Türkiye Dissemination

We participated an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project  “ınnoVenture: You(th) On The Labor Market” in Predeal in between 6th of June and 16th of June hosted by Initiative SocIale Association. They brought together youth workers from Bulgaria, Türkiye, Spain, Poland, Italy, Greece, Czechia, Portugal and Romania.

Through non-formal education methods, we created teams to understand the subject and work on it.

Throughout the process we developed a sense of key competences of youth exchange. For example we organized a job fair (entrepreneurship), or we prepared presentations and short-films (digital). We had an awesome cultural awareness and expression process via cultural nights. Addition to learning new cultures we had a chance to discover the city of Brasov and Romanian culture for our study trip to learn and discover the job opportunities among the young people living in Brasov, Romania. In addition to what we gained a lot, we developed a sense of unity.

WE would like to express OUR respects for the opportunity that the EUROPEAN COMMISION has given us to internalize the European values   that it wants to disseminate and to be a part of this work.

Bulgarian Dissemination

"From the period of 6th of June until 16th of June I was part of the Erasmus+ project called “You(th) on the labour market” in Predeal, Romania. 

55 young people from 9 countries - Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Romania 🇷🇴, Greece 🇬🇷, Italy 🇮🇹, Spain 🇪🇸, Poland 🇵🇱, Portugal 🇵🇹, Czech Republic 🇨🇿, Turkiye 🇹🇷 gathered together for an unforgettable experience.

The project was focused on youth employment as it was aimed to address the challenges and enhance opportunities in that area. The participants implemented a lot of different activities that helped us to develop the competencies needed to succeed in the job market, including technical skills, soft skills, digital skills and others.

Thanks to this youth exchange we learned how to improve our employability such as resume writing, interview skills and other job search techniques. We gained some practical experience as we transitioned into the workforce acting like employees and employers. 

The Bulgarian team and me as a team leader agree that engaging in the project activities definitely educated us on the topic of youth employment. I think that empowering youth encourages their participation in any kind of initiatives and it builds a generation of innovative and socially responsible future leaders. 

Apart from that, Erasmus+ projects are not just about learning, they also emphasize creating an enjoyable and enriching experience for the participants. We had the opportunity to experience new cultures, traditions, cuisines, learn local dances, explore new cities and natural wonders as well as party, socialize, make friends and build lasting connections in a fun atmosphere. 

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this experience." - Цветелина Ушева

Facebook

"From 06.06 to 16.06 I had the joy of participating in the youth exchange InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market in Predeal, Romania together with 55 participants from 🇧🇬, 🇷🇴, 🇹🇷, 🇬🇷, 🇵🇹, 🇪🇸, 🇵🇱, 🇨🇿 , 🇮🇹 .

From this project, I gained practical and theoretical knowledge about good practices in the job application process, presenting myself in interviews and the labor market situation for young people in different parts of Europe 🇪🇺. Additionally, I got to participate in tasks that challenged my creativity and changed my perspective about my capabilities.

Besides the useful activities regarding youth employability, I was also fortunate enough to meet great people who I now call friends, learn about their culture, try their food, and even learn some traditional dances. 

These 10 days were filled with memories that will forever be dear to my heart and experiences that helped me grow as an individual.

I will be forever grateful for all the laughs, happy tears, and friendships this project brought me, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience❗️

Special thank you to Initiative Sociale for organizing this amazing project and for making Predeal feel like home! And thank you Ново Общество/ New Society for providing me with the opportunity to take part in this youth exchange❤️" - Калина Шагова

