"Step in their Shoes" 3 phased youth exchange in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Aims & objectives

Step In Their Shoes is a 3-phased empathy developing project to step in variety of different shoes. WALK in Wales, RUN in Northern Ireland and HIKE in Scotland, imagining nowadays realities, whereas a lot of refugees had to walk or run over mountains, cross the sea and borders to reach peace in Europe.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Participants were coming from 6 European countries (Greece, Norway, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania and UK).

Team of organisers consisted of people from United Kingdom and Lithuania (representatives of Abroadship.org and Innovative Generation).

Training methods used & main activities

Methods used while delivering the programme:
Experiential learning through non formal and outdoor education
Cognitive Behavioural Coaching approach
Group dynamic processes, simulations and teamwork activities
Inputs from experts through non-formal education lectures and facilitated processes
Dynamic workshops and presentations
Kolb’s cycle (learning cycle)
Intercultural sharings, learnings and reflections
Learning by doing in a group setting or individual processes.

Outcomes of the activity

Overall Focus
To reach personal development which helps to understand ourselves and reflect on own behavior and behavior of others
Challenge the perception of the structures within our society that undermine social inclusion or foster discrimination
Overcoming the stereotypes of different religion
To raise awareness on the topic of discrimination
To build a broader understanding of what an inclusive attitude means and to start inter cultural and inter- religious dialogue
To understand the connections between culture and sport and to understand the inter cultural aspects of sport
To raise the sense of empathy towards other people

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

My role in this project was:
- facilitation of the main activities (Ukraine and United Kingdom);
- preparation of the programme and adaptation to the needs of the group and individuals;
- delivering programme and adapting methods according to the needs of the group and individuals;
- preparation of the final report;
- leading and coaching leaders team.

I worked on this training for 27 days as a full time trainer.

Testimonial of the reference person

Step in Their Shoes project was very sophisticated and exemplary, taking place in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Raminta was excellent trainer/facilitator. She performed her tasks professionally, with wide range of methods, being on time, adaptive to the needs of participants, worked well with the team of organisers and reached defined project deliveries. I validate referrence and recommend her in this role.