Erasmus+ is a great programme for people who want to know more about the world and improve themselves in different fields. This spring I had an opportunity to participate in one of Erasmus+ Training courses as well. Trainings were called “Euroma Cafeteria” and took place in Sfantu Gheorghe, Romania from 2nd till 10th of April.
The main topic of trainings was Roma people, their culture, traditions, lifestyle and their inclusion to the society. I can happily say that our team consisted from people from 11 countries (Lithuania, Poland, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary). Why should I be happy about such a mixed team? The answer is simple – each participant came with his/her own knowledge about Roma people community in his/her country and shared it. In this way each of us got a wider viewpoint about inclusion, problems and difficulties with Roma and other minorities in EU.
During the training course (TC) we did a lot of different kind of activities. The nicest thing is that we used non-formal education methods to learn about the topic of TC. We discussed common difficulties regarding Roma people and went to rural school to have creative workshops with children. Also, our organizers gave us an opportunity to visit few Roma communities around the Sfantu Gheorghe and to participate in the celebration of international day of Roma people, which is held on 8th of April. I add few pictures to imagine how that week looked like.
Once British novelist Somerset Maugham said “When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a passage, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes a part of me”. I can really say that this phrase can be used for these TC as well. I participated in Euroma Cafeteria and now, when I remember these days, I feel that it really changed me and these memories will stay with me for a long time.