Dissemination (Italy)

"How did I end up in Romania for 10 days… in the winter? 🙅🏾‍♀️❄️

I joined “NextGen: YouthPreneurs”, a project funded by Erasmus+, organized by @initiative.sociale 🇷🇴 and supported by @scambieuropei 🇮🇹.

Over 10 days in Vatra Dornei, we explored what it means to think like an entrepreneur—visiting local businesses, learning to pitch ideas, and connecting with young people from across Europe.

My favorite part? Visiting local entrepreneurs, hearing about their missions, their challenges, and seeing how they turn ideas into reality. It was a great reminder that behind every business is a story of passion and perseverance. 🛠️✨

From snowstorms to business plans, tasting local delicacies to brainstorming, this exchange was a mix of challenges, growth, cultural exchange and unforgettable moments. 🌍

🚀 If you’re under 30 and haven’t joined an Erasmus+ project yet, you’re missing out. These programs are free, enriching, and life-changing.

Would you try it?" - Fatima

"I took a Meet video call with people that didn’t know about Erasmus+. Since this was my first Youth Exchange, I decided to just describe what I did in 10 days in the project, explaining my experience from the first moments, trying to explain how to choose the best one, how to apply and what are the types of activities.

I also explained what an infopack is and I described “Initiative Sociale” and its role in the project as an NGO.

At first people were more interested in the evening parties, but after hearing that “Lions by night, Lions by morning” they became interested about the activities, not too much for the type, but for the method, because non-formal learning is uncommon.

In conclusion I think that this type of project isn't so well-known among young people, but when they know they become very interested in participating. Of course this was also my reaction when I learned about Erasmus+ and now that I had my first experience I also feel the urge to make people aware of these fantastic opportunities. Also, looking at these memories after a month made me feel a bit nostalgic and sad, because it was a wonderful experience, and people in video call said that they can feel it from the way I told them about the project." - Giorgio

"I made a reel with some of the videos that were taken during the project and that showed what we did.

What I wanted to promote with this content is the fact that my experience was very positive, for the topics addressed and for the people met, In addition, as you can well read from the description I wanted to sensitize my followers on what is the Erasmus project and recommend them.

What I achieved with all this was that for all those who were skeptical and had questions about what I would do during the project they could have an answer, and everyone else could know the project.

In conclusion, even almost a month after the end of the project I still feel charged with the energy that I could receive from all the participants. In addition I am much more attentive to all the concepts that I have learned about business and I am trying to put them into practice in the place where I work. I think that the project I have experienced is one of the most beautiful things that have happened to me this year and I definitely want to do another project like this in the future because I realized that being with other people and also help them reach their goals is beautiful. I hope to see everyone again in the future, thanks to you as host association because you were great." - Pietro

"My dissemination activity on social networks consists of a reel featuring a selection of moments, photos, and videos related to the project, along with a description of the activities carried out and their impact on me. Additionally, although not implemented yet, I plan to create a highlight album of stories sharing all the daily posts from the "Initiative Sociale" page. The first post was highly appreciated by participants, my followers, who asked me for more information, and the algorithm, which rewarded it with 4.5K views.

I believe this post was a great hook to promote the project among the people I know, an opportunity to tell them what an Erasmus+ project is and to bring them closer to this topic. Most of the work, of course, is not visible, but I’ve been helping my younger siblings and friends submit applications to ensure they don’t discover these opportunities too late, as I did.

The reel performed well with 4.5K views, 77 likes, 41 comments, 12 shares, and good watchtime.

Additionally, I noticed several of my memes circulating on participants’ pages. We could add my logo and the NGO’s logo to brand them and encourage wider sharing." - Andrea

Dissemination (Portugal)

"During our conversation, I shared the entrepreneurship techniques we learned, such as creating a business idea and critical thinking, the ability to communicate with an audience, as well as ways to turn an idea into a project that can generate profits and be sustainable. Additionally, I mentioned that I became familiar with the challenges an entrepreneur faces on a daily basis, since building an idea to developing the final product.

