📅 21/07/2023 — 29/07/2023
📍 Dugan, Bulgaria
🌍 Participating countries: Estonia, Serbia and Bulgaria
🤝 Hosting Organisation: Foundation SolidarityWorks, Bulgaria
Project Objectives:
The “Hands-On Solidarity” project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union aimed to foster solidarity among participants from different countries while engaging in meaningful activities that benefit the local community. The project aimed to promote cultural exchange, enhance teamwork, contribute to social welfare through volunteer efforts, explore concepts of solidarity, and practice them in local communities. This unique learning approach combines community service, empathy-building, and hands-on experiences.
Activities During the Project:
— Village Park Restoration: Participants engaged in restoring and painting the village park, including benches and playing equipment. This activity helped beautify the community space and reinforced the idea of working together for a common goal.
— Exploring Concepts of Solidarity: Workshops and discussions were organized to delve into the concept of solidarity. Participants explored its various dimensions and discussed how it can be practiced in their local communities.
— Visit to “Food Not Bombs” Organization: The participants visited the “Food Not Bombs” organization in Sofia, preparing meals and engaging in conversations with homeless individuals. This activity raised awareness about homelessness and instilled a sense of compassion.
— Intercultural Evenings: Participants shared their traditions, stories, and experiences during cultural exchange evenings, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
— Practical Workshops: Participants attended workshops on practical skills like painting and cooking, which not only contributed to the project activities but also provided valuable knowledge.
— Local Artisan Visit: Participants visited a local artisan who creates wooden artifacts. This visit provided insights into traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
— Village Cleaning Drive: Participants organized a village cleaning drive to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness within the community.
— Trash to Art Exhibition: Collected trash from the cleaning drive was repurposed to create a statue exhibition, highlighting the potential of recycling and raising awareness about waste management.
— Solidarity in Local Communities: Participants brainstormed ways to apply the concepts of solidarity in their home countries. They developed action plans for community-based initiatives.
— Reflection Sessions: Regular reflection sessions allowed participants to discuss their experiences, insights, and the impact of their activities on both themselves and the community.