Facebook

"On 06.06.2024 a project called "InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market" started with 56 participants in Predeal Romania 🇷🇴. I was super excited 😁 because i was going to leant more about the topic of the project , meet so many people and become friends with them  and participate in the interesting and fun activities. But it means so much more for me now ☺️! That time was the best 10 days of my entire life i wish to go back and relive them over an over again! On the first day we played games made for us to get to know others better and remember their names. Then we got devided into 5 groups of 10 and we had tasks to find places and take cool and creative pictures. That way we got closer, looked around the beautiful landskape of Predeal and talked with the natives. Everyday we had coffee breaks ☕️🍪🍦🧁 and energizer games. For breakfast we had the right to pick what to eat and for lunch and dinner we got the opportunity to try traditional romanian dishes 🥘🍛🍲! During the day we had so many interesting and cool games and activities prepared for us and during the night we partied hard 🥳. On the 5th day we went on a study visit to Draculas castle 🧛‍♂️🦇 it was majectic and then to Brasov where we spent most of the day doing our group tasks. It was the best day ever ! Every three days we had cultural night 3 countries for each night. Every country represented us their culture 🇷🇴🇧🇬🇮🇹🇵🇹🇵🇱🇪🇸🇹🇷🇬🇷🇨🇿 and then games, dances and of course traditional food and drink the best part ! One of the nights was the Oscars night 🏆 where certain people got oscars for their role in the short film 📽🎞🎬 we did which was realy cool and amaizing activitie by the way! The last day was the most emotional day 😭 there was the touch game, the revealing of our secret friends whose task was to give presents 🎁 to other people and the drawings of us we got drawn from the others then we wrote on the back of it wishes and sweet messages and we got out T-shirts 👕 signed from the others. On 16.06.2024 our dream ended with last hugs 🤗🫂 and sweet goodbyes." - Jaklin Koseva

Facebook

"Me and my sister Jaklin Koseva  applied for an Erasmus+ project. And it was the best decision ever!!! 😊❤️

I met so many new people that  i became really good friends with, I learned alot of new and important things from them. And of course I got out of my comfort zone and learned new things about myself and about the people around me. I think this experience was the best thing that happened in my life till now and I will never forget it neither will I forget the amazing people that I was with on this Erasmus+ project. ☺️

The organization and the organizatiors were so kind , really fun and amazing people that showed us how to do a CV, motivation letter, we did alot of fun things too like: Traditional nights were every country 🇷🇴🇵🇹🇮🇹🇪🇦🇹🇷🇬🇷🇵🇱🇨🇿🇧🇬 showed their traditional foods , dances and told us more about their culture  and traditions. We had a study visit at Brasov and at the Dracula's castle 🧛🏰 which was really Interesting and fun!  Also we made  presentations about the young people in the labor market. It was lots of fun making it and hearing about the information from  each country. Also we had more games and interesting conversation that made made us become closer ☺️. We also did movies 🎬 about themes like " Better opportunities  and Imigration to the EU" , "Summer jobs" and many more. We had alot of fun making them and that made us work as a team and got us even more closer. At the end we were not only young people who became friends in the project , we were one big family! ❤️🥹" - Maria Koseva

Facebook

"Today I am going to write about my experience in Romania. The project InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market - Predeal, Romania: 06-16.06.2024 was a project I could easily say was my favourite!

The activities everyday were aimed at being informative, practical and useful in our lives. This 10 days I have gained not only new confidence for applying for jobs on the labour market, I have learned skills for achieving better results. 

Besides the main topic of the project, we were able to learn new and interesting facts about 🇧🇬🇹🇷🇬🇷🇵🇱🇨🇿🇷🇴🇵🇹🇪🇸🇮🇹 and try great food. 

