My experience in Liverpool
Testimony of mobility experience in Liverpool
The project YALIM – Youth Active Learning In Moving of the Youth in Action Programme, Action 4.3 Support to Youth Workers’ Mobility, gave me the opportunity to work in Liverpool for six months
My host organisation, Merseyside Expanding Horizons, is based in Liverpool in the North West region of England, a city which pleasantly surprised me in so many ways.
Liverpool is a very lively city and in the last years has gone through a real phase of rebirth, emerging from a recent past of decline, especially after being the European Capital of Culture in 2008. There is a fervent cultural movement and there is always music in the streets of the city, since it is also the place that gave birth to the famous Beatles. However, the thing I liked the most is the people of Liverpool, cheerful, sociable and very helpful, I must say that I found an almost Sicilian friendliness and this enabled me to adapt quickly to my new surroundings.
My professional experience at MEH has been very positive.
I had the opportunity to acquire various skills in project management and to grow as a trainer, expanding my knowledge in the field of non-formal education and understanding of a different local reality, dealing with themes such as social inclusion, active citizenship, intercultural and intergenerational dialogue.
I carried out research and reports for a Daphne project, European Anti- Bullying Network, I have collaborated in the development of project proposals and I took part in European meetings and contributed to the implementation of training activities for young people and adults. In particular, I worked for a Grundtvig Multilateral project, Appetite for Learning Comes From Eating targeting young migrant women and senior native women, aimed at fostering intercultural and intergenerational dialogue through the exchange of culinary traditions. I also supported the delivery of a training programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund (Inspiring Social Leaders) for young Deaf people between 18 and 25 years old, with the aim of promoting the active participation of young people in the community and to provide them with social entrepreneurship skills.
This professional experience has marked my growth even on a personal level. I have wonderful memories of the friendly atmosphere in the office and I worked with a very helpful and professional team. Thanks to them, I have strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills, acquiring greater confidence in carrying out certain tasks.
Once back in Palermo, I have started to collaborate with an international NGO in which I continue to deal with European programmes, working in the field of youth and on themes such as human rights education, intercultural dialogue and active citizenship.
Update:
Final product of YALIM project is available here YALIM Best Practices in Youth field Project Managment