I learnt new techniques for coping with hate situations in daily life…
When I decided to participate in this project, I had specific concerns regarding its multi-phase structure that could cause some difficulties with organisation. After the finished training course, I can definitely confirm that I was unnecessarily worried, and I am very happy to be a part of the “HateBusters!” team.
I have quite a lot of experience in Erasmus projects and I particularly value training course projects. The training in Armenia also did not disappoint me. For over a week, I had a chance to discuss in depth the topics of hatred, hate speech, and marginalised groups in different countries and talk about our personal experiences with participants from more than a dozen countries. I learnt new techniques for coping with hate situations in daily life using the “Forum Theatre” activity as an example. Also, I have very fond memories of the “Living Library” session. We also received a handful of useful tips on how to prepare for our local activities.
It was my third stay in Armenia, but the first one at the end of November. The biggest surprise for me was probably the sight of leaves on trees in Yerevan which was a complete opposite of the Polish winter aura at the time.
As participants, we all agreed that the organisers on the spot were up to the task in terms of both logistics and catering. Nobody complained about local treats, and the huge portions we were served.
It’s worth mentioning the hosting organisation; the members took care of our comfort and the high standard of the classes. They were also eager to meet with us in the evenings to spend some time together in a nice atmosphere. However, nothing would be possible without solid support from the coordinator side – the LEVEL UP Association.
The most challenging for me was participation in the “Living Library” exercise. It is a highly valuable activity, but, at the same time, it requires a significant mental effort.
I am very grateful to all parties involved in the project implementation – for its great preparation in terms of content and organisation – as well as to the participants for our time spent together, also outside of the exercises. A word of praise is also due to the LEVEL UP Association who efficiently coordinated the project preparations and properly motivated us to participate in the whole project actively.
I am looking forward to the local activities in Poland and the concluding seminar in the Netherlands in March 2024.
I definitely recommend international exchanges, especially with the LEVEL UP Association. Compared to my other experiences in such projects, I positively consider the efficient communication with the sending organisation and the quick assistance in organisational matters. The participation in the training course in Armenia was a great opportunity to share experiences in countering hatred. Since the project involved participants from over a dozen countries, I had a unique opportunity to learn more about the countries I have not visited yet. I recommend training courses to my peers. Thanks to the participation of selected and experienced participants, we have the chance to learn something new and expand our network of contacts abroad.
Łukasz, 31 years old, training course, Armenia, Dilijan – “HateBusters! Empowering Youth Workers to Combat Hate Speech”
I was not expecting to meet such a vast range of different people from diverse backgrounds and with experience…
Going to the training course in Armenia (22 – 30.11.2023) I was not expecting to meet such a vast range of different people from diverse backgrounds and with experience in the given subject. I met people working with hate victims on a daily basis as well as people experiencing this phenomenon. Although the participants represented many (18!) countries, we got along well and worked efficiently. We could listen to stories of other people and reflect on their experiences. It has to be mentioned that the hosting organisation did a great job with the project logistics and organisation. Support from LEVEL UP was also helpful in the preparation process!
When it comes to Armenia, you can see post-Sovietism with a naked eye. The communist setup and the predominance of Russian as the mother language among the citizens is very striking. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – more and more European vibe in the Caucasus.
There is nothing more liberating than a journey to an unknown country and meeting a foreign culture and people, while learning, sharing and feeling at home at the same time. Do you need a greater incentive? Everyone should try!
Maciej, 31 years old, training course, Armenia, Dilijan – “HateBusters! Empowering Youth Workers to Combat Hate Speech”
