Erasmus+ 2022 Mobility

Since 2021, we have actively started to cooperate on Erasmus+ projects and have implemented several activities that were very attractive to us and the outputs of which we provide to other organizations working in the field of education and development.

We learn to grow and develop

The project is managed under the number 2022-2-SK01-KA122-ADU-000099022 within the Erasmus+ section for education and training, Key action 1 - Educational mobility of individuals.

Project goal:

By implementing the project, we want to achieve the fulfilment of 2 key goals, namely: (1) To increase the competencies of professionals and managers through the support of creativity and by eliminating of negative phenomena in education on the labour market and (2) To learn about cultural diversity and innovations in education and its forms and to support the growth of the organization in professional, community, autonomous and networking focus through a synergistic effect. We want to support the growth of our organization, at the same time to create an environment suitable for a professional development and at the same time a stable environment in terms of a safe management of the organization itself and also of the educational process. We also want to support the creative and innovative linking of fields in which our employees work so that we can provide education for our target groups of clients.

As part of the implementation of the project, we plan 2 basic types of mobility activities, namely participation in educational courses and job shadowing. Together, we plan the participation of 7 professionals, each of whom will participate in one of the 7 educational courses. As part of the job-showing, we want to visit 3 diverse organizations. 2 members of the management team of the organization will participate in a visit, namely 1 person as a manager with the aim of acquiring skills in the field of management of an educational organization and 1 person as a manager with the aim of gaining skills in the field of management of the educational process.

MOBILITY CRS-01: Problem Solving & Decision Making

Name and surname of the person participating in mobility: Zlatica Zacharová | Job position: expert advisor and lecturer | Name of completed mobility: Problem Solving & Decision Making | Place and country: Palermo, Sicily, Italy | Date 10.07.2023 - 14.07.2023 | Organizer: Shipcon

Course information: https://shipcon.eu.com/problem-solving-decision-making/

Mobility goal:

Problem-solving and the ability to make decisions are the basis of executive functions and help a person manage everyday life situations. The goal of mobility was to learn to look at problems as challenges and opportunities that lead to personal but also social growth and to connect critical and creative thinking, which are part of every decision-making process in the sense of finding "good enough" decisions. The aim of the mobility was to understand the process of identifying the problem, analyze the problem, find criteria for solving the problem, be able to communicate a possible solution to the problem and accept the risks associated with solving the problem. The ability to make decisions and find multiple solutions is important in any industry and in any field of work. The important thing is that since it is a skill, it can be trained and developed, using several activities.

What skills have you acquired?

In the course, I learned to make decisions based on critical thinking, to use creative thinking in addition to critical thinking when looking for a solution, to remove obstacles that prevent creativity, to clearly and concisely present ideas, to analyze a possible problem and to look for solutions to individual parts of the problem, to accept risk for solutions, that I found and not to look for a perfect solution, as there is no perfect solution and it is necessary to accept a solution that is the best for the majority.

How do you perceive the positives of the Erasmus+ program?

Connecting individuals and organizations, getting to know other ways of thinking and insights into the situation. Getting to know a new environment and culture. Overall, the program allows individuals to improve not only their professional skills but also lead to personal growth.

Transfer of acquired information/skills into professional and personal practice:

Education not only enriched me from a professional point of view (how to look at a problem and how to analyze it and find solutions), but at the same time it also provided me with methods such as the topic of "problem-solving" can be grasped and presented to students and ordinary people who need help in searching solutions. I learned practical techniques for quickly analyzing a problem and revealing the right solution, which is helpful not only for my personal life but also for professional growth and for supporting and helping clients and students.

MOBILITY CRS-02: Integrating minority, migrant & refugee children at European schools & society

Name and surname of the person participating in mobility: Tatiana Poláková | | Job position: expert advisor and lecturer | Name of completed mobility: Integrating minority, migrant & refugee children at European schools & society | Place and country: Palermo, Sicily, Italy | Termín: 17.07.2023 - 21.07.2023 | Organizer: Shipcon

Course information: https://shipcon.eu.com/integrating-minority-migrant-refugee-children-european-schools-society/

Mobility goal:

The main aim was to sensitize the participants and raise awareness of issues of otherness, its manifestation, experience and impact on social interactions not only at school but also in the wider community of children belonging to minority groups, immigrants or refugees. Sub-goals were understanding of basic terms, differences between target groups, e.g. refugees and migrants, and training activities to increase cultural awareness and tolerance of otherness. Special emphasis was placed on the training to strengthen the skills in the field of education of educators working with children of affected groups.

