Author: Petra Erguvanli
Second time around: C4C is partnering with the EU’s Erasmus+ initiative, helping young people from children`s and foster homes discover the EU.
After the successful first year of teaming up with the Erasmus+ intiative and their “Discover EU” program, Chance 4 Children (C4C) decided to continue this initiative and offer another 20 young people from children’s homes and foster care the opportunity to explore the world, develop new skills, and boost their self-confidence. This project is aimed at young adults from all over the Czech Republic who have limited opportunities to travel and discover new places.
As part of last year’s DiscoverEU project, participants had the chance to travel abroad for the first time, and for some it was even the first time they saw the sea. For many, it was their first travel experience, during which they had to face the fear of the unknown. As a result, these young people overcame their fears, developed new skills, and made new friends. This experience significantly helped them strengthen their confidence and independence.
This year, we have already completed three successful trips. The first two took us to Vienna, Slovenia and to the Croatian city of Rijeka. In Slovenia we visited beautiful lakes and caves and in Rijeka we even enjoyed swimming with a dolphin. The third trip was especially remarkable, as the young participants traveled all the way to Scandinavia, Sweden and Denmark, where they experienced the Nordic culture and natural beauty of these countries. They even visited Legoland in Denmark.
This year, the project reached a new level – six participants from the previous year took part as coordinators. They helped with organizing and supporting the new group of participants, which gave them valuable experience in leadership and planning.
And what’s next? The final, fourth trip, will take place at the end of October. We will guide participants along the path of thermal springs, ending the journey in Budapest. During this trip, the young people will once again have the opportunity to create unforgettable memories, discover new cultures, and gain further experiences that will help them in their future lives.
“This year’s project has once again shown us the tremendous impact the Erasmus+ and DicoverEU initiatives can have on young people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to travel and gain such experiences. We see how traveling broadens their horizons, helps them overcome fear, and builds their self-confidence. It’s incredible to watch how they change over just a few days – how they shift from uncertainty to surpassing their limits and truly opening up to new opportunities,” says Petra Erguvanli, the project manager at Chance 4 Children.
“Our greatest joy is seeing that six of our former participants are now working with us as coordinators. We see how eager they are to continue developing and helping others. This is proof to us that the project has a deep and lasting impact on their lives,” adds Michal Jírů, the project’s co-leader.
Erasmus+ and the DiscoverEU project allows young people with limited opportunities to travel across Europe by train, discover new cultures, and learn how to be active and independent members of society. The participants not only gain skills in planning and budgeting but also broaden their horizons and realize that they have the same opportunities as their peers from functional families.
What’s there not to like?
