THE MASKS WE WEAR YOUTH EXCHANGE IN ESTONIA 27. OCTOBER 2018 04. NOVEMBER 2018
PROJECT SUMMARY Love takes off masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within. - James A. Baldwin For centuries, various cultures have used masks as a way to express individual and group identity. In some cultures masks are an important part of spiritual rituals. In other cultures they are part of national traditions such as celebrations of war or independence. Masks also provide a way to visually represent an answer to the question, Who am I? By using methods of non-formal learning we intend to explore, with the participants, the concept of diversity that exists inside and outside of us. With our Youth Exchange we want to create a better understanding for todays society and its diversity. Our aim for this project is that the participants will get a better understanding for the different aspects of nowadays society and how they will find their own way in it. We will have workshops that facilitate social dialogue, as for example about social media, stereotypes, gender roles etc. We plan to have games, debates and role plays so our participants can review their attitudes, stereotypes, and prejudices. These activities are designed so that everyone can safely step out of their comfort zones and to make them express their ideas and opinions. Furthermore, we would like to foster mutual understanding between young people in different countries. During most of the workshops, the participants are going to work in mixed, multicultural groups. The Youth Exchange will happen in Viljandi, Estonia between 27. October 04. November18 including youngsters from Estonia, Malta, Hungary, Greece, Spain and Italy, aged 18-30 years. (4 participants + 1 groupleader per country)
REACHING VILJANDI (IF YOU ARE ARRIVING BY PLANE) After you arrived in Estonia you have to find your way to Viljandi. There are different buses driving to Viljandi, but also trains. The easiest way would be to take a bus directly from the airport to Viljandi. Otherwise you can take the tram number 4 from the airport to the bus station (Bussijaam) or to the train station (Balti jaam). You can check for the tickets online already and book them in advance. Then you simply have to show the digital ticket to the bus driver. Please make sure that you will get an invoice for the reimbursement. The name of the bus stop is Viljandi Coach Station. Checking for bus tickets: www. Tpilet.ee Checking for train tickets: www.elron.ee
VILJANDI THE CULTURAL HEART OF ESTONIA Viljandi is the sixth largest town in Estonia with a population of 18 257 people. Viljandi is an ancient hilly city in South Estonia topped by impressive ruins of a once-powerful Livonian Order castle. Cobbled streets, ancient oak trees and a beautiful lake conjure up a very special atmosphere. This small city is the capital of folk music for most Estonians. Viljandi not only appeals to folk music and culture lovers but also to people who enjoy parks, where you can hear the nightingale sing, beautiful views and an atmosphere which is both ancient and modern at the same time.
THE MAIN VENUE For the main venue we chose the local youth center in Viljandi. There we have the possibility to use the seminar room and also the big skate hall, so we will have more than enough space for all our activities. The youth center is only a short walk away from the bus station (about 10-15 minutes) Address: Hariduse 12
ACCOMMODATION Unfortunartely we don t have pictures to show, sorry about that The accommodation will be close to the venue, only a short walk away. This gives the opportunity to get some fresh air and also to see more of the town. We will have bedrooms with beds, bedsheets and pillows; 2-3 people together in each room Boys & Girls in seperate rooms
PROJECT SCHEDULE 27. October Arrival Day 28. October Introduction to the topic; teambuilding activities; expectations & fears; nowadays society vs the past 29. October World Cafe about Social Media; Treasure Hunt 30. October Video-Project about Stereotypes 31. October Day in Tartu 01. November Erasmus+; Active Citizenship; Lying & Honesty 02. November Labour Market; Gender Roles; Fake News & Propaganda 03. November me in the society; YouthPass; Final Evaluation 04. November Departure Day
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Make sure to share your travel details with us, so we can maybe organize the transport to Viljandi with a bus Please keep your boarding passes for the reimbursement Please check if you have a valid travel insurance Every group will get one workshop to prepare. Information will follow Remember that the EU covers your travel costs only up to the fllowing amounts: Hungary: 275,- / person Spain: 360,- / person Greece: 275,- / person Italy: 275,- / person Malta: 275,- / person
CONTACT & CHECKLIST Our contact information: Ege Enok ege@sakalakeskus.ee Dominik Galehr dominik.galehr@hotmail.com Necessary documets (ID, passport, insurance) Clothes and footwear (sporty, comfy, PJs, streetwear, party, etc.) Shower equipment (gel, shampoo, towels will be at the accommodation, etc.) Glasses, contact lenses, fluid if needed Medication if needed Pocket money Phone charger Things for your national evenings & workshops