I also highlighted that we participated in several group activities to put into practice the various techniques that were shared to create and develop a business project and make a promotional video.

I mentioned that,  the study visits we did were amazing, because gave us the opportunity to meet different entrepreneurs and learn about their businesses.

Additionally, I talked about the intercultural nights, where the participants had the opportunity to present the realities, cultures, and gastronomy of their countries—Portugal, Italy, Romania, Spain, Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. I said that these evenings were incredibly fun and interactive.

 I told that beyond the entrepreneurship topics, the project offered an enriching cultural, linguistic, digital, and soft skills exchange, based on non-formal learning.

This Erasmus experience was extremely important for me, both personally and in the field of entrepreneurship." - Andreia

"I decided to disseminate the project to three friends who I think are important because they are interested in projects, and I introduced them to the organization Asociația Inițiative Sociale. I explained the structure of the programme and highlighted how the facilitators managed to organize and develop the activities over the course of the days. I mentioned the attention they showed to us, their concern for our well-being and the way they cultivated in us a sense of responsibility and rigor, both in the activities and in our overall participation in the project.

To give them a more complete picture of the experience, I described the space where we were staying, mentioning the facilities on offer, such as the restaurant, the social areas and the spaces dedicated to activities. I also told them about the activity room, where we did most of the activities, and the quiet room, which although it was quieter, also had a space for socializing with a table tennis table.

I introduced them to some of the specific activities we carried out throughout the project, including our group presentations, which were key to sharing ideas and experiences about entrepreneurship and skills development.

One of the other most enriching moments I mentioned were the cultural evenings, in which each participating country had the opportunity to present its culture, cuisine and traditions. Iexplained how these evenings were a highlight of the project, as they allowed us to get to know our colleagues better, try different flavors and deepen our knowledge of different cultures.

I also shared with my friends my experience of getting to know Romanian culture. I showed them photos of the day we spent getting to know local businesses, which gave us a better understanding of the reality of entrepreneurship in Romania and the importance of innovation and resilience in the business world. 

To enhance this sharing, I brought them some typical Romanian souvenirs and chocolates, so they could get a taste of the culture." - Beatriz F

"During the conversation with my friends I showed them the drive with the photos and activities we did. I shared the entrepreneurship techniques I leraned as well as the activities we did to create our own businesses and present them to other participants. I talked about the visits we made to local businesses, which were quite interesting and dynamic. I also showed the advertisements that we all did and that it was an incredible job and that I really enjoyed doing it.

It provided us with practical tools, key competencies, and a strong support network to tackle the challenges of this market. Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and international collaboration, we had the opportunity to enhance not only our technical abilities but also crucial soft skills like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork." - Claudia

"To disseminate this project, I made a post on my Instagram, the social network that I use the most, and also were I have most of my youth friends who might be more interested in finding out about Erasmus + projects.

The post includes eight images of activities we did in the project and also of the landscape, trying to show to the people around me that more than the theme of the project is about getting to know different cultures and also most of all getting to know ourselves better in the process.

In addition to the dissemination on social media, I also spoke about this project to several friends in my work, as this topic is so current and urgent it was easy to capture the attention of several of my friends, this way I was able to share the skills I learned with them." - Diogo

"I had the opportunity to explain what we did in Romania and how was the experience. I said something like: Between 14 and 24 of November, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project in Romania, focused on entrepreneurship and non-formal education. This 10-day journey was not only a chance to expand my knowledge but also to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore innovative learning methodologies.

The project was structured around workshops, team activities, and interactive sessions, all designed to teach us about entrepreneurship through non-formal education techniques. Each day brought new insights, starting with ice-breaking activities to foster team spirit and moving on to brainstorming sessions, group challenges, and discussions about real-world business scenarios. These activities were designed to enhance our creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities, all while having fun and learning in an engaging way.

One of the highlights of the program was the opportunity to design and present our own entrepreneurial ideas. Working in international teams, we tackled challenges such as creating sustainable business models, pitching ideas effectively, and managing resources. It was inspiring to see how each participant contributed their unique perspective, and it truly demonstrated the power of collaboration and diversity.

