NOORTEVAHETUS
Name of the project: Know Your Identity Through Art Youth Exchange
Date: 25th until 31st July 2019
Country/City: Romania / Milcoveni
What was the main topic of the event?
Ivar Janson – Rroma people/culture/identity
Sten Oun – To learn about history and culture of Roma people
Liis Randmae – Roma culture and identity
Maaja Hallik – To learn about Roma art and the stereotypes we put on that culture or any other culture as well.
Andro Valgenberg – The main topic was culture and art of the Roma people but it also covered the issues and situation related to Roma people.
What was the biggest learning moments on the event for you?
Ivar Janson – Behind every face there is unique identity
Sten Oun – Biggest learning moment for me was how easily someone can get motivated from a youth exchange. Had a guy come ask for advice from me how to make a youth exchange, week after the project I found out he has almost everything planned already.
Liis Randmae – I learned a lot about Roma culture and its origins. A personal biggest moment happened when making music near the fire and I suddenly understood that I can and want to sing more.
Maaja Hallik – I learned the most through conversations with group members, from their life experiences.
Andro Valgenberg – Meeting Roma people. I didn’t have much previous experience with Roma people and meeting them definitely helped me to come to a better understanding of Roma people and their challenges.
Do you have any plans to continue active in the field? If yes, what?
Ivar Janson – Perhaps create my own youth exchange
Sten Oun – No, it’s time to focus on formal education again.
Liis Randmae – I would like to continue being active at my daily work and if possible then one day to organize a psychology-art related youth exchange.
Maaja Hallik – I would maybe try out creating a project once with some like-minded people.
Andro Valgenberg – I would love to further participate or organize events linked to topics such as inclusion, stereotypes and Roma people.
Would you recommend it to your friends? I yes, why? If not, why not?
Ivar Janson – I recommend this experience, because it is good chance to meet like-minded people, to discover the world and yourself within.
Sten Oun – Yes, even if you have a bad experience, it’s a experience after all. You’ll still meet the people and see the world. Just best to keep your expectations low.
Liis Randmae – Yes for sure! It is such an easy and awesome opportunity to learn and see the world.
Maaja Hallik – I would, sure! Staying together with a group of people in intense contact for a whole week and have discussions, it really can create a great synergy for all kinds of great new ideas to emerge. Plus it is just a fun experience!
Andro Valgenberg – I recommend it. Living side by side with different people helps to gain better understanding of their position and increases empathy, which is a valuable phenomenon in life.
More comments or anything else you would like to share? You can add here in your own language, if you want!
Maaja Hallik – Just do it!
This Project was financed by European Commission’s Erasmus + Programme