Mythological European Paths- M.E.P.

This Youth Exchange is addressed to young people that work in NGO’S, informal groups and youth organizations and are moved to explore the world of myths, understand their significance and share their local ones with individuals from different backgrounds.

This project is based on the ascertainment that modern societies, and much more young people, evaluate incorrectly the significance of traditional myths and tales. They are encountered as disembodied, insubstantial narrations, without any practical utility. Of course, this aspect is not only inaccurate, but it is also far from reality. Myths are the compression and coding of reality, so that it can survive in the long path of humanity. This finding provides a plausible explanation to the fact that, on the one hand the Myths hired a timeless vision, on the other hand that their variations appear in global scope.

Objectives
-To understand and spread the significance of myths
-To apply myths’ morals in real life
-To discover differences between each country’s society through myths

We are targeting to have 30 participants from 6 partner countries

Working methods:
During the Youth Exchange, we will emphasize on giving equal opportunities to everyone to express their opinions and ideas. We will try to make sure that the activities and workshops fit to the needs and abilities of the participants and, based on that, adjust the number of smaller work groups.
We will always start with an energizer, to ensure that everyone’s mind is clear during the activities that will follow. The chosen methods will be: non-formal learning, role plays, reflections. Moreover, we will implement outdoor activities such as exploring/ investigating, in combination with visits to the mount Olympus to connect the topic with the area.
The language of Youth Exchange is English. In case anyone of the participants cannot deal with the English language, the facilitators and group leaders will immediately assist to resolve the problem. Smaller teams will be formed in a way that everybody can participate actively, regardless their language skills.
The basics of our methodologies are active co-operative learning combining experience and theory implementation. This way we will define our methods: learning by games, round-table conference, moderated discussions, learning by doing, interactive work based on advanced preparations, creative workshops.
Finally, we will try to eliminate possible conflicts that might take place due to cultural stereotypes of the participants, which will be already prepared by their team leaders. The way we will do it is by working in mixed groups as much as possible. Furthermore, we will organize cultural evenings where participants will have the chance to show different aspects of their country and shake down possible prejudices. This will enhance the acceptance and enforce social inclusion in practice.