In addition to the educational aspects, we also explored Romanian culture through cultural evenings, local cuisine, and guided tours of the surrounding area. These experiences added a rich layer of cultural exchange to the project, making it even more memorable.

Upon returning, I was eager to share what I had learned with my community. I organized an offline dissemination session with friends in my house (Madeira Island), where I explained the activities and methodologies used during the project. We discussed the importance of entrepreneurship, the benefits of non-formal education, and how these tools can be applied in our daily lives. I also took this opportunity to encourage them to participate in future Erasmus+ projects with me, highlighting how such experiences contribute to personal and professional growth.

This Erasmus+ project was a life-changing experience. It not only expanded my horizons but also allowed me to inspire others to seek similar opportunities. I am deeply grateful for this adventure and look forward to participating in future Erasmus+ projects! 🙂" - Luisa

Dissemination (Poland)

"Social media posts about our Erasmus project highlighted key milestones and achievements throughout our entrepreneurial journey. We shared insights on brainstorming sessions, team collaboration, and the development of our business idea, describing the phases from concept to implementation. Posts showed the stages of research and planning, including market analysis and creating a business model. We also highlighted workshops on financial planning, marketing strategies, and product design. The social media posts also highlighted the strong sense of community and the new friendships formed throughout the Erasmus project. As we collaborated across borders and cultures, personal connections flourished alongside professional ones. Participants shared moments of cultural exchange, team-building activities, and celebrations of achievements, all of which helped strengthen bonds. These new friendships not only enriched our project experience but also expanded our global network, fostering ongoing collaboration beyond the project’s conclusion. The posts reflected how the shared journey of entrepreneurship brought us closer together, bridging cultural gaps and creating lasting relationships that will continue to inspire future endeavors

The Erasmus project focused on creating a business provided invaluable insights into both the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. One key takeaway was the importance of a collaborative approach, as working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries led to innovative solutions and broadened perspectives. Additionally, the project underscored the need for a clear business plan, adaptability, and effective communication. It highlighted the role of creativity in problem-solving, as well as the significance of market research to understand customer needs. Through real-world applications, participants gained practical experience in handling business logistics, marketing strategies, and financial planning, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a growth mindset. Furthermore, cultural differences and varying approaches to risk and decision-making were valuable lessons, as they promoted greater understanding of global business dynamics. Overall, the Erasmus project provided a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that encouraged entrepreneurship and global networking, equipping participants with essential skills to pursue their own business ventures in the future." - DGT Polska

 

"These were 10 magical days spent on this amazing Erasmus+ project. The project itself provided an opportunity to gain knowledge in developing entrepreneurial skills and running your own business.

I was able to learn many new and interesting things here, and I also met incredible people who shared a part of their culture with me and opened my eyes to new perspectives in life. Also I had a lot of fun with many people here!

I am grateful to everyone I had the chance to join on this beautiful adventure, as well as to the leaders for skillfully guiding us all through the project.

Thank you @initiative.sociale for this opportunity 🙏🏻.

Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to explore new parts of the world and meet wonderful souls.

I will miss you all!

The Universe Loves You 👁️" - Jakub

"During these 10 days, I’ve learned so much about business stuff, but not only just that, I’ve also learned a lot about myself. All of the people I’ve met and every perspective they shared with me helped me understand my goals even more than I did before this project. It was an amazing experience to get to know these people and I can’t wait to see them all again. 

Thank you @initiative.sociale for this opportunity, it was a pleasure to work with you! 

Love and miss yall!!!" - Alicja

"Erasmus+ project Romania, Varta Dornei

This was my third project and so far this one was the best one I met a lot of wonderful people, thank u every one for being there

I hope we can meet someday or maybe in another life" - Jan

"Always embrace the opportunities that come your way.

