Before you dig in
The following text was written entirely by the Polish team that has recently participated in an Erasmus+ project in Romania.
Their words and impressions mirror the tangible and intangible aspects of such projects in such a beautiful and authentic way, that we wanted to share that magic with you. 😊
If you’d like to learn more about the project, visit its Facebook page here.
Why should you go to the programme of the Erasmus Plus Project?
We want to show it based on our recent project Don’t hate me located in the picturesque town Busteni in Romania from the perspective of the Polish team.
The topic is crucial nowadays. We’ve discovered the methods to prevent hate speech. It was organised by ODEN Association Romania with partners from Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, Turkey and Romania. The project was co-funded by the European Commission through the Erasmus+ Program.
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of digital communication tools such as social media, messaging apps, or online forums to harass, intimidate, or harm others. It can take various forms, including spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or sending threatening messages.
Victims of cyberbullying often experience significant emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and may even contemplate self-harm or suicide.
That’s why the ODEN foundation from Romania caught the eye on this topic in order to prevent and educate.
The impact of non-formal education
Non-formal education programs like Erasmus Plus projects offer unique opportunities for experiential learning, cultural exchange, and skill development outside traditional classroom settings.
They promote hands-on learning, foster creativity, and encourage personal growth by exposing participants to diverse perspectives and environments. We had assignments such as role play or making comics.
We finished the project with a group work- campaign, during which we had to present posters and …., above all, a short video on the topic.
We had freedom to choose the plot. Each group presented in their own unique way. One was dominated by three words- soup, wife and nonono, the other had the main character as a superhero/ Dracula and the next one was an imitation of a well-known sitcom – The Office.
Everything can be said about the participants of the Don’t hate me project, but certainly not that they were boring, unimaginative and uninvolved.
Learning goes beyond the topic itself
Romania is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, tucked away in the heart of Eastern Europe.
Thanks to the organisation ODEN participants from six European countries could explore the country not only because of cultural evenings, well-known from each Erasmus project, but also from a lot of trips and the amazing place of accommodation- Busteni.
Participants could experience Romanian life from the mystical forests of Transylvania, where you might just catch a glimpse of Count Dracula himself, to the vibrant streets of Bucharest, where the energy rivals that of a caffeinated bear. Moreover Romania offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and eccentricity that will leave you craving for more.
At the end, it’s all about people
But we can’t forget why young people are going to Erasmus projects themselves and this comes to meeting people.
It’s the best part because it’s like diving headfirst into a melting pot of cultures, languages, and personalities, creating a kaleidoscope of experiences that you couldn’t find anywhere else.
It’s like having a passport to instant friendships with people who share your love for adventure, curiosity, and late-night discussions about the meaning of life over a cup of questionable hostel coffee.
These connections transcend borders, enriching your life with memories, laughter, and the kind of friendships that feel like they’ve been years in the making, all condensed into a few whirlwind months of Erasmus bliss.
That’s why the Polish team recommends participating in at least one project, especially if you are young and free!
The project is co-funded by the European Union as part of the Erasmus+ program.