Open-area of your European life
What was the project about?
This Youth Participation Activities project aimed to integrate young people from Norway and Poland with Ukrainian refugees through outdoor activities and mindfulness practices. As outdoor life is the biggest part of Norwegian and Polish culture and this project gave an opportunity for refugees to become a part of the local society and increase quality of their life's.
The main objectives of the project included:
- facilitating communication and increasing mindfulness
- promoting physical and mental well-being
- promoting greater awareness of the challenges faced by refugees
- creating a model for using outdoor activities as a tool of integration and mindfulness.
The project also aimed to create an inclusive environment, involve young people in the cultural, social, and civic life of the EU, and increase cooperation between organizations, displaced youngsters, and local communities.
Project was implemented by a consortium of partners Logos Polska and Beyond borders within the Erasmus+ programme and with the support of the Erasmus+ national agency of Norway - Erasmus+ ungdom
On Saturday, July 15th, we had our very first one-day outdoor event called “Nature Bridge” at the beach in Strykowo. We began our day with yoga to relax and get ready for the fun ahead. Then, everyone got to try kayaking and test their balance. We had yummy Polish food for lunch and sweet watermelon for dessert. Towards the end of the day, we had a special dance session where everyone could have fun moving their bodies and feeling happy. It was a day to enjoy nature, try new things, and have a great time together.
The enchanting campsite “Tabor pod Krzywą” in the Polish Sokoliki mountains, hosted a 4-day outdoor event titled “Embrace, Explore, Evolve.” Our mornings began with serene meditation sessions and invigorating exercises. Throughout the day, we embarked on exhilarating hikes, delved into the world of rock climbing, collaborated on preparing dinners, and concluded our evenings with warm conversations and melodious singing around the fire under the starlit sky. The event offered participants a precious opportunity to disconnect from urban life, unwind amidst nature’s embrace, introspect in solitude, and forge new companionships.
From August 15th to 17th we had a Study Visit to Norway, which fostered connections and unity among Ukrainian refugees residing in Poland and Norway.
This event began with a thrilling kayaking expedition down the Norwegian fjord. This adventure tested physical power and formed the initial bonds among the participants. The next day we had an exciting experience on the via Ferrata route. With safety harnesses and helmets secured, participants conquered a mountain 1000 meters high. The сulmination of this remarkable study visit was a glacier expedition —an awe-inspiring exploration of Norway's frozen landscapes. Together, the participants traversed icy paths and marveled at the immense glaciers.
Participants carried back a newfound sense of belonging, a network of support, and a reminder that regardless of where they find themselves, they are part of a Ukrainian global community that stands together.
On Saturday, the 9th of September, our volunteers organized event "Intercultural Youth Fair" under Saint Roch Bridge, where all young people from Poznań were invited. During this event, participants had a chance to take part in Latin dances workshop, try Capoeira, do yoga, taste food of different countries and enjoy music. In addition, young people had the opportunity to discuss the topic of European values with each other, after which they took part in an art workshop on the topic of equality and freedom.
In December we had an event on making Christmas wreaths and a discussion “What do you believe in?”. As a result, each participant created their own festive wreath from natural materials.
Following the wreath-making, we had an open and inclusive conversation about beliefs, values, and the essence of the holiday season, and, in general, freedom of religion as one of the human rights. In a world where differences can sometimes divide, this event was a reminder that the freedom to believe—or not to believe—is a precious gift that should be safeguarded and celebrated.
In January, we had the event ‘LARP’ about elections as a part of the project “Open Area of Your European Life”.
Through this workshop, participants gained an understanding of the importance of democratic values as well as the responsibilities of being an active citizen. Also, they had the possibility of being a part of a mock election where the youth would give a speech and vote on a fictitious issue or candidate. After that process, they debriefed and discussed the voting process all together.
On February 17th, we had a fun time excursion at the Museum Brama Poznania! We explored Poland's and especially Poznan's fascinating history, from medieval times to the present day. Here's a peek into our amazing journey:
Historical Treasures: We strolled through the museum's halls and experienced important moments in Polish history – from royal dynasties to revolutionary events.
Artistic Splendor: We admired beautiful artifacts that showcased Poland's artistic talents across the centuries.
Reflecting on an enriching study visit with Ukrainian refugees, from Norway, March 8th to 10th as a part of the project "Open area of your European life". Our time together was filled with meaningful exchanges of best practices, focused on integration, inclusivity, and European values.
Together we tried climbing, tested escape boxes and escape rooms, shared life stories, discussed the integration of refugees in Poland and Norway and had fun.
On May 5th, 2024, Park Cytadel was alive with unity and creativity as we hosted our Picnic of Unity: Eastern Edition!
From Pisanka and T-shirt painting to seed bomb making and a thrilling chocolate egg hunt, the day was filled with joy and excitement. Delicious Easter dishes satisfied our taste buds, and a captivating concert by a Ukrainian band brought the event to a perfect close.
But our picnic was more than just fun—it was a bridge between communities. Refugee youth, local youth, and decision-makers came together in a creative open space, fostering intercultural connections through food and enjoyable activities. By engaging in fun activities and connecting with one another, we took a step towards building stronger and more welcoming communities.
Based at Høydal camp, participants had unforgettable adventures, including kayaking in Austefjord, a 4-day wilderness expedition in Sunmørsalpane, scaling Tors Hammer Via-Ferrata in Leon, and conducting workshops on outdoor skills, group management, and experiential education.
Participants gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in setting up and managing outdoor camps, first-aid, route finding, navigation, expedition planning, and cooking. Additionally, they learned about identifying hazards in sub-alpine terrain, assessing avalanche risks, person-overboard, and marine rescue techniques. Mindfulness techniques were also explored, along with planning and conducting feedback sessions to complete the experiential learning process.