This mindset led me to a truly enchanting place in the Romanian mountains, where I had the privilege of spending 10 unforgettable days with an incredible group of 55 individuals from 8 different countries. Together, we not only deepened our understanding of entrepreneurship but also forged meaningful connections that I will cherish forever. The experience was filled with sleepless nights and vibrant days, a whirlwind of learning and camaraderie that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

A heartfelt thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska for creating such a remarkable experience for all of us." - Radek

"Feeling empty after this adventure, I saw many reflections in people eyes, many inspirations. i believe by meeting new people we meet ourselves more, and now i can say I’m closer to myself. this project made me realize there are so many conversations to make, so many new life perceptions to know, so many cultures to explore..and all this is still ahead of me. to every scared soul who is afraid of starting sth new :just do it anxiously and scared thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska to be a part of the Erasmus+project “YouthPreneurs”. i’m so grateful for that opportunity and believe to have lots of more in the future. hope to see you guys in this lifetime again!" - Kinga

"Beyond seven mountains and seven forests, in the heart of beautiful Romania, 55 people from 7 countries have come together to immerse themselves in the culture of this remarkable country and experience its unpredictable weather. They’re having an amazing time, even though vampires remain nothing more than a legend. The moments spent in Vatra Dornei will surely stay with them for long time!!

Thanks to @initiative.sociale and @dgt.polska I had opportunity to be a part of the Erasmus+ project „YouthPreneurs.” During this time, we focused on gaining knowledge about entrepreneurship. We worked on our business ideas, learning how to promote and sell them. A lot of hard work, great times spent together, and amazing people! ❄️❣️" - Amelie

Dissemination (Türkiye)

Throughout our Erasmus+ youth exchange project focused on entrepreneurship, we had various opportunities to share our experiences and insights with our communities. Each of us contributed to the dissemination process using different methods and platforms. The primary goal was to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and its significance in today's world, especially for young people.

Denise Hilal Şener - Made an Instagram post with an article about her experience in the youth exchange.

"I made an Instagram post with many photos from the project and with an article explaining my experiences in the youth exchange."

Melek Uğurcan + Yaren Coşkunlar - Had a zoom meeting with friends and mentioned about both of their experiences and knowledge they had during the project. 

"We opened a zoom meeting and invited our friends who live around us and far away. We conveyed our entrepreneurial experiences gained by the project with photos and visuals.We introduced the souvenirs we received from the enterprises we visited during the project and from those enterprises. We presented the activities carried out during the project, our games and the experiences gained in the form of a slide show."

Yusuf Ali Somuncu - prepared a presentation using visual content to his friends at the university and talked about his experiences in the project.

" I have made my dissemination face to face with my friends and on my class. I have talked about the opportunities that erasmus+ provides to youth and the NGO’s supporting them. I mentioned the benefits skills and competencies that I adopted. All in all I have spread the good news to my environment and hoped to gain them a new view."

Gökhan Yılmaz -  prepared a Facebook post, told people around him about Erasmus opportunities, and supported Yusuf's presentation by providing information about the project to his friends at the university.

"I shared a Facebook post about the Erasmus+ youth exchange project in Vatra Dornei, Romania, focused on entrepreneurship. The post highlighted key activities like team-building, creating business ideas during “Youthpreneurs in Action,” and the study visit to explore local entrepreneurship. The post summarized these and showcased the project’s impact with photos and engaging details."

Merve Nur Sezer -  disseminated the information she gained from the project on LinkedIn.

"Dissemination was done through social media. Activities related to the event were explained. Entrepreneurship was the main element. Nonformal method and digitality were used. The project was shared with other people and they also contributed to the planning of such an event. The idea of entrepreneurship for our future lives was created and my self-confidence increased by motivating me." 

Emre Akyıldız - prepared a content to share on Facebook and shared it with the people around him.

"I shared a dissemination post on Facebook, including photos from the different activities we participated in during the project and my feedback about the experience."

Dissemination (Bulgaria)

"At the pedagogical conference, which was held in the presence of teachers and students, we presented the results of the project in which we participated. The presentation was organized in such a way that it was not only informative, but also created an atmosphere of friendly dialogue. At the beginning, we talked about the cultural evenings that we organized and how they went. We shared what tasks we had received during the project and how each of us fulfilled them with desire and diligence. The presentation was extremely dynamic and included a lot of visual materials, such as the films that we created in teams. Each team presented their films, which were the result of joint work, as well as the research and creative ideas that we put in.

