In the picturesque town of Örkelljunga, a remarkable event unfolded from June 24th to June 28th, 2024. The Youth Can Lead Youth Learning Teaching Training Activity (LTTA) brought together young minds from across Europe, fostering an environment of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. This blog post delves into the highlights and key takeaways from this transformative experience.
Arrival Day: Setting the Stage
The excitement was palpable as participants arrived on June 24th. The Swedish team kicked off the day with an energizing activity that set a positive tone for the days ahead. The morning session included an overview of the program, ground rules, and practical details, along with name games to help everyone get acquainted. Participants shared their worries, hopes, and what they could offer, creating a sense of community from the very beginning.
Day 1: Building Foundations
The first official day of the LTTA, June 25th, was all about building foundations. The morning was filled with team-building exercises focused on group dynamics and trust. Participants appreciated these activities, noting that they helped create a sense of unity. The day concluded with a cultural evening featuring Sweden, where everyone enjoyed learning about Swedish customs and traditions.
Day 2: Exploring Identity
June 26th was a day of deep exploration. The Turkish team led an energetic morning activity, followed by the “Sticky Identity” session by KulturLife from Germany. This hands-on exercise delved into social identity, inclusion, and exclusion. Participants were given stickers representing various identity groups and had to form groups without talking. The ensuing discussion revealed profound insights into how identities are formed and perceived.
Day 3: Critical Thinking and Storytelling
The third day, June 27th, began with Italy’s energizer activity, invigorating the participants. The morning session, “Why Are You Here?” led by Faal Derneği, focused on critical thinking. Participants engaged deeply, sharing their reasons for attending and reflecting on their goals. This activity encouraged looking at issues from various angles, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the topics discussed.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to storytelling with the “Stories that Make a Difference” workshop by Storie di Mondi Possibili from Italy. Participants shared personal stories and discussed how narratives can create change. This session highlighted the power of storytelling in inspiring social change and personal growth.
Day 4: Peer-to-Peer Learning and Reflection
The final day, June 28th, was dedicated to peer-to-peer learning and reflection. Germany led the morning warm-up, followed by a creative drama activity based on “Rock-Paper-Scissors” by Faal Derneği. This activity aimed to boost strategic thinking, teamwork, and creativity.
The afternoon was filled with peer mentoring activities, where participants learned about giving positive feedback, setting SMART goals, and tracking progress. The day ended with a final reflection session and a certificate ceremony, where participants expressed their gratitude for being part of the program.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
The Youth Can Lead Youth LTTA proved to be a transformative experience, yielding invaluable insights and fostering significant growth among participants. Key learning outcomes included improved critical thinking, storytelling, and mentoring skills. The feedback collected will be pivotal in refining future training activities, ensuring they continue to foster personal growth and effective communication.
As we reflect on the success of this LTTA, it is clear that the power of youth leadership and peer-to-peer learning cannot be overstated. By integrating the lessons learned, we can create even more robust and tailored learning experiences that resonate with participants’ needs and aspirations.
In conclusion, the Youth Can Lead Youth LTTA in Örkelljunga was not just an event but a journey of self-discovery, learning, and cultural exchange. It reminded us that youth have the power to lead, inspire, and create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.