance consisted of the exercises we played throughout the week, paired with the stories we shared with the audience, ensuring everyone contributed to building the show.

The Second Theater Team addressed the themes of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes through a performance. The first two days of the group were spent tuning in, playing games, and getting to know each other, but elements of these exercises later reappeared in the final performance. Through the games, we learned to express emotions through movement or words, and to alternate between openness and closedness. On the third morning, three participants shared their childhood stories involving experiences of discrimination, prejudice, or stereotypes. At that time, we didn’t know these memories would become the core parts of the performance. We brought the three stories to the stage and paired each with an alternative scene that neutralized the negative feelings in the stories, showing possible solutions to each problem.”

During the exchange, the young participants made incredible progress, had the opportunity to develop, share, and implement their ideas, and got to know new cultures and people, broadening their horizons and connections. At the Final Show, as coordinators, we watched with pride and joy as the participants presented the fruits of their labor with determination, seriousness, and full concentration, showcasing their completed performances, videos, and stories.