Then we showed the audience photos from the visits to local businesses that were part of the project. This was one of the most exciting parts of the presentation, as we showed what we learned about the local economy and how these visits helped us expand our understanding of business and entrepreneurship. Not only did we learn new facts, but we also saw how small businesses in the region are developing and what challenges they face in their daily work.

During our presentation, we also shared our emotions and impressions from the project. It was extremely interesting to talk about our personal experiences, as well as what we learned about ourselves and the world around us. We all agreed that the project was not only an opportunity to expand our knowledge, but also a chance to develop new skills and get acquainted with different cultures and perceptions.

At the end of the presentation, we held a short discussion in which all participants expressed their opinions on how the project helped develop their knowledge and skills. We agreed that the project was extremely useful in rewarding our diligence and rewarding the results of our work, motivating us to continue improving and looking for new opportunities for development.

The presentation of the project in our school was not only an important milestone for us, but also an inspiring experience that revealed the enormous potential of this European initiative. After the presentation, we all realized how much impact the project has on the development of students and teachers, as well as on schools as institutions. Our main goal was to inform and motivate our classmates to get involved in the project by showing them the variety of opportunities it offers.

We gathered around the idea that the project is not just a curriculum, but a platform for personal and professional growth, through which students can gain new skills, get to know different cultures and broaden their perspective. The presentation showed that participation in the project is an opportunity not only to gain academic knowledge, but also to develop social and intercultural skills, which are essential in a globalized world.

Of course, we cannot ignore some of the challenges that exist for project participants, such as financial constraints and language barriers. It was important for us to emphasize that the project provides financial assistance and support, which makes the program accessible to more students, regardless of their social or economic status. In conclusion, our presentation of the project at school was successful not only because it informed our classmates, but also because it motivated many to consider participating in future international exchange programs. We are sure that with each passing year, more and more students will take advantage of the opportunities of the project and actively participate in building a more connected and tolerant world.

In addition to the acquired new knowledge and skills, participation in this youth exchange left the group from the Vocational High School with unforgettable memories, pleasant emotions and new friendships with participants from Turkey, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Poland, Czech Republic."

All of this happened with the support of Bulgarian partner (Future Humans).

Dissemination (Spain)

A meeting of friends was held to describe what ERASMUS is all about, the experiences we have had together and what we have learned. - Alberto

The Erasmus+ experience in Romania, aimed at young entrepreneurs, was explained at the meeting. The different activities carried out, such as cultural evenings and presentations, were also discussed. I told them about the NGOs and how to apply for Eramus+ projects. The conclusion is that they found it a very interesting project and will apply for similar projects. - Rocio

"In November, I had the opportunity to participate in  a Erasmus+ in my country, but in Vatra Dornei, a different and amazing mountain location. It was an ungorgettable experience, where I met incredible and lovely people that I didn’t expect, who made my days and nights full of fun and memories that I will always remember, even thought it was freezing. 

Love you all and hope we will see each other someday! 🧸🫶🏻🫶🏻

Thank you Initiative Sociale for the chance! ❤️" - Elena

Dissemination (Czech Republic)

What has been done?

Rozalie prepared and delivered a presentation about an Erasmus+ project as part of dissemination activities. The presentation aimed to share the program's mission and highlight the key outcomes of the project.

What was discussed?

The presentation focused on several key aspects of the Erasmus+ project. Firstly, it highlighted the overarching goals of the program, such as fostering education, promoting cultural exchange, and encouraging lifelong learning. These were tied to real-life examples from the project to illustrate their practical impact.

Additionally, the presentation discussed the structure and activities of the specific project, including workshops, collaborative sessions, and cultural experiences that participants engaged in. Special attention was given to the unique learning opportunities created through international collaboration, emphasizing how such experiences enhance personal development, build cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen professional skills.

Which were the main elements?