Predeal was an amazing place where I was able to be surrounded by beautiful nature and get to know incredible group of people. In my opinion the best memories are made by the people in them and I can say that I had luck meeting so many wonderful people. The place, the topic of this project, the memories and the friends made along the way are going to stay with me forever!❤️

I need to say thank you to the  Romanian organisation for organising this project. It won’t be my last one with you! Initiative Sociale And thank you to our sending organisation Ново Общество/ New Society " - Gergana Kovacheva

Facebook, TikTok

Czech Republic Dissemination

Niki held a live presentation for a group of 10 young people, all around 21 years old, who had never participated in an Erasmus+ project before. During the session, Niki introduced them to the opportunities Erasmus+ offers for youth, such as exchanges, training courses, and volunteering. The group was highly engaged, expressing their excitement about the new information and asking many questions to better understand how they could get involved. By the end of the presentation, the participants shared that they were eager to join an Erasmus+ project in the future and explore the possibilities it offers for personal growth and learning. This dissemination activity was carried out with the valuable support of the organization from the Czech Republic, helping Niki make the session a success.

By the end of the presentation, the participants shared that they were eager to join an Erasmus+ project in the future and explore the possibilities it offers for personal growth and learning. This dissemination activity was carried out with the valuable support of the organization from the Czech Republic, helping Niki make the session a success.

Links: Facebook

Presentation: here

Portugal Dissemination (Social Media)

 "I recently participated in the "InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market" project in Predeal, Romania, from June 6th to 16th.

This incredible initiative by "Initiative Sociale" and supported by Erasmus+ brought together young people from various countries to discuss and develop essential skills for the European labor market. 👨‍💻

Through non-formal education, I learned crucial skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. The cultural exchange with participants from different countries enriched my understanding of diversity, solidarity, and tolerance. We also received support to develop social business ideas, aiming for a positive community impact and economic success.

This experience broadened my horizons and motivated me to be a change agent in my community. I want to thank all the organizers of the project and everyone I met during this journey. Your dedication and support made this experience truly transformative." - Tiago

Link: LinkedIn

Link: LinkedIn

"One of the best projects i have been and where i learnt a lot about the Labour Market in my country and the others countries too. Simply amazing and the people there always kept me happy and everything went well. Big thanks for @initiative.sociale for creating this project that help me and other a lot. Hope to see you in another project, every one of you🫶🏻✨" - Gonzalo

Link: Instagram

Spain Dissemination SM

Deses3

Hasta el 16 de junio el equipo español de Deses-3 formado por Miguel Ángel, Darwin, María, Iván, José Fernando y Manuel estarán en Rumanía participando en el proyecto de intercambio juvenil INNOVENTURE:YOU(TH) ON THE LABOUR MARKET.

Un proyecto que tiene como objetivos sensibilizar a los participantes sobre la importancia del mercado laboral y su papel en la formación de la futura sociedad europea, ayudar a los jóvenes a adquirir y desarrollar capacidades, habilidades y conocimientos para su desarrollo personal y profesional que les permitan adaptarse al mercado laboral  y recibir la motivación adecuada, información y espacio para intercambiar ideas, pensamientos y estrategias que puedan llevarles a ser más productivos en sus comunidades aumentando la empleabilidad y mejorando sus perspectivas profesionales  a través de actividades no formales.

Aunque están trabajando mucho nos dicen que está siendo una experiencia inolvidable donde el intercambio de conocimientos sobre la situación laboral en los diferentes países participantes y cómo afrontarla está resultando muy enriquecedor. Pero no todo es trabajo, también tienen tiempo para divertirse y hacer visitas culturales.

Por cierto, ¡cuidado con los osos...!🐻

Link: Facebook

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Final Day: Farewells and Reflections

Our final day in the project was an emotional one, filled with hugs, dancing, and laughter as we prepared to say goodbye. The day began with each country team creating dissemination plans, brainstorming the best ways to share the news about our project and the ERASMUS+ program with friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in joining the adventure. We presented our plans to the entire group, gaining valuable ideas from other teams.

In the next session, we revisited the Youthpass, discussing how it would be sent to us and ways we can continue to improve it. We also did a quick recap of the eight key competences, reflecting on how they were developed through our activities.

The day reached its emotional peak with the revealing of our Secret Friends and a heartfelt moment of appreciation for the group. These activities brought us together one last time, as we cried, laughed, danced, and hugged, cherishing the connections we made and the experiences we shared.

