Study Visit “Ukraine to Portugal – Youth Mobility and Partnership for European Values” (22-24.10.2024, Portugal)

From 22 to 24 October 2024, a Ukrainian delegation, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 18 educators from secondary schools, the National eTwinning Office, and the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, participated in the study visit “Ukraine to Portugal – Youth Mobility and Partnership for European Values”.

The visit was organized by the National Agency Erasmus+ Youth/Sport and European Solidarity Corps of Portugal (Agência Nacional Erasmus+ Juventude/Desporto e Corpo Europeu de Solidariedade) in cooperation with the National Erasmus+ Office and the National eTwinning Office in Ukraine as part of the EU Erasmus+ Programme.

The visit was initiated by Luís ALVES, Head, National Erasmus+ Agency in Portugal in the Youth field, following his visit to Ukraine in 2023 (a video report of the visit and a published report).

The Ukrainian delegation included:

  • Andriy CHESNOKOV, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
  • Borys KOZYR, Chief Specialist of the Public and Media Relations Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.
  • Oksana KOVALENKO, Chief Specialist of the Directorate of School Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

They explored approaches to engaging youth in the strategic development of education and youth policy. Additionally, educators from various regions of Ukraine (school principals, deputy principals, and teachers of English, French, German, mathematics, Ukrainian language, literature, and world literature) shared and gained insights during meetings.

The visit aimed to enhance collaboration between Ukrainian and Portuguese institutions working with youth, explore the potential of youth sector programs and non-formal education for improving school engagement with youth, and support Ukraine’s preparation for EU integration.

The program featured diverse meetings with municipal leaders, education and youth policy coordinators, and stakeholders in cities including Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Santa Maria da Feira, and Águeda.

A highlight was the collaboration among municipalities, educational institutions, and youth organizations, coordinated by the Porto Metropolitan Area Office, involving 17 municipalities. This cooperation fosters initiatives in formal, non-formal, and informal education sectors to enhance youth development.

Visits Included:

Participants observed initiatives like youth mayor elections, involving young people in strategic planning for their cities through campaign development and project creation. Social centers and Red Cross points highlighted the importance of volunteering in overcoming personal barriers and fostering soft skills such as communication, empathy, and collaboration.

The visit also fostered direct exchanges of contacts and resources for collaborative projects in areas including resilience building, European values, youth leadership, lifelong learning, and environmental sustainability.

Portuguese partners were inspired by the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian colleagues, who shared their experiences of overcoming challenges posed by the war and integrating into the Erasmus+ Programme.

The study visit concluded with plans for joint Erasmus+ projects, thematic seminars, and training sessions to further strengthen partnerships and mutual learning.

Ukrainian educators gained valuable insights into best practices in non-formal education and youth engagement, establishing potential collaboration in the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ Programmes. The visit strengthened ties, enabling participants to work together in fostering shared European values and advancing youth initiatives.

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