Malta

On Monday, 19th February, we the maltese participants shared our experience of the Erasmus+ project 'Get Out of Your Comfort Zone' with a group of youths and youthleaders of a Catholic Action community, called ŻAK- Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika, at their meeting place in Ħal Tarxien, Malta. Along with these participants there was also our NGO coordinator, of I-Help who gave a brief information about the NGO and projects which this NGO members take part in along with other European partners. She explained the many opportunities there are for youths to take part in various Erasmus + projects with different organisations from different countries around Europe, for self-development but also to grow culturally, integrating with people from different backgrounds and cultures and become better citizens.

We gave an introduction on what this project was about, who organised it, where it took place and what it involved. Then we continued by asking the participants what 'comfort zone' means for them, and some of them shared their opinions with us. As to break the ice and to give them a taste of the fun energisers we had during the training, we did with them the first name game we had in which we had to repeat the names and moves of all the members in the circle and then to invent our own move while saying our name. They found it very interesting and fun and also a bit challenging even though most of them knew each other. We went on explaining in brief what we learned from this project, mentioning the process we all need to go through when we are considering getting out of our comfort zones, through the list we make with possible failures and possible positive outcomes. We explained the difference between having a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. We mentioned the activity where we learned about different entrepreneurs who through them we understood that we should turn our failures or obstacles in life into success or positive contributions to our society.

Through showing some photos from the training, on a PowerPoint presentation, we could explain some of the other activities we had which included self-reflection, pair sharing, group sharing, group works, discussions, debates and creativity. We shared with the participants that the training was full of activities which encouraged us to come out of our shell which helped us get to know ourselves better and also each other. We then passed to the practical part of the meeting. We wanted to let the participants experience some of what we experienced so we did with them some of the Active Listening activities. We did the one where they had to find a partner, and tell each other what makes them really happy while the other asks 'why....why...why'. They  understood that this helped the one listening to really care for what the other was saying and showed interest, while it helped the one who was talking to reflect deeper on what he was saying. They agreed that this required getting out of their comfort zone.

We then did the activity where again they had to find a partner, and they had to tell each other what their goals for this year were. Then they had to find a different partner and tell each other the goals of the person they spoke to before. They found this interesting and agreed that it was a bit challenging to remember all what the other person told them and they understood that this also required to feel confident sharing personal desires with others and also paying attention to what others tell you.

As a last activity we did the Circles Challenge. They found this also interesting and understood that to be creative also means to have a growth-mindset and that you are not afraid to let your imagination flow and to go out of the box in various situations. We concluded this meeting by showing them some pictures from Wroclaw to share with them that we also had time to visit the city and also told them about the nice Intercultural Nights we had during the evenings. We were happy that all the participants understood the concept of Getting out of your comfort zones and they also became interested in taking part in Erasmus+ projects in the future.

Links for online dissemination

Evaluation Paragraphs from participants

Isabel 

As a summary, I would like to thank all the organisers of this project because they really planned everything well. Prior to the training, I could feel they were well organised because we had been receiving the training program and other important details since long before January. Communication between each other started early through Facebook and then also WhatsApp, and also through the online meeting we had a few days before the training. This helped me feel really well prepared.During the training days, every instruction was given out clearly and we also had the opportunity to decide some things about the program together.We used to have enough time for activities and also to rest or spend some leisure time. I also used to appreciate the reflection time we had every evening because it used to help me reflect on what I learned during the day and also learn from the other participants' reflections. It also helped me overcome my fear of sharing my thoughts with others in a group. I could notice that I felt more confident in doing this as the days went by.Personally, what I did not like during the training days was that, as of the fourth day, partying at night was allowed until even after 1 am. I know that most young people do not mind staying up late even if they have to wake up early in the morning, but as for me, since I could still hear them from my room, I could not sleep peacefully. Also, I was afraid some would get seriously drunk and I do not like that (I know I worry too much). So, I would have appreciated it if the rule of partying until 12am was kept until the end. Having said this, I understand that I am older than most of the other participants and partying is not my style, so I know that this could be the reason why I was a bit irritated.