Links: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Day Eight: Open Mic and Oscar Night

What a day! We kicked off day eight with an exciting open mic session that was full of creativity and talent. Participants shared their skills in activities like origami and guitar performances, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere that everyone really enjoyed.

The day culminated in our much-anticipated Oscar night, where we celebrated the films we created earlier in the week. The evening was filled with trophies, cheers, and lots of joy as we recognized the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. Congratulations to all the winners—it was a night to remember!

Videos from the Oscar Night: here

Links: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – #Day7: Filmmaking Fun

Day seven of our InnoVenture experience was all about creativity and collaboration as we dove into the exciting world of filmmaking! The day began with our usual morning routine of music and gossip, setting the perfect mood for what was to come.

We were then split into new groups and tasked with creating our own movies. From makeup and camera work to directing and acting, we took on every role with enthusiasm. It was a day full of hard work, creativity, and tons of fun. The energy was high as everyone put their all into their films—Oscars night is going to be unforgettable!

The day wrapped up with a vibrant cultural night celebrating Spain, Italy, and Portugal. We were treated to an incredible experience, learning about the rich traditions of each country while enjoying delicious food and lively entertainment. The cultural exchange was both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect end to a fantastic day.

Links: TikTok. Instagram, Facebook

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – #Day6: Job Fair Role-Play

On June 12th, 2024, we delved into the vital topic of job hunting during our sixth day in Predeal. The day began with a brief but insightful introduction on the importance of finding the right job and the common challenges young people face when trying to secure a position that matches their skills and aspirations.

The highlight of the day was a role-play activity that simulated a job fair, where everyone participated in mock job interviews. For many, it was their first-ever interview experience, making it both an exciting and nerve-wracking moment. The activity was incredibly creative, offering a practical and engaging way for participants to learn and grow.

This mock job fair was a key component of the Erasmus project, designed to boost employability and intercultural skills. By simulating real-life job market scenarios, the activity provided a realistic environment for networking, resume building, and practicing interview techniques. The multicultural context added an extra layer of complexity and learning, as participants had to navigate these tasks in an international setting.

The feedback received from peers and facilitators was invaluable, offering participants a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. The experience also allowed them to explore global career paths and gain confidence in navigating the international job market. By the end of the day, everyone had not only enhanced their employability skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available to them in the global workforce.

Day six was a highly productive day, filled with creativity, learning, and practical experience that will undoubtedly benefit everyone as they move forward in their careers. 

Links: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Study Visit Highlights

Our study visit took us to some of Romania's most iconic sites, starting with the legendary Bran Castle! This 14th-century fortress, famously linked to the Dracula legend, served as a royal residence and is now a captivating museum. Bran Castle draws visitors from all over the world due to its rich history and intriguing fictional connections.

During our visit, we were assigned some fun group tasks as part of our "cultural visit" activities. First, we captured a "vampire-ish" family picture, embracing the spooky atmosphere of the castle. Next, we took a group photo with the famous Brasov sign in the background, creating lasting memories of our time together.

As we explored Bran and Brasov, we were also tasked with interviewing young locals. We spoke with at least four young people to learn about their employment experiences, challenges they face in the workplace, and their professions. This provided valuable insights into the realities of the labor market in Romania.

Our day in Brașov was packed with cultural and historical discoveries. We visited Piața Sfatului, admired the stunning Black Church, and strolled down Strada Sforii, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. We also hiked up Tampa Mountain, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the city. Afterward, we enjoyed a traditional Romanian lunch and continued our exploration with a visit to Catherine’s Gate. We ended our day in the Șchei District, where we visited the beautiful St. Nicholas Church.

It was an incredibly informative day filled with productivity, learning, and plenty of fun!

