"The Time spent debating is suprinsingly never wasted"

Participation is a fundamental right. Through active participation, young people are empowered to play a vital role both in their own development and in that of their communities, which helps them to learn key life skills, build up knowledge on human rights, active citizenship, as well as to promote positive civic action. To participate effectively, young people must be given the proper tools, such as access to information, and the ability to present their own views.

That has been my approach and the main goal thought all the projects, to serve as mentors and tutors for future active citizens, many events and workshops were conducted, using very diverse methods of non-formal education, so we have a chance to learn from each other and expand our views, one clear example o this kind of events was the Model of UN in which I had the opportunity to participate and share my experience with the the students.

In November of 2021, the Luhansk region UN model was held in Severodonetsk for the fifth year in a row. 40 students from 8 schools of the Luhansk region act as diplomats and represent the interests of 40 states, reenacting the activities of two real UN committees.

The Students discussed a  broad variety of topics concerning today's issues, such as the consolidation of the world community in the prevention of fourth-generation war and the situation of women in the Middle East. Delegates from all countries and republics made interesting proposals, fierce debates and sought consensus for resolutions.

Then we had the chance to discuss all together, the different projects and opportunities available for such an active youth to further develop their interpersonal and professional skills while discovering new countries and cultures. For that, I told them about my own experience with Eramus+ projects and how they change my life.  The students were very engaged, made numerous questions, and they really felt the importance of joining such activities, to be active members of society. 

On the second day evening, our delegates had a diplomatic reception, ball, and tasting of national dishes of the participating countries. where everyone shows their performing skills and of course have a lot of fun. 

For me personally was an amazing event, full of very enthusiastic young people, ready to defend their ideas, and ambitious about their future, events like this really foster this kind of mindset, and help the youth to be ready and achieve their life goals while making a positive impact on their society. 

                                   

 

URBAN TALKS, where active citizens meet.

Last months in Severodonetsk were quite active, with the start of the workshops series "Urban talks", an event designed to discuss and learn about topics that affect our today's society, such as green energy, urban planning, active communication, etc. all that was conducted in an outdoor/ picnic setting which motivated the participants to be engaged and share their ideas.

The first gathering was focused on Green cities and the importance of natural environments around us, and how it affects our life. For that, we gather in the lake park of Severodonetsk where we set our special picnic place. 

Participants were very active and involved in the topics, we started with a series of “speed dating” activities to get to know each other and get into an energetic mood, after that we were set for one of the team-building workshops where the team need to design and built from 0 a half meter tower that could sustain some weight, using only tape and wooden sticks, and English language to communicate.

After some “Pizza break” we continue to the main activity of the day, discussing what facilities and areas a city should have to be good. After the discussion, we were ready to start designing our perfect city that our participants called “Dreamland” for obvious reasons.

We concluded with a series of card games, to relax and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, all the participants were very pleased and happy to attend. They did a real good job and were super involved in all the discussions

The second and third editions followed with similar concept and atmosphere, with the second one focused on Green energy, with help from our local friends from “Garagecraft” which is an initiative dedicated to the reuse of plastic into different objects, they help us to build a 100% working solar panel!  Participants learned about the pros and cons of different kinds of energy production, and how important is to invest in green sources of energy.

The third event was part of the big “festival dumok” or festival of opinion, a series of small conferences and talks about different topics concerning Ukrainian society. Our Urban talks approach the topic of active communication, gathering participants from many different ages and backgrounds everyone worked together to solved the various puzzles and activities. 

In conclusion, these workshops brought people together, opening new topics of discussion, as well as opening the door for future collaboration between participants, and fostering active citizenship among Severodonetsk.

 

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

 

I truly believe in the power behind Malala words, Education is probably the best tool we have to build the world we want. And with that mind-set I embarked myself in my East Ukrainian adventure! Having already previously spend 10 month in central Ukraine, I got the opportunity to take part of the EU aid volunteer program thanks to MONDO and Vostok SOS , as a Senior education expert , in  Severodonetsk. 

 

Soon my activities began to grow, and what in the beginning was just classes, rapidly become very interesting meeting and friendships. I was able to collaborate with three schools in Severodonetsk, my role there was very diverse, I basically became a mentor and coach. We made activities and workshops all of them using creativity and non-informal education methods, about different aspects of life, from active citizenships, politics, human’s rights, culture, arts, science, environment, etc. 

 

 

I tried to make each lessons as personalised as possible to adapt to each and every one of the students, so they can develop their skills and passions (this is very important especially when working with teenagers since they have very different skills, fears, behaviours, etc.) for them to really develop their potential, and understand what they can do to contribute the community and of course to have a healthy and positive lifestyle.

In addition we organised language clubs, on both Spanish and English languages although the main goal of these activities was of course to increase their knowledge of these languages and share cultural topics, in a similar situation as in the schools, these lessons became a gathering point, and a place where many ideas are shared between the participants, since the group is aged mixed the results were great, participants were more proficient on teamwork, planning, public speaking, creativity, they increase their sense of community and their willing to be an active part of it.

Also we got the opportunity to organise special events in collaboration with local volunteers, their aims are to show the differences and similarities between Ukraine and Spain in an informative and fun way (cooking, dancing, singing, etc.) which got extremely popular usually getting the attention of local media popular and of course a big amount of participants ready to learn and have fun!   

Could I ever imagine I would have become a Salsa teacher? Master Chef? Actor? Or learn dances from faraway places like Pakistan or Mexico?

 

 

Well in Severodonetsk it seems everything is possible! I was able to make tons of new friends, from Ukraine and many different countries. Even with the shadow of war behind, they show me the wonders of these lands, incredible places, fun and interesting people, you named it, there is hidden treasure under every corner. 

I have to say even if 5 months seems like a short time, the willing of the people to take full advantage of the opportunities was incredible, and therefore we were able together to create a big impact, and bring a little bit of the “Spanish vibe” to the plains of Donbas.

A lot of people ask me if Ukraine is dangerous , I can say that YES is probably the most dangerous country in the world , once you come you never will want to leave again , you would fall in love with their history traditions culture and of course their people.

My conviction is more than ever with all the amazing people I meet along the way both Ukrainian and other foreigners , working daily very hard, together as a big team that step by step as the quote said , actually are changing the world, and bringing joy, happiness and light to people´s life, at least, they did with mine. Thank you everyone that was part of this journey, and get ready for more and better! До зустрічі!