NEWS
The Sense of Nature
Project dates:
to
About the project
Many young people are exposed to environmental messages, but this does not always lead to real engagement. They may know that nature is important, but this knowledge often remains external: something learned at school, seen online or connected to campaigns and rules. The SENSE approach starts from the idea that before young people become curious, learn deeply or act responsibly, they need to feel that what they experience has personal meaning.
This Youth Exchange responds to this need by using SENSE as a learning path in nature. Participants will explore the natural environment through Mystery, Pattern, Surprise, Relevance and Autonomy, while connecting their experiences with Self, Others, Place and Future. In this way, the project addresses the gap between environmental awareness and meaningful engagement
The purpose of the project is to support young people in rebuilding a meaningful and personal connection with nature, one that moves from simply knowing it matters, to genuinely feeling why it does, and choosing what to do about it.
The specific objectives of the project are:
-To develop participants’ ability to observe and question the natural environment more attentively, using the five SENSE curiosity triggers – Mystery, Pattern, Surprise, Relevance and Autonomy – as a learning path from passive contact with nature to active exploration and personal curiosity.
-To improve participants’ understanding of the connections between personal wellbeing, group behaviour, local places and future environmental consequences, by reflecting on their experiences through the ECO Lens: Self, Others, Place and Future.
-To strengthen participants’ sense of agency and responsibility by supporting them to identify realistic personal and collective choices connected to nature, and to communicate these choices to other young people through creative peer-to-peer messages.
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
1. Between 16 and 25 years old
2. Have a basic level of English language;
3. Has Romanian Nationality or Residency;
4. Open to new, flexible, proactive and willing to work in a multinational and intercultural team;
5. Is motivated to participate in this training course and are interested in the proposed topic;
6. Actively engaged in youth work activities through their sending organizations.
7. Committed to applying the skills and knowledge gained from the project to benefit their organizations and the young people they work with.
8. Able to contribute to and benefit from a collaborative learning environment.
9. Presents interest in the topic.
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.