Links: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Day Four Highlights

Day four of our InnoVenture journey in Predeal began with a hearty traditional Romanian breakfast, fueling us with energy for the day ahead. We kicked off the morning with a practical workshop on creating and improving our Europass CVs and cover letters. 💻📖💸 This session was incredibly useful, giving everyone the chance to either craft their own CVs from scratch or refine existing ones. Afterward, we paired up with our colleagues for feedback, allowing us to view our CVs and cover letters from a fresh perspective, which led to some great improvements.

Following a delicious lunch, the energiser team brought us back into focus with a hilarious game called "He Ha Ho," which had everyone laughing and ready to dive back into the sessions. We then gathered in groups to discuss what we believe are the most and least important elements of a CV and cover letter. This group discussion was insightful and helped us understand what employers might prioritize when reviewing applications.

To wrap up the day’s learning activities, we participated in an exercise designed to help us identify the types of jobs that might suit us best based on our skills and interests. This activity was not only enlightening but also gave us a clearer direction for our future career paths.

The evening was dedicated to our second cultural night, where we immersed ourselves in the rich traditions of Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic 🇬🇷 🇧🇬 🇨🇿. We enjoyed a delightful array of food, danced to traditional music, and participated in fun games that showcased each country’s unique culture. The night ended with another fantastic party, filled with music, dancing, and lots of joy 💃🕺. It was a perfect end to a productive and culturally enriching day!

Links:

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Day Three Adventures

Day three of our InnoVenture journey in Predeal was packed with energy, creativity, and lots of fun! We kicked off the morning with a lively game of "Guess the Song," where we tried to match songs to their rightful owners. It was a great way to get everyone moving and laughing together. After that, we had a playful session reading out the juicy secrets from the gossip box, adding a touch of mystery and humor to the day.

The morning continued with presentations from each participating country about young people in the labor market. Everyone put a lot of effort into creating these presentations, and it was both fun and enlightening to hear the different perspectives and facts from each nation.

Country case presentation: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkiye.

After lunch, we got our adrenaline pumping with a super fun game of "Ninja." This fast-paced, interactive game had everyone on their toes and brought out our competitive spirits. Following the game, we shifted gears to focus on personal development with a SWOT analysis and IKIGAI exercise. These activities were really valuable, helping us to better understand ourselves and the people around us, and providing insights into our strengths, weaknesses, and purpose.

The day wrapped up with a fantastic white dress code party, organized by the day’s party animals. 🤍🥳 We danced the night away to great music, played BINGO, and enjoyed a variety of fun games. It was a perfect way to end an action-packed day, full of laughter, bonding, and celebration.

Day three was a wonderful mix of learning, self-discovery, and pure enjoyment, leaving us all with memories we’ll cherish for a long time! 

Links: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market – Day Two Highlights

Day two of the "InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market" experience in Predeal was filled with excitement, learning and cultural exchange. The day started with an adventurous City Rally, a fun and engaging way for participants to explore the charm and beauty of Predeal. We discovered the town’s hidden gems, including its famous ski slope, scenic hills and even had the chance to chat with the friendly locals who added a warm touch to our journey.

After the rally, the group gathered to learn more about Erasmus+ and Youthpass, two key that open doors to countless opportunities for young people. We explored how youth exchanges, training courses and the European Solidarity Corps can empower us to develop skills, gain experience and make a positive impact in our communities.

One of the most interactive parts of the day was a role-playing activity where we brought to life the 8 key competencies essential for personal and professional growth. This hands-on exercise not only deepened our understanding of these vital skills but also allowed us to reflect on how we can apply them in our daily lives.

The evening was dedicated to our first intercultural night, a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures within our group. We immersed ourselves in the traditions of Romania, Poland and Türkiye, enjoying delicious food, drinks and lively traditional dances. The costumes were a highlight, showcasing the rich heritage of each country.

As we raised our glasses and cheered "Noroc, na zdrowie, serefe!" we ended the day with new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity that makes our European community so special. Day two was truly a blend of discovery, learning, and fun—a perfect reflection of what the InnoVenture experience is all about.

