'I See You' - Organiser (08.2023)

The "I See You" project aimed to foster social connection, self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills among young people. In an era where digital interactions often replace face-to-face connection, many youth experience isolation and struggle to relate to others. This project addressed these challenges by:

- Developing empathy and active listening skills to enhance meaningful communication.
- Encouraging critical thinking about personal perspectives and biases.
- Promoting social cohesion through intercultural learning and mutual respect.
- Strengthening self-expression and confidence in communication.
- Providing young people with practical tools to build and maintain positive relationships.

The project brought together 37 participants from six different countries: Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Latvia, and Poland.

The participants, aged 16-25, came from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, with 12 young people facing fewer opportunities. The trainers’ team included youth work professionals with expertise in intercultural education, active citizenship, and personal development.

The training was based on non-formal education methodologies, ensuring an interactive and experiential learning experience. The methods included:

- Team-building activities (icebreakers, trust exercises) to foster group cohesion.
- Communication workshops (active listening, non-verbal communication, feedback techniques).
- Empathy exercises (role-playing, storytelling, and perspective-taking).
- Self-awareness activities (journaling, mindfulness, meditation and yoga).
- Cultural exchange activities (traditional storytelling, cultural nights, and group discussions).
- Reflection circles for processing learning experiences and enhancing emotional intelligence.

These methods empowered participants with practical, real-world skills that they could apply in their personal and professional lives.