A training course called Not a Waste of Time! took place in Bakuriani, Georgia between 24-30 September. Read the report below to see how it went:
DAY 1: On Tuesday at 2PM we all met near metro station Rustaveli. Afterwards we got on the bus to drive 3 hours to Bakuriani. Arriving at our hotel , we got greeted by the dogs. In the evening we had our first dinner together and already got to know each other a little bit.
DAY 2: On the first full day of the project, we started the day by having breakfast together. This day was dedicated to getting to know each other more with a few fun games. As well we talked about our fears & expectations and skills. At the end of the day, we took a walk together. Where we talked about the 8 key competences of the Youthpass and how we can use them in our local communities.
DAY 3: The next day we learned about learning through games. We got a few examples, including a board game with questions around our environment which we played in small groups. Afterwards the participants got together in their country group (Azerbaijan, Georgia, France, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Poland) to prepare a presentation. The task was to talk about what the biggest issue for the environment in their countries is. For some it was the big amount of trash in the ocean, for others that the recycling is not working properly. Every group made informational posters about it. For the evening we had planned a cultural night, where every country had the opportunity to present themselves. In the big conference room each country had their own table. Where they had laid out food and pictures and of course drinks from their homeland. Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan showed their traditional dances. The day ended by eating and dancing together.
DAY 4: On the fourth day of the project the plan was to go for a hike. The group left at 10 to go the Bakuriani ski resort. After 4 km and a steep climb the picnic spot was reached. After the restful break surrounded by a few dogs , the weather crossed the plans of the group to climb higher
DAY 5: On Saturday a mosaic art workshop was on the program. The day before our participants already prepared the materials and made sketches. The art was created out of home waste, so for example water bottles, old paper, or metal cans. The whole day was dedicated to making the pieces and afterwards, there was a reflection about the day, for the youth pass. Furthermore this night was the big Georgian night including a festive supra. With khachapuri, lobiani, barbecue , wine and a lot of other good culinaries. Everyone enjoyed it a lot.
DAY 6: On the second to last day of the project the plan was to make scarecrows with waste. Our participants had in the beginning some time, to sort the waste they wanted to use and then they got started in their groups. At first it was important to make a sketch and then to prepare the materials. With time, every group got a wood model to set up the scarecrows. The process of making involved a lot of cutting, gluing, sewing and wrapping around. Everyone had a lots of fun and were proud of their results. At the end the scarecrows got in good hands buy a farmer and the hotel our participants stayed at.
DAY 7: Sadly we already arrived on our last day. The day was all about dissemination of the results. Our youth workers got together in their country groups and came up with workshops, which they will do with their local communities. The whole team was very thankful and happy to our participants but as well to our hosting hotel, that everything went so great. The day ended with an evaluation of the week and one of the Polish participants who made a little closing ceremony. It was an educational and fun week, again a big thank you to everyone.