Links: TikTok,  Instagram, Facebook

Day One: Building bonds, facing fears and embracing the chaos

Today marked the beginning of a journey that promises to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As we gathered together for the first time, the room buzzed with excitement and a touch of nervousness. By the end of the day, we had not only started to learn each other's names but also discovered the unique quirks, fears, and expectations that make each of us who we are.

The first challenge was simple yet significant—remembering names. It might seem like a small task, but it set the stage for something much deeper. By sharing a bit about ourselves, we began to understand the diverse backgrounds and perspectives each of us brings to the table. It’s amazing how quickly a group of strangers can start feeling like a team when you’re actively listening and making connections.

One of the most powerful exercises of the day involved sharing our fears, contributions, and expectations for the project. This wasn't just about laying out what we hope to achieve; it was about being vulnerable and honest with one another. We talked about what scares us, what we can bring to the table, and what we hope to gain by the end of this experience. This exercise has already given us something to look back on when we reach the finish line, a way to measure how far we’ve come both individually and as a group.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the "Mission Impossible" challenge. Initially, it seemed like an insurmountable task—chaos was everywhere, and we were left wondering how we’d ever pull it off. But as we dove into the challenge, something amazing happened. We started working together, improvising, and supporting one another in ways we hadn’t anticipated. The mission might have seemed impossible at first, but by the end, we had proved to ourselves that with teamwork, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.

After the chaos of the mission, we were divided into smaller groups, or "families." Each family will be our support system over the coming days, a smaller unit within the larger team that will help us navigate the challenges ahead. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, there’s a sense of comfort in knowing we’ll be facing it together.

No day of hard work and bonding is complete without some fun, and our first party delivered in spades. A combination of karaoke and dancing proved to be the perfect way to let off some steam and celebrate the successful completion of our first day. Laughter filled the room as everyone took turns singing their hearts out and showing off their best dance moves. The party wasn’t just a chance to relax—it was another opportunity to strengthen the bonds we’d started forming earlier in the day.

There’s a lot more to come, and we’re only just getting started. As we head into the next days, the excitement is palpable. Who knows what new challenges, surprises, and moments of connection lie ahead? One thing’s for sure: if today is any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for more adventures, more chaos, and more unforgettable moments. MARCOOOO!

Links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market

The "InnoVenture: You(th) on the Labour Market" activity is a multilateral youth exchange organized under the Erasmus+ framework, that will be held in Predeal, Romania, from 6th of June to 16th of June 2024 (including travel days).

The purpose of the project is to increase the level of attitudes, skills and knowledge to become active on the labor market for participants aged 18-30 and group leaders (without age limit) from the participating countries, during 9 days of the youth exchange; they will meet to exchange experiences, to learn and to focus on finding solutions to include the young people on the labour market. 

In addition, the priority of this project aims to stimulate youngsters to take initiative and meets their needs by developing basic and transversal skills (skills needed to get hired). Also, after participating in this exchange, we hope that the youngsters will better understand their role in society and in the future of Europe as they will learn about the need to develop activities in order to create new work opportunities and involvement both at economic and social level. 

Objectives:

1. Raising awareness among participants about the importance of youth labour market and their role in the shaping of the future European society.  

2. Supporting young people to acquire/ develop abilities, skills and knowledge that aim at their personal and professional development in order to be adaptable to the European labour market. 

3. Giving the participants proper motivation, information and space in order to exchange ideas, thoughts and strategies that may lead them to become more productive members of their communities by increasing employability and improving career prospects for young people. 

4.Encouraging and developing solidarity and tolerance among young participants in order to facilitate social cohesion at the European Union level through cultural exchanges, inclusion and diversity based on non-formal non-discriminatory activities. 

5. Developing and maintaining the strategic partnership signed between the promoters of this youth exchange.