European exchanges between youth associations contribute to intercultural dialogue, says Regional Director for Youth
The Regional Director for Youth stated in Ponta Delgada that European young people and youth associations "can work together and contribute to a truly exciting, innovative and constructive intercultural dialogue between European regions."
Pilar Damião spoke at the reception to the young people participating in the bilateral exchange "Don't be a clown in your life - But learn with a clown," which will be held on São Miguel until January 31 under the "Erasmus + Youth in Action" programme.
This exchange will be developed between the Azores Circus Arts Associations - 9’Circos and the Green Meridians associations from Latvia. It is based on "non-formal education" methods as an inclusion tool, demonstrated through circus arts.
In her speech, Pilar Damião praised the work carried out by 9'Circos Association, stating that it "has been extremely interesting and important for our community to have an association such as 9'Circos." In this context, she pointed out the "serious, persistent and innovative work as well as its relevant action in the area of social entrepreneurship."
For the Regional Director, "the organisation of bilateral projects under the European programme "Erasmus +/Youth in Action in the Region" has been instrumental for the creation of contact networks and the sharing of experiences among Azorean youth and their European counterparts."
"The contribution of young people, through their critical spirit is increasingly necessary, especially in a period when it becomes necessary to strengthen the sense of humanism in Europe," said the government official.
The activity "Don't be a clown in your life - But learn with a clown" aims to promote the mutual learning of partners, not only in the artistic component but also in the cultural component. It will cover 20 young people from Latvia and 20 young people from the Azores.
The "Erasmus + Youth in Action" programme was created for the period 2014-2020 with the aim of reinforcing the skills and employability of youngsters, through transnational partnerships between education and youth institutions to promote cooperation and bring closer the worlds of education and labour.