• Introduction to Erasmus+ and the Project Goals
• Participant Insights and Success Stories
• Key Outcomes and Achievements
• Challenges and Lessons Learned
• Call to Action

What methods were used?

The presentation was created with an emphasis on clarity and structure, using modern digital tools (tablet and PDF format). The tablet allowed for flexible manipulation during the presentation. The PDF format ensured a professional and easily readable appearance, clarity, and compatibility across various devices.

What results have you achieved?

The presentation increased awareness of the Erasmus+ program and its benefits. It successfully engaged the audience, inspired interest in international opportunities, and highlighted the value of participating in educational and cultural exchanges. At the same time, it contributed to the goals of dissemination activities by effectively sharing key insights and encouraging future involvement in similar projects.

The presentation effectively raised awareness about the Erasmus+ program and its benefits, showcasing its impact on personal and professional growth. It successfully engaged the audience and sparked interest in future participation in similar projects. The use of clear structure and visual elements contributed to a compelling and informative delivery.

Insights:

One key insight is that visual storytelling, including photos and graphics, plays a significant role in keeping the audience engaged and making the message more relatable. Additionally, personal stories from participants helped humanize the experience and underline the positive outcomes of the program.

Additional Comments:

The presentation was well-received, with positive feedback regarding its clarity, relevance, and ability to motivate the audience to explore opportunities in Erasmus+ and similar programs. It also demonstrated the importance of using digital tools like tablets and PDFs to enhance the presentation’s accessibility and professionalism.

Used materials:

1. Tablet for managing the presentation
2. PDF format for clear and professional presentation design
3. Photos from project activities
4. Visual graphics to illustrate key points

Online dissemination

As part of the dissemination activities for our Erasmus+ project, our team decided to engage the wider public through social media. Each team member created their own post reflecting the program's key values and benefits. The goal was not only to raise awareness of the project but also to inspire others to participate in Erasmus+ programs.

One of the participants wrote an article that was published on the sending organization's website. You can find the article HERE.

"50 young and motivated people had amazing opportunity to join the Erasmus+ project NextGen: Youth Preneurs. It was organised during the dates 15.11.-23.11. 2024 in Vatra Dornei, Romania with participants coming from 7 different countries: Romania, Turkey, Czech, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Portugal.

The Erasmus+ NextGen: Youth Preneurs project introduced 8 competences: multilingual, personal social and learning to learn, citizenship, enterpreneurship, competence in cultural awareness and expression, mathematical competence and competence in science technology, engineering competence and digital.

During Erasmus+, we had a unique opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship through non-formal education. The program was full of interactive workshops, team activities, and creative challenges that taught us how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, collaborate in an international environment, and come up with innovative ideas.

Instead of traditional lectures, we learned through practice – simulations, brainstorming sessions, and solving real-world problems helped us understand how to start a business and tackle challenges effectively. This approach showed us that entrepreneurship is not just about numbers but also about creativity, courage, and teamwork. 

We hope that the friendships will stay forever and we can meet again together soon!" - Jaroslav

Radka's experience.

Last month, I had the chance to be part of the Erasmus+ project “NextGen YouthPreneurs,” and honestly, it’s hard to put into words how amazing it was. The project took place from November 15th to 23rd, 2024, in the beautiful town of Vatra Dornei, Romania. We were 50 participants from 7 different countries – Romania, Turkey, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, and Portugal – all coming together for an unforgettable experience.

The project wasn’t just about learning entrepreneurship skills (though we did that too!), it was also about discovering new cultures, making connections, and growing as individuals. From interactive workshops to cultural nights where we danced, laughed, and tasted food from all over Europe.

One of the most special things about this project was the people. It’s interestng how strangers can become friends in just a few days. We shared so many jokes, opinions and also deep conversations. 

Big shoutout to Initiative Sociale for organizing such a fantastic project! Without their effort, none of this would have been possible. Projects like this remind me why I love Erasmus+ so much – it’s not only about learning, but also about creating memories and connections that stay with you forever.

If you ever get a chance to join an Erasmus+ program, don’t hesitate. Trust me, it’s worth it.