Also, the goal was to get an overview of best practices and policies in the school for the integration of children of minorities, migrants and refugees, to understand the need for organizational adjustments in the school environment, to develop and implement desegregation policies in the school, to understand the importance of learning the national language for migrants and refugees.

What skills have you acquired?

During the 5 days of the course, I had the opportunity through informal educational activities to acquire new competencies for working with differences and social inclusion in a multicultural community, whether at schools, working with parents of children, or locally. During the exercises, connected with the experience of otherness, I became more aware of the wide spectrum of social inclusion contexts. In small groups, we solved issues of cultural stereotypes and suggested how to deal with problems. The training was exceptional with a number of excellent experiential activities - group negotiations, and non-verbal storytelling, during which we as a group realized many causes of conflicts and the importance of mutual exchange. I also greatly appreciate the trainer's efforts and the opportunity to visit directly in Palermo several organizations involved in the program of work with refugees and immigrants, to discuss the challenges and successes of their projects and plans for the future. A restaurant, shared living and workplace, extracurricular activities for children, all this is possible to realize not for the refugees, but with them. The training exceeded my expectations in terms of readiness and competence of the lecturer Carmelo, who really lives this topic, he showed us a live project that is not only successful but continuous learning from failures and progress is probably the only possible process, how this work can be done with realize by awareness.

How do you perceive the positives of the Erasmus+ program?

I want to greatly appreciate this opportunity and I am grateful for the valuable tools it has brought me. The Erasmus+ program is a truly exceptional format of an intercultural group meeting with the sharing of good practices, suggestions and experiences, which are not only the sum of its participants but will create a unique and rare learning partnership. I see lifelong learning as a necessity in this fast-paced time, and the program showed me how interesting and effective it can be.

Transfer of acquired information/skills into professional and personal practice:

I have mastered several tools for implementing desegregation strategies when working with communities, especially in the field of adult education. I will use the acquired knowledge and skills when working with teachers and parents, especially for educators working with refugee children and children from minority communities, it will be a great benefit. Also in the design of new educational activities and current courses of my organization, to ensure processes related to inevitable changes in society, specific communities on which the organization has an impact. Sensitization of key contact persons - educators on the topic of tolerance of otherness will become increasingly important. If, by multiplying these experiences in my wider community, I bring tolerance to at least my city, it will be an exceptional achievement.

MOBILITY CRS-03: Emotional Intelligence: identify, harness & manage emotions

Name and surname of the person participating in mobility: Ondřej Horký | Job position: expert advisor and lecturer | Name of completed mobility: Emotional Intelligence: identify, harness & manage emotions (Emotional intelligence: identify, use and manage emotions) | Place and country: Palermo, Sicily, Italy | Date: 26.06.2023 - 30.06.2023 | Organizer: Shipcon

Course information: https://shipcon.eu.com/emotional-intelligence-identify-harness-manage-emotions/

Mobility goal:

Emotional intelligence is a key skill for success and well-being in the modern world. The art of identifying, using and managing emotions is important not only in relationships with others but also for personal growth and self-awareness. The goal is to learn and understand how to recognize and identify emotions. This requires not only learning self-reflection and awareness of what exactly we feel at a given moment but also naming emotions. Because named emotions help us better understand our reactions and behaviour. The goal is also to find healthy mechanisms for managing stress and frustration, such as relaxation, meditation or talking to a trusted person. Emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed and improved.

What skills have you acquired?

I learned how to understand and understand the importance of emotional intelligence in modern education and the workplace. At the same time, I understood the methods of avoiding conflicts and solving them using the skills of "social and emotional learning" (SEL). Deep understanding of the relationship between thoughts and emotions and managing emotions not only in oneself but also in others.

How do you perceive the positives of the Erasmus+ program?

