GO! Exchange program was successfully implemented
The GO! (Good Opportunity!) youth exchange program was successfully implemented from August 2nd to August 8th, 2022 in Kaunas, Lithuania. The program brought together 20 young people from Lithuania and Poland, with each group consisting of 10 participants and 2 facilitators. The program was designed to be seven days long and focused on the application of non-formal education methods and intercultural learning.
The first day was dedicated to getting to know the participants, the goals and objectives of the program, and forming a cohesive team and developing collaboration skills. The second day was focused on intercultural learning and simulations that helped the participants better understand and appreciate different cultures. The third day was spent engaging with members of the local community and contributing to their causes. The fourth day was dedicated to leadership and changing group roles through interactive games. The fifth day was spent discussing youth participation, personal growth, leadership, and good examples. The sixth day was focused on discussing what a young person can do for their community, city, country, and Europe. The seventh day was dedicated to summarizing the results achieved, evaluating them, and planning for future actions, as well as discussing the possibilities of project continuation, and issuing certificates to the participants. The final evening was dedicated to participant self-expression, creativity, and innovation.
Methods applied during the program include: non-formal education methodology through creative activities, group processes, intercultural cooperation simulation activities, methods of promoting social entrepreneurship, intercultural learning, and information presentation in the form of free lectures. On the first day, the program began with breakfast, followed by activities aimed at forming a group and getting to know the participants. Non-formal education methods were applied to help identify the participants’ expectations and motivation. Partner presentations, acquaintance, and ice-breaking games were held. After lunch and rest, the project name and content were presented, and the program was discussed and common ground was established.
The program was filled with interactive and engaging activities that encouraged personal growth, intercultural understanding and teamwork. The project team is proud to have seen the participants take advantage of all the opportunities that the program offered and they are excited to see the positive impact that the program has had on the young people’s lives. The GO! (Good Opportunity!) youth exchange program has been a success in fostering understanding and cooperation between the youth of Lithuania and Poland and the project team is already planning for the next edition.
