Greece — Aspasia Bouga
Testimonianza dal training PASSI (Ercolano, Italia): apprendimento, collaborazione internazionale e consigli ai futuri partecipanti.
What did you learn or discover during the PASSI training that will be most useful in your daily work as a youth worker?
During the PASSI training, I learned many practical tools and approaches that I consider extremely useful for my daily work as a youth worker. One of the most important things I discovered was how powerful non-formal education methods can be when they are applied correctly. Through experiential activities, role-playing, group discussions and simulations, I realized that young people do not only learn through theory, but mostly through experience, reflection and interaction. I also learned a lot about inclusion and how to create safe spaces for young people with different backgrounds, needs and abilities. The activities helped me understand better how to adapt my communication, how to listen more actively and how to encourage participation even from those who are more hesitant or shy. This is something I will definitely apply in my everyday work, as I often work with young people who need support in expressing themselves. Another very useful aspect for me was learning how to work more effectively in a team. During the training, we constantly had to cooperate, solve problems together, distribute roles and responsibilities and trust one another. This made me realize how important clear communication, flexibility and empathy are when working in a group. I also discovered new ways of motivating young people and helping them take initiative, instead of just following instructions. Finally, the reflection sessions at the end of each day were extremely valuable. They helped me understand how important it is to evaluate activities, recognize emotions and transform experience into learning. This method of reflection is something I plan to use in my future projects with young people.
How did the international environment and collaboration with other participants influence your learning experience?
The international environment had a huge impact on my learning experience during the PASSI training. Being surrounded by people from different countries, cultures and educational backgrounds gave me the opportunity to broaden my perspective and see youth work through many different lenses. Each participant brought their own experiences, challenges and good practices from their country, which made the learning process much richer and more meaningful. Through teamwork with participants from different cultures, I learned how important intercultural communication is. At times, we had different ways of expressing ourselves, different rhythms of working and different expectations. However, through dialogue, respect and cooperation, we were always able to find common ground. This process helped me become more patient, more open-minded and more adaptable. The exchange of ideas was also extremely inspiring. I discovered new methods, tools and approaches to youth work that I had never encountered before. Listening to others talk about the realities in their countries helped me understand both the similarities and the differences we face as youth workers across Europe. It made me feel part of a larger community with common goals and values. Most importantly, this international collaboration helped me build strong connections and friendships. It showed me that learning does not only come from trainers, but also from peers. The sense of solidarity, support and shared purpose that developed within the group made the whole experience deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
What message or advice would you give to future participants from your country who will join Erasmus+ projects like PASSI next year?
My main advice to future participants is to go with an open mind and an open heart. Erasmus+ projects like PASSI are not just about learning new skills, but also about personal growth, connection and discovering yourself through others. They should not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone, to speak, to participate, to make mistakes and to try new things. I would also encourage them to be active and involved from the very beginning. The more they engage in the activities, discussions and teamwork, the more they will gain from the experience. It is important to share their thoughts, their culture and their perspective, because this exchange is what makes these projects so valuable. Another important piece of advice is to embrace diversity. Meeting people from different countries is a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, values and ways of thinking. Respect, curiosity and empathy are key elements for building meaningful connections and getting the most out of the experience. Finally, I would tell them that Erasmus+ projects can truly change the way they see themselves and their role in society. They offer inspiration, motivation and new directions for the future. PASSI, in particular, showed me that youth work is not just a job, but a way to empower young people and contribute to positive social change.