Description
The project responds to the threat of social exclusion of young people and the lack of tools for working with difficult youth. It proposes 3 cycles of classes for young people in disadvantaged urban communities in Szczecin using informal education methods, including outdoor activities. This is an innovative approach in Poland but it has proven effective in other countries (helps save time and resources needed to hold highly effective comprehensive psychoeducational workshops). Three process models will be tested and approved as a result of the classes. Youth workers will be trained to apply the models and a Creative Commons licensed publication will be developed. The Polish-Norwegian partnership will manage the content and logistics of the project. Norwegian trainers will train Polish youth workers to ensure sustainability of the project activities.
Summary of project results
"Research conducted by TWIKS in the West Pomerania Province shows socially vulnerable adults aged 18-25 are not willing to gain new experience or develop. This problem is especially visible in physically or socially degraded neighbourhoods of Szczecin, the region's largest city. The Ministry of National Education published a report in 2010 which claims that 52 per cent of Polish students admit they had never or nearly never been expected to learn by doing. In contrast, the average percentage of such replies is only 37 in OECD countries. Therefore, more learning-by-doing provision is vitally needed, which is particularly important in educating socially vulnerable youth. Outdoor activities rely on voluntary initiatives in the natural settings create opportunities for participants to jointly address and solve issues and strive for a common objective. Young people were often pulled out of their comfort zone during these activities, which helps them work through established behaviour patterns. The project aimed at increasing the level of community involvement among socially vulnerable youth from several neighbourhoods in Szczecin. During the project, a group of 36 young people threatened by social exclusion took part in workshops and got involved in local community initiatives in Szczecin, including projects to fight hate speech. A model was developed for education in socially vulnerable youth groups. Twenty-four youth workers were trained to use the model. Project participants put up street performances, developed a fan page and a video spot against hate speech. Project beneficiaries included youth aged 18-25 in disadvantaged communities in Szczecin. The foreign partner, Borge Skole Before and After School Activities Department from Norway, was responsible for training youth workers. It also contributed to the design of the education model. The domestic partner, Informal Education Centre - Human Development Association from Czarnocin, was involved in promotional activities and the recruitment of participants. It also contributed to designing and delivering the outdoor activities."
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership was a strong pillar of this project. The Norwegian partner contributed its knowledge and experience, provided technical support and was responsible for capacity building and many other aspects of the project. The project was of high quality and was a steep learning curve. People received good training and the there was an improved perception of the project due to the partnership. The partnership also helped reinforce the project outcomes and encouraged innovation. The partners reinforced their expertise and learned much from each other about outdoor activities. They identified a number of areas where they could collaborate in the framework of future projects.