During the last week of June, a diverse group of participants from Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Poland gathered in Rzeszów to take part in an enriching Erasmus+ training course focused on community engagement.
The first day was dedicated to getting to know one another and exploring the new environment. Participants took part in dynamic games and activities that helped build connections which would last throughout the week. A city tour introduced the guests to Polish culture and the rich history of Rzeszów.
On the second day, the group arrived at the workshop venue where a large white sheet with the word “Community” written on it awaited them. Participants were asked to fill it with their own definitions of community, which served as the starting point for a lively discussion. The exercise showed how different backgrounds and perspectives shape the way people understand community, while at the same time highlighting shared values. Despite differences in identity, culture, and skills, participants realized that community ultimately brings people together. Together they discussed and analyzed various social challenges and possible ways to address them.
In the afternoon, INPRO organized an Open Mic session, during which participants shared their perspectives on community engagement through a moderated discussion. It was also an opportunity for them to exchange stories about their own communities and cultures.
On Wednesday, Mariem, an INPRO volunteer, led a workshop about the role of content and social media in community engagement. Through a series of activities, participants explored their creativity and learned how to adapt their messages using different forms of communication and creative constraints.
Later that evening, participants joined INPRO’s flagship event, Open Café, where they engaged in a discussion with members of the local community in Rzeszów on the topic of “regret.” One participant noted that the topic was perfectly chosen — because he would definitely regret not having taken part in this training course.
On the fourth day, the group participated in workshops that truly tested their adaptability and teamwork skills. Participants created fictional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and developed them while facing various changes, such as team reshuffles and shifting organizational goals. After overcoming these challenges, participants reflected on the values that build and strengthen communities, sharing their personal experiences and insights.
After lunch, it was time for action. The group took part in a city challenge game, where they had to interact with members of the local community while completing different tasks. One of the challenges involved creating an advertisement for a new urban initiative, revealing the hidden acting talents of some participants.
On the final day, participants travelled to Łańcut, where after visiting the historic castle they gathered in the gardens for the closing of the training course. During the final reflection session, participants evaluated their experience through an interactive activity, sharing what stood out most about each other during the week.
This training course not only deepened participants’ understanding of community engagement, but also created lasting connections between people from different backgrounds, united by a common goal: making a positive impact on their communities.
