Successful Completion of Project STAND UP TOGETHER! in Cyprus

Coordinated by the Social Policy and Action Organization funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union

The Project STAND UP TOGETHER! Of the non-governmental, non-profit organization Social Policy and Action Organization, held under the framework of its educational programme Chance2Learning, funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union has been successfully completed.

In the project, 13 voluntary organizations from 11 EU countries, have participated as partners, namely Social Policy and Action Organization – Cyprus, CAI Conversas Associação Internacional – Portugal, United Sports Club Sofia – Bulgaria, Acvolerevolare – Italy, UNIque Junior Enterprise – Albania, AKTO Association for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy – Portugal, Alba Caritas Hugarica Foundation – Hungary, Asociacion Building Bridges – Spain, WalkTogether – Bulgaria, Asociatia Tinerilor Activi Civic – Romania, Asociatia Obsteasca «Calea Lactee» – Republic of Moldova, Green Spirit – Greece and SIEDAS Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Association of Slovakia – Slovakia.

The project aimed to empower volunteers and people working for youth organizations supporting children and adolescents from vulnerable and / or poor families. Specifically, the project’s aims were a) to strengthen, develop and improve the skills and competencies of volunteers / staff organizations on a personal level and b) their training in new innovative atypical educational tools and methods, which can adopt and include in their daily work, to increase the standards of services provided and to have more positive effects and impact.

The main activity of the project was the organization of the training course Stand Up Together!, from 25 to 31 July 2016, at Kissos Hotel, Paphos, with 42 participants from 15 different countries, representing the partner organizations. The seminar aimed at providing knowledge and training to participants, b) promoting the history and culture of Cyprus through organized visits and organizing Cypriot evening, c) to get familiar with other cultures of Europe, by organizing intercultural evenings with traditional food presentations, sweets, clothing and other d) providing opportunities for exchange of views and ideas for future joint actions and practices as well as networking among participants for future collaboration and e) providing socialization and entertainment opportunities.

The seminar modules included topics such as poverty and volunteering, stereotypes among us, effects of poverty on young people, children’s rights in society, prejudices for children / young people with fewer opportunities, social exclusion and tackling, characteristics / skills / abilities of volunteers supporting young people / children from vulnerable groups, relationship between volunteer-child, personal empowerment, self-esteem and personal worth, love of self, develop key skills as a leader / leader / team manager, coach, mentor, counselor and abilities on conflict resolution and arbitration for resolving problems.

Training Course STAND UP TOGETHER! from Social Policy and Action Org on Vimeo.

CHANCE2LEARNING

During the seminar non formal educational methods and tools were used, including interactive games and exercises, team building activities, experiential workshops, role-play exercises, small group discussions, and more.

During the project other activities were implemented to achieve the general objectives set and the visibility and dissemination of results.

Specifically, on 30th July 2016 a flashmob was organised entitled StandUpTogether !, at Paphos harbor with all the seminar participants presenting a short dance show which closed at the end with messages on boards for love, cooperation, support, acceptance, equal opportunities and equal rights, peace and others, including the names of countries represented and the Erasmus + the funding source of the project.

Hundreds of guests at the Harbor watched the flashmob, and congratulated the participants.

A Networking Event was also organised on 30th July 2016, also for representatives of local and European volunteer organizations to provide a platform for exchange of information and contact for future collaborations. The event was attended by Mr. Yiannakis Giannakis, Commissioner Volunteer and Non- Governmental Organisations of Cyprus. Mr. Yiannakis Yiannaki presented the state of growth and development of volunteerism in Cyprus as well as all current and future programs, actions and activities to promote active volunteerism.

Upon conclusion of the seminar, all participants with volunteers from partner organizations worked together as a team for the preparation and publication of a Toolkit entitled «Stand Up Together! Support to Young People with Fewer Opportunities », which will be displayed publicly, within following days, on the websites of the Erasmus +, Salto-Youth, Cyprus Youth Board, all partners and social media agencies.

The Social Policy and Action Organization, and all partner organizations address immense gratitude to the following organizations and their staff, who have supported and promoted the project, activities and all participants: the Youth Agency as the National Erasmus + activities Service youth in Cyprus, the Office of Commissioner of Volunteerism and NGOs, the Kissos Hotel in Paphos, for providing the seminar hall and technical equipment, the Hilltop Gardens Hotel Apartments in Paphos for providing accommodation to participants in Paphos, the Pafos Transportation Agency and the Municipality of Paphos.

Audiovisual material produced during the project provided in the the links