Differences Challenge Assumptions

Important -We invite all the interested people to read thoroughly the information included in this call. If you are not sure if this is the right training for you please contact us before you apply so we can clarify any question! Background of the project: Often in international projects or the ones including intercultural dialogue, learning or diversity elements will include one sessions of 1.5 or 3 hours where a simulation or a game will be implemented (from the variety of alternatives available online as well), with a fast debriefing (if at all), which will introduce very fast the concepts of stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination –which then will be taken for granted and not pushed outside of the comfort zone of the learners. The same holds for international projects where intercultural learning is left just for the intercultural nights or the free time of the participants. Of course this is not a constant in the field but rather an observation after years of working in international field. “Differences challenge assumptions” project wants to address the lack of advanced intercultural working competencies and sensitivity in the youth work field and especially of the ones active and working in international or multicultural settings. The main goal of this project is to increase the level of intercultural competence, sensitivity and quality in the youth work field. More specific Objectives that will contribute to achieve the main aim: • To increase/upgrade the knowledge level of youth workers in Intercultural Learning Topics (culture, identity, prejudices, stereotypes, assumptions, relativism, communication, clashes, intercultural sensitivity); • To contribute to a deep understanding of the global settings and influence on the cultural awareness of young people; • To develop practical skills in working and managing quality intercultural learning process in international projects with young people; • To develop high cultural sensitive attitudes in the youth work field; • To empower youth workers to act as responsible intercultural sensitive actors in the international field and project ; The training course is strongly based on experiential learning (learning by doing) and non-formal education, with adequate time allocated for debriefing and reflection throughout the whole program as the process will be highly personal and aim for attitudinal changes, hence the reflection is very important part of the process (as the educational team is well aware of). Trainers team is formed by experienced trainers in intercultural learning projects from Romania, Slovenia/Zimbabwe and UK/Ghana. Target group and criteria for selecting 26 participants The prospective participants should: - Be youth workers, leader’s coordinators, facilitators and trainers from active NGOs that have mission and objectives that are related to multiculturalism, international activities, intercultural learning; - Have experience in the international field and basic experience in intercultural learning ; - Be ready to be challenged beyond their mental comfort zone; - Have a high multiplicative potential and motivation; - Be at least 18 years old - Have at least medium level of English comprehension (to be able to participate in discussion and in training activities); - The participants should be resident of one of following countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, UK *Important Note: applications from people residents in other countries (regardless if they are nationals of the countries mentioned before will not be accepted)