„Homeland of freedom” was a project funded by the Erasmus + Programme, implemented between 10th of April and 16th of April 2019, by the Sosnowiec non-governmental organization – Fundacja Aktywni w Europe. The international exchange was attended by young people – a group cooperating with the Foundation, young people from the Lithuanian organization – VsI Inovaciju Biuras and the Hungarian – Pashto Varos Onkormanyzata.
36 people participated in the project, whose main activities took place in Wisla. Each national group consisted of 10 participants aged 15-19 and 2 leaders. The honorary patron of the “Homeland of Freedom” project was taken by the mayor of the city of Wisla – Tomasz Bujok.
The topic of the project was the common history of Lithuania, Poland, and Hungary, in particular, the 100th anniversary of regaining independence. The aim of the project was to acquire new knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes related to its main theme – the history of the countries which the participants of the “Homeland of freedom” came from and the way to freedom and independence. Understanding and deepening these issues and their understanding allowed the youth to appreciate the sacrifices, perseverance, and generosity of their ancestors who during the difficult times for our countries, manifested their involvement to national culture and language and believed in the freedom and independence of our countries.
The project was implemented in English, using non-formal education methods, such as integration games and activities, thematic sessions, city games, meetings with the local community, interactive museum lesson, national evenings, evaluations.
Within the project, the participants visited the Silesian Museum, where during the interactive museum lesson, they got familiar with the historical events that took place in Silesia and aimed at regaining freedom, among others Silesian Uprisings or strikes and protest actions in the Wujek Mine. They took part in a city game, prepared by scouts, related to the theme of the project – freedom, and independence. Participants met with local youth, with whom they created “monuments of associations”, concerning such concepts as independence, freedom, sovereignty or democracy, and also created a time capsule that was ceremonially buried. During the youth exchange, the participants also organized national evenings which gave the opportunity to learn about traditions, culture and regional cuisines.
The weekly meeting was an opportunity for participants to gain new knowledge and new skills, learn about their culture, local culture and make many new international friendships.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact us by e-mail projects projects@inovacijubiuras.lt
