4.1. Educational and cultural exchange opportunities offered through Erasmus+ programmes
Youth Exchanges (KA152-YOU) allow young people from at least two different countries to come together for a certain period of time around a topic of mutual interest and learn about each other’s cultures. During a Youth Exchange, participants, supported by group leaders, jointly carry out a programme of activities through workshops, discussions, simulations, etc., designed and prepared by them before the exchange.
They use Informal Education and Non-formal (non-formal-unstructured) Education methods, they learn a subject in an interactive way.
Youth Exchanges enable young people to improve their competences, gain awareness on socially relevant issues/thematic areas, discover new cultures, habits and lifestyles, especially through peer learning, and strengthen values such as solidarity, democracy and friendship. Within the scope of this programme, young people can participate in projects abroad as well as carry out international projects in Turkey.
An Erasmus+ training course is an international programme that focuses on the exchange of ideas to find a solution to a specific problem and offers innovative guidance to the participants.
The training courses help participants to raise awareness. In addition, by providing new and different perspectives, it contributes to becoming more solution-oriented and universal thinking individuals at the end of the programme. It enables participants to present their own projects in an international environment and achieve better results by sharing different ideas. By supporting the personal development of individuals, they can achieve better positions in business life.
These courses are open to everyone over 18 years of age. However, in some projects, participants may be required to have a certain level of foreign language or you may be expected to be closely related to the theme of the project in your daily life. The duration of the programme is between 5-21 days.
4.2. How Roma youth can gain new skills through these programmes
Language Skills
Roma youth participating in the above-mentioned programmes can learn new languages or improve their existing language skills by studying or doing internships abroad. Language learning not only facilitates daily communication, but also enables individuals to understand cultural differences and communicate more effectively internationally. Language skills increase job and training opportunities, enabling participants to be more competitive in the international labour market. For example, young people who gain competence in a widely used language such as English may have the chance to work in multinational companies or participate in international academic programmes.
Intercultural Communication
It offers Roma youth the opportunity to interact with different cultures and develop intercultural communication skills. Studying or working in different countries helps to reinforce values such as tolerance, understanding and respect. Intercultural communication skills enable Roma youth to become global citizens and contribute to their development into internationally active individuals. These skills can also help to increase diversity and inclusion within Roma communities and strengthen inter-communal dialogue.
Vocational Skills
Erasmus+ vocational training and internship programmes allow Roma young people to acquire practical skills and work experience required in the world of work. These programmes allow young people to specialise in a specific field and acquire competences that are in demand on the labour market. For example, young people who have the opportunity to do internships in areas such as information technology, engineering, tourism or health care increase their chances of a career in these sectors. Vocational skills and work experience increase participants’ employability and contribute significantly to their career development.
Academic and Research Skills
Roma youth participating in higher education programmes can develop their research skills through academic studies in different educational systems. Studying at different universities offers participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in various academic disciplines and to carry out research projects. This allows them to improve their academic achievements and pursue further education. Research skills also help participants to develop critical thinking and analytical competences, which are of great importance in academic and professional life.
Social and Personal Skills
Youth exchange programmes allow Roma youth to develop social and personal skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving and critical thinking. These programmes allow young people to reinforce their social skills by working with peers from different cultures. Skills such as teamwork and leadership help participants succeed in both their personal and professional lives. Problem solving and critical thinking skills enable young people to cope with the challenges they face and develop innovative solutions.
European Values and Citizenship Awareness
Cultural exchange programmes raise awareness of European values and active citizenship. Through these programmes, Roma youth learn about values such as democratic participation, human rights and social justice and put these values into practice in their daily lives. The European Union’s core values of respect for human rights, democracy, equality and the rule of law contribute to the individual and social development of young people. These values enable Roma youth to become more active and aware individuals in society.
