Association for education and training CET PLATFORMA Skopje is launching an open call for participants from North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania and Serbia for an Erasmus+ Youth exchange “No equipment? No problem!” that will be organized in Krushevo, North Macedonia from 8th to 15th of May 2024.
According to a Eurobarometer study from September 2022, 1 in 3 European adults does not meet recommended physical activity levels. The survey showed that up to 45% never exercise or partake in physical activity. Less than 40% play sports or exercise at least once a week or more, while nearly 20% exercise less than once a week. Two and a half hours of moderate-intensity physical activity per week is the minimum level of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organisation for adults aged 18 or over. This inactivity contributes significantly to weight problems and obesity which are increasing at a rapid rate in most European countries, with estimates of 52.7% of the adult EU’s population being overweight in 2019. According to Eurostat and WHO, participating countries of North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Italy have the lowest rates in Europe for aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercises.
The project will advocate for an integrated approach to address these issues, by motivating, educating and empowering youth to practice healthy lifestyles and put an important place of physical activity in their daily lives. Exercising regularly makes us look and feel better while reducing the risks for many chronic conditions. Physical activity boosts the immune system and mental sharpness, and helps to avoid anxiety, depression, obesity, diabetes, cancer and heart problems. When we see how many benefits regular physical activities bring, we must figure out how to make them attractive to young people. With this project we will promote continuous physical activity of young people and improve their well-being by focusing on learning and practicing the following elements: 1) body-weight exercises, 2) cardio exercises, 3) healthy nutrition and 4) relaxing techniques.
Therefore, the main aim of the project is to improve the physical and mental well-being of 37 young people and youth leaders from 6 European countries by empowering, educating and providing them with creative ideas on how they can practice, maintain and promote healthy lifestyles.
Conditions for participation:
- Participants should be aged between 18 and 30 years old (preferably 18 to 25 y.o.)
- The group leader should be older than 21 (no age limit) and be experienced with youth work, non-formal education and youth mobility projects
- Strong motivation for participation and open-minded attitude
- Able to comfortably communicate in English as its the working language
- Motivated and readiness to participate in all project activities (preparation, implementation and follow-up/dissemination)
- Readiness and commitment to organize follow-up activities after the Youth exchange in their organization or local community
- Citizens or legal residents in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania or Serbia
All costs related to accommodation, food and work materials during the Youth exchange dates (08 – 15.05.2024) are fully covered by the hosting organization. The travel costs will be fully reimbursed by the hosting organization up to the travel limit per country per participant: North Macedonia (23€), Italy (275€), Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Serbia (210€ Green travel). Green travel means that participants can only travel by bus, train or car to the project. There is no participation fee!
You are allowed to stay maximum 4 days before OR after the Youth exchange (e.g. 2 day before and 2 day after). We cannot cover any of your expenses for staying extra days and they are totally on your own budget.
If you are interested to participate in our Youth exchange, then please first carefully read the project info-pack, and then fill out the application form. Please only fill out the application form if you are 100% sure that you are fully available to travel and participate in all project activities during its planned dates!
If you have any questions or doubts, please contact us at [email protected]m.
