About the Project
C.O.R.E. was an international Erasmus+ youth worker seminar held in Aruba, bringing together participants from Poland, Romania, Aruba, and Sint Maarten. The project created a space for youth workers, educators, and community leaders to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and explore how international cooperation can create more inclusive and impactful opportunities for young people.
The seminar focused on key values in youth work such as collaboration, openness, resilience, empathy, and responsibility – the principles represented by C.O.R.E.
Throughout the programme, participants explored local organisations, shared professional practices, learned more about Erasmus+ opportunities, and developed new ideas for future youth exchanges and cooperation projects.
Hosted in Aruba, the seminar also offered participants the chance to discover the island’s culture, community initiatives, and educational environment, creating a strong connection between learning and local reality.
This seminar was organised by Voluntary Labour Corps (OHP) in partnership with Tur Cos Ta Posibel and funded by the Erasmus+ Programme through the Polish National Agency Fundacja Rozwoju Systemu Edukacji (FRSE).
Project Objectives
- Strengthen cooperation between partner organisations
- Build skills and knowledge of youth workers
- Promote inclusion and equal opportunities
- Develop future Erasmus+ youth exchange ideas
- Share good practices from different countries
- Connect youth work with real community needs
- Encourage intercultural learning and understanding
Day-by-Day Activities
Day 1 & 2 – Connection and Cultural Discovery
The first two days focused on building connections with Aruba, its culture, and the group itself. Participants had the opportunity to discover the island, learn about local traditions, and begin creating the trust and relationships that would guide the rest of the seminar.
These opening days laid the foundation for teamwork, friendship, and future cooperation.
Day 3 – Group Building and Shared Vision
Day 3 marked the beginning of the official working programme. Participants explored each other’s organisations, shared missions and challenges, and discussed their expectations for the seminar.
Interactive sessions helped the group define personal learning goals and better understand the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges.
It was an important day of alignment, preparing everyone for the learning journey ahead.
Day 4 – Education Systems and Skills for Youth Work
Participants visited EPB San Nicolas, where they explored education systems from each participating country and learned about the DiscoverEU Inclusion action.
Through a creative team challenge focused on building a youth centre, the group reflected on the balance between soft skills and formal qualifications, highlighting the importance of teamwork, leadership, and creativity in youth work.
The day ended with reflection activities and a beach tennis session.
Day 5 – Impact in Youth Work
The day began with a visit to Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, where participants discovered how local community initiatives can create positive change.
Later, at Popcorn Club Aruba, the group explored a real Erasmus+ project application and learned how to design projects step by step.
Special attention was given to impact at four levels:
- Participants
- Organisations
- Local community
- European level
The day concluded with a Polish intercultural evening celebrating traditions, food, music, and dance.
Day 6 – Inclusion and Creativity
Hosted by ArtisA Aruba, Day 6 focused on inclusion, privilege, access, and the barriers that can affect young people’s opportunities.
Through reflective activities and open discussions, participants explored how awareness can lead to empathy and better youth work practices.
Teams also finalised creative videos on the theme: What is C.O.R.E. in youth work? These were premiered inside the gallery space.
The day ended with a Romanian intercultural evening celebrating identity, heritage, and diversity.
Day 7 – Inclusive Environments and Future Projects
Participants visited KIA National Prison Aruba and the disability centre Briyo di Solo, where they explored how youth mobility programmes can be adapted to different environments.
At KIA, the group worked on planning a future youth exchange involving participants from Poland, Sint Maarten, and local residents.
The day ended with a social dance class at Popcorn Club Aruba.
Final Days – Reflection and Next Steps
The final days were dedicated to discovering more of Aruba, supporting local sellers at the farmers’ market, and reflecting on the seminar experience.
During the final evaluation, participants shared their most valuable learning moments, discussed future cooperation, and identified next steps for new projects and partnerships.
The seminar closed with a farewell barbecue, celebrating friendships, learning, and the strong connections created during the week.
Message from the Organisers
C.O.R.E. showed how international cooperation can bring people together, inspire new ideas, and strengthen youth work across borders.
By combining learning, inclusion, cultural exchange, and practical project development, the seminar created lasting impact for participants, organisations, and local communities.
We thank all participants, partners, facilitators, and supporters who made this project possible. We look forward to the next steps and future collaborations together.
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