NEWS
The Lens of Nature
Project dates:
to
About the project
Young people today spend an increasing amount of their time in digital environments and structured indoor settings. While technology provides many opportunities, it also reduces the time available for direct experiences in nature. As a result, many young people have fewer opportunities to slow down, observe their surroundings, and develop a meaningful connection with the natural world.
Although information about environmental issues is widely available, knowledge alone does not always create a lasting connection with nature. The SENSE approach highlights that meaningful learning begins with curiosity, personal experiences, exploration, and emotional engagement. People are more likely to value and care for nature when they have the opportunity to experience it directly, discover it for themselves, and build personal memories connected to outdoor environments. Photography offers a powerful way to support this process. By encouraging participants to observe details, patterns, colours, landscapes, and human-nature interactions, photography transforms outdoor exploration into an active experience of discovery.
The project aims to encourage young people to reconnect with nature through photography, creating opportunities to explore outdoor environments, appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and reflect on the relationship between people and nature.
Specific objectives:
– To increase participants’ connection with nature through direct outdoor experiences, exploration, and observation.
– To develop participants’ photography and visual storytelling skills as tools for discovering and expressing their experiences in nature.
– To strengthen participants’ appreciation of the relationship between people and nature, encouraging positive attitudes towards outdoor activities, well-being, and environmental responsibility.
What is a Youth Exchange?
A Youth Exchange in the Erasmus+ framework is a learning program aimed at youth workers. For a set number of days, participants from different countries come together to focus on a specific topic, such as inclusion or digital skills. The program usually includes lectures, workshops, and group discussions. It provides a chance to improve your professional skills, learn new methods, and network with others in the field. It’s a useful opportunity for career development and for improving your ability to work with young people.
Participants’ Profile
– Should be between 16 and 25 years old.
– Must be residents of one of the partner countries.
– Should have an interest in nature, photography, outdoor exploration, creativity, and intercultural exchange.
– Should be open to spending time outdoors and joining activities that may include walking, observation, photography, teamwork, creative work, and reflection.
– Should be able to communicate in basic English, enough to take part in group activities, share ideas, and understand the main instructions.
– No previous experience in photography is required, but its a plus. Participants can use either a camera or a smartphone during the project.
– Must be available for the full duration of the Youth Exchange, including preparation, participation, evaluation, and dissemination activities.
– Should be open to learning from others, sharing their own culture, and working in international teams.
– We especially encourage the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, including young people from rural areas, young people facing economic or social obstacles, young people with limited access to international opportunities, and young people who may feel less included in their communities.
Number of participants
Selection criteria
1. Fitting in the participants’ profile;
2. Motivation to participate and the quality of the application;
3. Aryas NGO volunteers and the members of the communities we are activating in have priority in the selection process;
4. Gender balance;
Selection procedure
1. Carefully read through the info-pack and participant contract to make sure you understand the project details and requirements.
2. Complete the application form with accurate and complete information. We strongly advise you to fill out the application form by yourself and to be honest and original in your responses. The purpose of the application is to get to know you better and to understand why you are interested in our project. It is important that your application reflects your own thoughts and ideas.
3. Submit your application before the deadline. Please note that late applications may not be considered.
4. After the application deadline has passed, we will notify you of the results by email, in a maximum of 2 working days. Please check your email regularly and also your spam folder in case our email gets filtered there.
5. If you are selected to participate in the project, you will be required to sign the participant contract within 2 days and send it back to us via email. Please read the contract carefully and ensure that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions before signing.
6. Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you will be ready to participate in the project. We will provide you with all the additional instructions or guidelines to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable experience.
Participants’ obligations and responsibilities
1. Attendance and Punctuality: Participants are required to attend all scheduled activities, workshops, and meetings. Being punctual is essential.
2. Active Participation: Active involvement in all group activities is expected. This includes asking questions, sharing insights, and contributing to discussions and complete all activities outlined in the provided info-pack as part of their obligations for the duration of the program.
3. Respect and Inclusion: Participants should treat everyone—fellow participants, organizers, and community members—with respect and dignity. Discrimination of any kind is not acceptable.
4. Cultural Sensitivity: Participants are expected to be respectful of the cultural norms and customs of the host country and fellow participants from different backgrounds.
5. Safety Guidelines: Compliance with all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the organizers is mandatory.
6. Reimbursement: Participants are responsible for keeping all receipts and submitting them in a timely manner for reimbursement.
7. Dissemination: Participants should share the experiences and knowledge gained during the program in their home communities, both during and after the program, via social media, blogs, or community presentations.
8. Evaluation: Participants must complete surveys or feedback forms to help the organizers assess the impact and effectiveness of the program.
9. Legal Compliance: Participants should comply with all local, state, and national laws of the host country during the program.
10. Confidentiality: Any sensitive or confidential information shared during the program should not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
11. Health and Insurance: It’s the participant’s responsibility to inform the organizers of any health issues or dietary restrictions they may have and to secure any required or recommended insurance.
12. Contractual Agreement: Participants are expected to read, understand, and adhere to any contracts or agreements provided by the organizers.
Costs
1. Accommodation: The organizers cover the costs of your stay. This usually includes lodging in hotels or hostels as described in the info-pack.
2. Meals and Coffee Breaks: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and scheduled coffee breaks are provided by the organizing team, with no cost from your side. This allows you to focus on the activities and socializing rather than worrying about meals.
3. Transportation: You will need to pay for your transport initially, but these expenses are reimbursed later by the organizers, in the Erasmus+ limits. This typically covers flights, trains, and local transport like buses or metro. Please check carefully the info-pack for more details.
4. Activities and Materials: All activities, workshops, and materials needed for the program are provided by the organizers. This can range from educational materials to equipment for specific activities like dance or sports.
Other information
For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at contact@aryas.ro.
