Armenia Follow-Up

1st Follow-Up Activity

Participants from Armenia Madlen, Arpi,Astghik, Ellen, Bella, Robert, Mariam, and Albert made their follow-up activity in Yeghvard, Terev Resto Cafe in Armenia 

On October 21, we did the follow-up activity in Yeghvard city, Terev Resto Café, which is a social enterprise and we did our dissemination events there in order to boost youth participation in the mentioned region. In the beginning of the activity, our group leader and project manager presented our NGO and what we are doing, then she introduced Erasmus+ opportunities for young people and how they can take part in projects like this.After this, one of the participants, Ellen, introduced the project "Embrace Your Voice" in detail, including all the activities we did in Cyprus, the objectives of the project, and the outcome. Then Bella introduced some of the activities that we did in Pissouri, like vocal activities, debate groups, etc.. After this, all participants did some outdoor energizer activities with local young people so that they could get to know each other better. After the follow-up activity, the local young people had personal discussions about the project details and logistics with our participants. With this follow-up activity, we could make the project more visible and promote Erasmus+ opportunities among young people.

2nd Follow-Up Activity

Ellen, Robert and Mariam also did the 2nd follow up activity in their high school in Yeghvard (Number 1 high school). They showed students the project outcomes and talked about their experience. This way more teenagers got to know about Erasmus+ opportunities at such a young age.

Links for online dissemination. 

What our participants tell about the project 

Madlen:

From 13-21st of October we had a wonderful project in Pissouri, Cyprus together with 48 participants from Poland, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Portugal. During these 7 days we had the chance to explore Pissouri, to get to know each others cultures in most unique ways possible. The organization of the project was very well planned. All logistics were perfect. During the project we were having different non-formal activities like ice-breakers, team-building, simulation activities, activities concerning Youth pass certificate and etc.. Most importantly, during these few days participants got to know the importance of voice and how it affects our environment and the way we perceive things. In the end of the project participants had their speeches on different topics and they just embraced their voices to come up and stand in front of the audience and speak about topics that bothers them. All in all the project was a success as so many young people got new skills and competences as well as lived happy moments together. Thanks to all the organizers and our partner "ACPELIA" for making this into life.

Bella:

The project gave me opportunity to embrace my voice. I was able to express my thoughts without being shy. Making new friends from all over the world was one of my goals. I was feeling safe with them and not scared to share my poems. So grateful had that opportunity while this project. Everyone was so sweet and kind. Also i got to learn something new about my voice and vocal skills. We all embraced our voices and helped each other with that. the activities were incredible, i had opportunity to interact with people from other groups and we did a great team work. I truly appreciate every second i spent with others and i'm grateful to know i have a lot of friends all over the world.

Astghik:

Over the course of 7 days of the project "Embrace Your Voice", we had the opportunity to explore Pissouri and gain unique insights into each other's cultures. The project's organization was meticulously planned, and all logistical aspects ran smoothly. Throughout the project, we engaged in a variety of non-formal activities, including ice-breakers, team-building exercises, simulation activities, and sessions focused on the Youth Pass certificate, among others.

Crucially, these few days allowed participants to grasp the significance of their voices and how they influence our surroundings and perspectives. Towards the end of the project, participants delivered speeches on various topics, fearlessly embracing the opportunity to stand before an audience and address issues that concern them. Overall, the project was a resounding success, equipping many young individuals with new skills and competencies while creating joyful memories together. Grateful for all moments.

Albert:

It was a great achievement for me to participate in this program. The program was very complete and useful. I got acquainted with new cultures, gained friends and new skills. I also learned how to develop, evaluate and use my voice correctly. All the knowledge and experience I received during the program will certainly be used in the rest of my life.

