Between 2024 November 22-28, BAIS volunteers had the privilege of participating in an inspiring Erasmus+ training course focused on human rights education, called “Human Rights Education Through ‘Compass’ Manual.” Hosted in the picturesque town of Sirvintos, Lithuania, the project brought together youth workers, volunteers, and leaders from across Europe to learn, share, and grow. What followed was an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, cultural exchange, and empowerment. 🌎
The heart of the training was the ‘Compass’ manual, a practical guide that simplifies human rights education into engaging and actionable steps. 📖 The ‘Compass’ manual is accessible even for high schoolers or younger audiences, offering activities that make complex topics easy to understand. Through workshops, interactive sessions, and group discussions, participants delved deep into the principles of human rights, their practical implementation, and their importance in daily life.
After the training course finished, the participants selected by BAIS organized 2 workshops, aiming to spread the knowledge they gained during the training course and teach others about human rights education. 💡 As a group, they organized an informative session about the training course in Lithuania and they also organized a human rights workshop, during which they used the ‘Compass’ manual. Both workshops were held online via Zoom, with a total of 12 attendees, including the three organizers. The event drew participants from various parts of the world, making it a truly global experience. 💻🌐
During the first workshop, the participants reflected on their Erasmus+ experience. They recounted their daily schedule during the training, giving a detailed look at how the program was structured. They expressed satisfaction with the balance of the project: participants said they learned a lot, but they also had enough free time (especially in the evening) to get to know the other project participants - this allowed them to make new friends and exchange stories about their countries, fostering mutual understanding and cultural learning. 🤝🌟 One of the standout moments they highlighted was the day of sightseeing in Vilnius, where they immersed themselves in Lithuania's rich history and culture. 🏰 Another favorite was the cultural night, which provided an opportunity to learn about others’ countries and culture while sharing a piece of Hungarian culture. They introduced their fellow participants to a traditional Hungarian dance and brought along popular Hungarian snacks, making the evening both educational and enjoyable for everyone involved. 🎉
The participants also introduced the audience to a few useful websites where they can find Erasmus+ and other volunteering opportunities and they also shared practical tips and encouragement for applying to Erasmus+ projects, highlighting the personal and professional growth these opportunities can offer. Throughout the workshop, the participants inspired attendees by emphasizing the importance of Erasmus+ projects in building global connections and fostering social change. They emphasized the benefits of the project, particularly its impact on soft skill development, such as teamwork, communication, and cultural adaptability. They encouraged everyone to take the leap and apply for similar projects to experience the benefits firsthand. 💻🌐
During the human rights workshop, the participants shared their insights and skills that they gained during the project in Lithuania. The session highlighted the importance of human rights education and creative approaches to engaging diverse audiences. The workshop began with a discussion on the definition of human rights, emphasizing their universality and essential role in everyday life. Participants explained how these rights apply to everyone, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or background. 🌏
A significant portion of the workshop focused on how to teach human rights in accessible and impactful ways. The participants introduced the ‘Compass’ manual, a resource they had used extensively during their Erasmus+ training. They explained that the manual provides clear, step-by-step activities that are easy to follow, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences, including high school and even elementary students. 🎓📚
They also discussed the importance of making human rights education engaging and enjoyable. Through brainstorming and shared experiences, attendees explored how games 🎮, storytelling 📖, and creative methods can be incorporated into lessons to ensure the material resonates with learners. One of their examples on how to make human rights education interesting, was a debate game from the Compass manual. The exercise included questions, like “Do all politicians hold power?” The workshop attendees also tried another exercise from the Compass manual, which was called “I’m good at…” This activity was aimed at fostering self-esteem by encouraging participants to reflect on their strengths while simultaneously demonstrating diversity and solidarity within the group. Through this exercise, attendees gained a deeper appreciation of their own value and the unique qualities others bring to the table. The workshop organizers also introduced an exercise called “Beautiful Benjamin and Lovely Leila” and the workshop attendees tried this exercise as well. This exercise was specifically designed to promote solidarity and mutual respect, helping participants to understand the importance of valuing others beyond surface-level judgments. The activity provided a safe and engaging way to discuss challenging topics related to bias and equality. 💬
At the end of the workshop, the participants expressed their gratitude for the exceptional support and knowledge of the organizers of the Erasmus+ training course. They emphasized how the organizers’ expertise in human rights was crucial for their learning experience. This guidance not only deepened their understanding but also equipped them with the confidence and tools to share their knowledge effectively with others. 🌟✈️❤️
The session concluded with reflections on the significance of human rights education. Attendees left with a greater understanding of the topic and practical strategies to teach human rights in their own communities. The workshop also reinforced the idea that education, when approached with creativity and inclusivity, has the power to drive meaningful change. ✨
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