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Final Meeting in Wadowice, Poland
The Erasmus+ project “Speak It Up: Youth Public Speaking Skills Development Towards a Democratic Society in Contemporary Europe” took a significant leap forward with its first Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from June 17-21, 2024. Hosted by PNEVMA LLC, this event brought together 24 trainers, educators, and youth workers from across Europe, representing project partners from Sweden, Cyprus, Poland, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, and Bulgaria.
The pilot event served as a vibrant platform to test and refine key project outputs, including the Speak It Up mobile app, the board game, and the e-Handbook. Participants engaged in practical sessions, evaluated the effectiveness of these tools, and shared valuable feedback for improvement. The dynamic agenda balanced hands-on activities, such as testing the app and board game, with insightful discussions on methodologies and evaluation techniques.
Bridging Technology and Education
A highlight of the event was the introduction of the mobile app, designed to foster public speaking skills through innovative and interactive learning. Trainers explored its functionalities and discussed ways to integrate it into their educational practices. With content translated into six partner languages and English, the app aims to be accessible and impactful across diverse communities.
Building a Community of Practice
Beyond the training, the event fostered connections among participants, creating a community of practice dedicated to empowering youth through enhanced public speaking and active citizenship. These connections are a cornerstone of the project’s sustainability, ensuring the ongoing application and development of its tools.
A Cultural Experience
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Sofia, the LTTA pilot also included cultural exchanges, allowing participants to experience the rich history and dynamic atmosphere of Bulgaria’s capital. These moments of cultural connection highlighted the project’s focus on fostering unity and understanding across Europe.
As the Speak It Up project moves forward, this successful pilot underscores its potential to make a lasting impact on education, youth empowerment, and democratic engagement across Europe. Stay tuned for updates as the journey continues!
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project Reference: 2022-1-SE02-KA220-YOU-000086337