Mariam:

I really enjoyed each that we had during our project. I do like that. The main topic was really connected with the activities that we have done and they were various so we got information from different fields, from different areas that had one related topic and that was really-really good. I enjoyed activities cause also they were giving you change to explore something about you from another point, from another side that you have never think about. Activities give me understanding about the problems that I have during my public speaking and what kind of tricks can I use to make my public speaking or just communicating more effective and more targeting to the group that I want to include in my speech. I got the idea about the information and message that I should give to my audience and how to target my audience, how to choose the audience that will listen and how to deal with them. I love that every participant had the chance to be involved and the community was really safe place for everyone to express themselves and feel free to do that. No one would force you to do something if you do not want that. I like that participants were really well prepared before coming and they had an understanding of the topic. I appreciate the idea that if I was saying something during my reflection, I knew that by the next day not everything but something will be changed and I'll feel more comfortable. By saying something today I was able to change something by tomorrow. I like the coordinators because they were on the same level with us. I got lots of new friends from different countries. I got lots of new ideas. I got lots of new things to think about, so yes I do enjoy the project. It was great for me. I explore a lot of new characters in myself that I didn't have a chance to think about it before. I will miss both the project and the participants that were involved in the project!

Arpi:

As a one leader of Armenian team in the Embrace Your Voice (EMYOUVO) project, I am thrilled to share my experience and the impact it had on both the participants and myself. The project, which took place in Hylatio, Pissouri, Cyprus from 13th to 21st October 2023, aimed to explore the power and potential of the human voice as a fundamental communication tool. Our group consisted of 36 enthusiastic and curious youngsters, aged 16 to 20, from six different organizations, with 12 dedicated leaders who were passionate about guiding and empowering the participants throughout the project. Together, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through non-formal educational activities conducted both indoors and in nature. The main objective of the project was to increase self-awareness and confidence among young people, encouraging them to actively participate in civil society and become more outspoken in any social setting. We wanted to equip the participants with the necessary tools to express themselves authentically and be clearly heard and understood. Under the guidance of our skilled trainers, Kateryna Kulyna and Boghos Avedikian, we delved into various aspects of our voices, including perception, physical characteristics, undertones, and their connection to our body and emotions. Through practical exercises, we learned to tap into our authentic voices and explored the natural palette of undertones within us. This enabled us to communicate more effectively and express ourselves with confidence.

Throughout the project, we also focused on promoting authentic non-violent self-expression and tolerance as crucial elements for building a healthy society. We celebrated the differences between nations, fostering unity through the meeting of diverse cultures and perspectives. The direct participation of young people was encouraged, and we developed essential skills such as creativity, cooperation, and social interaction. Additionally, the project emphasized the importance of mental health and provided us with a better understanding of our own abilities through art therapy. As a leader, witnessing the growth and transformation of the participants was truly inspiring. I observed their increased self-awareness, confidence, and willingness to express themselves. The project created a safe and supportive environment for everyone to embrace their true voices and be unapologetically themselves. In conclusion, the Embrace Your Voice project was a remarkable experience for both the participants and leaders. It left a lasting impact on all of us, empowering us to become active participants in civil society and confidently contribute our unique perspectives. I am grateful to have been a part of this transformative journey and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of all those involved.

Robert:

First of all i want to thank all the organizers for doing hard work and making this project happen. I have learned a lot from this project that I can't even put that in words , but let me seperate some of them. First, this project's tasks gave me a chance to think about myself and understand me better than i used to. I became more confident and only because of that, i started to talk about the things that bothered me, shared my thoughts without fear of getting judged. Secondly, i have found some people who really became this part of my life's era and helped me so much, even though didn't ask them. I met different people and understood some things from their side, which i think is important in our life. Thirdly, i experienced the feeling when u are attached to someone but meantime, u have to let them go,of course this is a sad thing to learn and experience but i am glad that i have experienced because, after time, i will get used to it which i think is going to be part of my life. To conclude, everything was really great i also am aware of culture and i hope that someday i will see the people i met during the project, give them a hug and never let them go especially my team leaders.

Ellen

It was a huge experience for me. I came out from my confort zone and met so many nice people.This project was really important for me after waiting for a long time i got the expected result the program was quite interesting and informative which contributed to the development of my skills the program gave me the opportunity to meet different people who would become a part of my memories During the program, I got to know my hidden sides, overcome my biggest fears and stand firmly on the ground. I enjoyed every second of the program and filled with positive energy that I am ready to do what I have been planning for years. thank you for everyone's work and attitude