NEWS
The WHY of Things
Project dates:
to
About the project
“The Why of Things” is part of our wider “Knowledge is Happiness” strategy, built around a simple idea: knowledge can create joy. When we understand something new, discover how the world works, or find a connection or a new perspective, we become more curious and more willing to continue exploring.
Today, young people have access to more information than ever, but this does not necessarily mean that they feel more motivated to understand the world around them. Environmental challenges, political decisions, digitalisation, consumption, social media, climate change or civic participation are often accessed and processed by young people through isolated facts, short messages and conflicting opinions. It can become difficult to see how these issues are connected, why they happen and what they have to do with our own lives.
“The Why of Things” aims to strengthen young people’s motivation to understand the world around them.
The project objectives are:
1. To increase participants’ curiosity towards environmental and societal issues by encouraging them to explore the causes, connections and consequences behind phenomena they encounter in everyday life.
2. To improve participants’ understanding of environmental challenges and their links with areas such as public policies, digitalisation, consumption and civic participation.
3. To develop participants’ ability to explore and communicate their own informed perspectives through creative writing, discussion and reflection.
What is a Youth Exchange?
Youth Exchanges are Erasmus+ activities that bring together groups of young people from different countries to live, learn and take part in a programme of non-formal education for a limited period of time. Through workshops, group activities, discussions, creative tasks, outdoor activities and intercultural experiences, participants explore a common topic, develop new skills, exchange perspectives and learn from one another. Youth Exchanges are not academic programmes and do not require formal qualifications, as learning is based mainly on participation, cooperation and experience.
For more details, you can consult the official Erasmus+ Programme Guide: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-b/key-action-1/youth-exchanges
Participants’ Profile
– Should be between 16 and 25 years old.
– Must be residents of one of the partner countries.
– Should be willing to explore different topics and perspectives, ask questions, discuss ideas, and reflect on how environmental issues connect with everyday life, digitalisation, consumption, public policies, and civic participation.
– Should be open to taking part in activities that may include creative writing, storytelling, research, debates, outdoor exploration, observation, teamwork, and reflection.
– Should have basic English communication skills.
– No previous experience in creative writing is required.
– Must be available for the full duration of the project, including preparation, participation, evaluation and dissemination activities.
– Should be open to intercultural learning and working in an international group.
Number of participants
Selection criteria
1. Fitting in the participants’ profile;
2. Motivation to participate and the quality of the application;
3. Priority given to young people with fewer opportunities, ARYAS NGO volunteers, and members of the communities where we are active;
4. Gender balance;
NOTE: Green travel, which according to Erasmus+ rules refers to travelling primarily by low-emission means such as bus, train, or carpooling instead of flying, is mandatory for all participants.
The Project was approved based on this sustainability indicator; therefore, no exceptions to green travel can be granted. Under these conditions, Asociația ARYAS will facilitate the organisation of travel in the best possible manner, as follows: participants will travel by car, with one overnight stay en route on the outbound journey and one overnight stay on the return journey.
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.