The Erasmus+ program helped me establish new friendships, cooperation across the whole of Europe and broaden my horizons. Thanks to this program, I looked at new interesting places where I had never been before. The opportunity to leave your comfort zone and not be afraid to grow and gain new experiences.

Transfer of acquired information/skills into professional and personal practice:

Participation in this mobility brought me invaluable experience. During this program, I learned a lot about how to recognize, use and manage my emotions. One of the most valuable things I have gained is the ability to identify and name my own emotions. Thanks to this skill, I became better acquainted with what exactly I feel in different situations. This self-reflection helped me better understand my reactions and behaviour. This enables me to make better decisions, communicate and achieve my goals. But the most important gain for me was managing emotions. I learned to regulate my emotions and express them in an appropriate way. I discovered healthy mechanisms for managing stress and frustration, such as relaxation, and meditation.

MOBILITY CRS-04: Identifying Barriers to Learning - A Special Educational Needs Masterclass

Name and surname of the person participating in mobility: Ivana Tomanová Čergeťová | Job position: expert advisor and lecturer | Name of completed mobility: Identifying Barriers to Learning - A Special Educational Needs Masterclass | Place and country: Palermo, Sicily, Italy | Date: 31.07.2023 - 04.08.2023 | Organizer: Shipcon

Course information: https://shipcon.eu.com/3403-2/

Mobility goal:

Gain an understanding of Special Educational Needs; specifically Specific Learning Difficulties including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (DCD), Dyscalculia, ADD and ADHD. Appreciate causation and the key characteristics of the various specific learning difficulties listed above Learn about processes towards and criteria for diagnosis The Pros and Cons – Develop an understanding of learning and living from the perspective of an individual with a special educational need, specifically Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and ADD/ADHD.

What skills have you acquired?

I gained a deeper understanding of special educational needs and learned about the processes and criteria for early identification and diagnosis. I learned to develop an understanding of life from the perspective of an individual with special educational needs.

How do you perceive the positives of the Erasmus+ program?

I see meeting people from all over Europe who solve similar problems in the same environment and at the same time work differently as the biggest opportunity. Each participant brings their knowledge, skills and experience and that enriches me. At the same time, it gives me the opportunity to get to know other cultures and develop cooperation with other organizations.

Transfer of acquired information/skills into professional and personal practice:

In the organisation, we are constantly trying to expand the field of activity. For me personally, working with people with specific educational needs is difficult mainly because it requires an individual approach. In today's society, we sometimes forget this fact and that is the reason why I want to transfer the new principles of education not only to professional practice but also to personal practice as part of my work at the university.

JOB-SHADOWING

Support for the development of the key competencies of the organization's managers will take place through 3 job-shadowing mobilities in 3 organizations with diverse goals and forms of work.

In all three organizations, there is an opportunity to observe the management of the organization, operation, maintenance and also human resources. In terms of size, these are diverse organizations with a specific focus on social development, science and culture. All organizations work with diversity and approach it in a specific way. We plan to work in the form of mentoring and peer-to-peer.

MOBILITY JOB-03: LIVE FOUNDATION

Information about the organisation: https://www.livesaatio.fi/

Live Foundation aims to promote and support people's ability to become and remain a fully-fledged member of Finnish society. We facilitate employment by offering our customers education, training, rehabilitation and coaching. The Live Foundation, previously known as Invalidisäätiö, was established in 1940 to provide treatment, rehabilitation and vocational training to those injured in the Winter War. For nearly eight decades, we have systematically developed our operations to meet the changing needs of society. In August 2018, we launched the Live service brand under which we have compiled all of our services for people and corporations.

Live Vocational College, the largest special education institution in the Helsinki Metropolitan area. It also acts as the national competence unit for special education. The Live Vocational College is an operation for the public good and is mostly funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In March 2020, the college opened a new campus in Puustellinmäki in Espoo's Leppävaara. Live produces rehabilitation, employment and coaching services designed to help our customers find employment, remain in working life and promote their physical and psychological resources for work. Live works in close cooperation with Finnish businesses, municipalities, cities and authorities. We also produce high-quality, competitive outsourcing services for households and businesses in the Helsinki Metropolitan area.