Something else that is also nice is that we are uploading our feedback and follow up activities here in the shared folder because, through this, we are keeping connected and also learning from each other's evaluations and sharing of experiences.It is also nice that we kept the WhatsApp group chat so that we can stay in touch as a group, when we want to.Thank you once again and keep it up!On January 2, 2024, I got the opportunity to participate in an ERASMUS + group project held in Wroclaw, Poland. This was the beginning of another wonderful project that I attended, thanks to Stowarzyszenie OPEN SOUL, who organized and hosted this project in collaboration with ACPELIA, during which we had 6 days full of interesting and fruitful activities that helped me reflect on how we can get out of our comfort zone. Every day, we begin with a movement and energizer activity to wake up and motivate ourselves for the day ahead.Everyone was involved in some manner in the activities we had. Getting out of our comfort zone, we had debates, opportunities to express our thoughts and creativity, work in small groups, and connect more with other participants from other nations. It was really beneficial to believe more in ourselves and the differences that exist between us.Aside from that, we had intercultural nights, which were excellent for learning about other countries' cultures, traditions, and must-see destinations. It was a wonderful and amazing event for me, with so much interesting advice on how to GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE and share this experience with others I know.
Something else that is also nice is that we are uploading our feedback and follow up activities here in the shared folder because, through this, we are keeping connected and also learning from each other's evaluations and sharing of experiences.It is also nice that we kept the WhatsApp group chat so that we can stay in touch as a group, when we want to.Thank you once again and keep it up!

Karen

On January 2, 2024, I got the opportunity to participate in an ERASMUS + group project held in Wroclaw, Poland. This was the beginning of another wonderful project that I attended, thanks to Stowarzyszenie OPEN SOUL, who organized and hosted this project in collaboration with ACPELIA, during which we had 6 days full of interesting and fruitful activities that helped me reflect on how we can get out of our comfort zone. Every day, we begin with a movement and energizer activity to wake up and motivate ourselves for the day ahead.Everyone was involved in some manner in the activities we had. Getting out of our comfort zone, we had debates, opportunities to express our thoughts and creativity, work in small groups, and connect more with other participants from other nations. It was really beneficial to believe more in ourselves and the differences that exist between us.Aside from that, we had intercultural nights, which were excellent for learning about other countries' cultures, traditions, and must-see destinations. It was a wonderful and amazing event for me, with so much interesting advice on how to GET OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE and share this experience with others I know.

Beaumont Cassar 

Reflecting on my experience with the "OPEN SOUL" organization and the activities held in Poland, I find it to be an eye-opening journey. It marked my first venture to a foreign country independently, accompanied by a group of unfamiliar faces who shared the voyage with me. The hospitality extended by the organization throughout our stay in Poland was commendable, ensuring our comfort and well-being from our arrival until our departure. Participating in such an adventure for the first time was incredibly enjoyable, and it has left me eagerly anticipating similar experiences in the future. These experiences undoubtedly facilitate personal growth by pushing one beyond their comfort zone. Regarding the activities, most of them occurred at the Bolko Osrodek Turystyczny hotel in Klodzko, Poland. Throughout the trip, I gained valuable insights into teamwork, effective communication, and leadership. Understanding the perspectives, fears, and contributions of team members, as well as reflecting on my own goals in life, were particularly enlightening experiences. The camaraderie forged during the trip was memorable. Receiving the certificate for stepping out of our comfort zones was a gratifying conclusion to our endeavors. In conclusion, meeting new friends and immersing myself in diverse cultures was a rewarding experience. I only wish we had more time to delve deeper into the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these remarkable places. I look forward to future adventures and the opportunity to explore more countries with the same spirit of curiosity and respect.

Marcel

My experience: My experience of this Project was quite pleasant and beautiful. I liked meeting everyone and also seeing snow again was amazing. I went this time with my country Malta along with 3 other youth workers Karen, Isabel and Beaumont. Yes, the travelling was a bit of a pain. Get out was a great memory for me. I learnt a lot of new techniques from this experience like active listening which will also help in my further work life. I also learnt about a amazing subject which was trusting another person!!! I also met loads of awesome and amazing people which i wish to stay in contact with. Thanks to the whole team and the other participants!

My learning experiences: We had a lot of activities like Trust building and Creativity. In the trust building activity, my partner was Rafaela. It was a great experience and it taught me how to trust another person. I also learnt how to use my brain to get creative and also to act and write stories and also to do research. It basically taught me to get out of my small comfort zone and to open up!!! My favorite activity was the Miming and the Powerful chair which was very,very funny!!! I learned how looks and feelings can make something more powerful than it actually is and to work well in a team along with others. I also learned about other people and that building relationships is important to live. Also i learned that first impressions are lasting impressions and that friends made stay friends for life. I also noticed that some people have difficulties getting out of their shell and opening up. But that was what it was all about so it was important to build trustworthy relationships with other people and to work together to overcome these issues and find common ground to better understand other people. We also did a lot of writing and we learned a lot about other cultures too and about food!!! And we learnt to hate Potatoes!!!

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