A Summer of Community: 21 Youth Workers Unite for Inclusive Transformation
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by
INPRO
As the summer drew to a close, twenty-one passionate youth workers from Ukraine, Hungary, Georgia, Slovakia, and Poland gathered in Rzeszów, Poland, for an unforgettable Erasmus+ training course called “Inclusive Neighborhoods: Transforming Communities” that challenged their understanding of community and ignited their passion for inclusivity.
The program’s opening question, “What is a community?” set the stage for a week of profound discussions. The diverse perspectives of participants from different countries, each with unique cultural and societal experiences, enriched the conversation, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the community and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Collaboration Fuels Inclusive Transformation
Just as a community thrives on collaboration, the program itself was a testament to the power of teamwork. INPRO partnered with four local organizations in each participating country:
Ужгородський національний університет – Ukraine,
Mustárház IITI – Hungary
Umbrella • ამბრელა – Georgia
Youthfully Yours SK – Slovakia
Over the week, the youth workers delved into the essence of community, examining existing structures, identifying needs and challenges, and envisioning inclusive communities that empower all individuals. They defined their community, established its priorities, and brainstormed concrete strategies to implement their vision in their respective cities.
Recognizing Our Differences: The Foundation of Inclusiveness
At the heart of the program lay the recognition that inclusivity begins with understanding and embracing our differences. The participants learned to appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to a community, recognizing that these differences are not a source of division but rather a source of strength and innovation.
As the program concluded, the participants expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to engage in this meaningful exchange. Tomiris, one of the participants, aptly summarized the experience, saying, “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to end the summer than participating in this project!”
This program served as a powerful reminder that communities are not just geographical entities; they are the tapestry of relationships, shared values, and collective aspirations that bind us together. By embracing our differences and working together, we can transform our communities into spaces of inclusivity, where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the collective good.
