You too can 2

We have been cooperating with the Evolution association from the Romanian Resita city since the beginning of our organization, and some members of HEureka Generator worked together with this organization before our association was founded. By signing the partnership documents for the 'You too can 2' project, we knew that we were involved in a project that would bring many benefits to both us and the youth from our region.
The project consisted of two main activities: a training course with 12 youth workers and a youth exchange that brought together 30 young people from Romania, Poland, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Spain. Our task was first to work on discussing and outlining activities aimed at creating opportunities for professional and personal development of young people, and then to implement the common arrangements.

On March 11, 2019, representatives of our organization: Andrzej Smyk and Aleksandra Chudek visited the small town of Coronini on the banks of the Danube, near the border with Serbia for 7 days.
We started with forming our group. We discussed our strengths, weaknesses and leadership types that we are familiar with - says Razvan Rotariu, the project organizer. We also developed our entrepreneurial skills and financial concepts that can help young people find a job - he adds.
During the training course, we were visited by Mario Allegra from the Italian Istituto per le tecnologie didattiche. He was one of the experts who later supervised some of the activities related to the main topic during the exchange. He introduced the computer educational game 'U Manager', the use of which allows young people to develop entrepreneurship. During the game, the participants are tasked with expanding the holiday resort by correctly operating the budget, cooperating with banks and customers.
The group also got to know Business Model Canvas. It is a strategic management template used to develop new business models and document existing ones.

The pre-exchange training course strengthened the leadership skills of the youth workers who participated in it. It also acquainted them with the topic of the youth exchange very well. - describes Andrzej Smyk, chairperson of HEureka Generator. Such preparation for subsequent activities with young people is very necessary and has a positive effect on the quality - he adds.

Video presenting the 'You too can 2' training course:

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The youth exchange took place in May. HEureka Generator involved students from our partner school, C.K. Norwid Secondary School from Krasnystaw. We set off on our journey in the early morning of May 13 in a minibus. Along the way, we could admire mountain views of Slovakia and Hungarian landscapes. We arrived at the venue in Romanian Coronini in the evening.

The beginning of the youth exchange, as usual, focused on integration and teambuilding activities during which we had a great time and got to know each other. Then we discussed what entrepreneurship looks like in our countries and gave examples of interesting activities from our local community.

Finally, we started workshops directly related to the development of entrepreneurial competences. Among other things, we learned about a method called ‘Elevator Pitch’. This is a short, persuasive speech that is used to generate interest in what our organization does. You can also use it to spark interest in a project, idea, product, or yourself. A good presentation shouldn't take longer than a short lift ride (20 to 30 seconds).

The 'U Manager' computer game was a lot of fun for us. It was also a valuable lesson in management and entrepreneurship. Some of us managed to expand the holiday resort, but many of us went into debt after making wrong decisions ;-). We have discussed the whole thing at the end.
In our free time, we were able to explore the area with our minibus, which was an unforgettable experience. While climbing the hills near Coronini, we saw an impressive sunset over the Danube.
The whole group also went to Timisoara, where we met local entrepreneurs. They gave short speeches during which they shared with us how they achieved professional success. Then our participants presented their ideas for developing the business. After the presentations, each group had to answer tricky questions from experts.
In the evenings, after days full of activities, we had fun presenting our culinary traditions.
We summed up our meeting in Coronini with evaluation games and activities, and we outlined a plan to jointly disseminate the results after returning to our communities.
And what did the Polish participants say about participation in the exchange? Check the video:
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