IMPLEMENTATION

Inspiring Growth, Novelty, and Innovative Thinking for Empowered Youth took place in Gandra, Porto, Portugal, from the 17th to 24th November.

| 17 of November 2023

ARRIVAL

| 18 of November 2023

SECOND DAY

The second day of the IGNITE training program focused on building a collaborative and engaging atmosphere among participants. The day started with an icebreaker activity involving music and a playful chair exchange, which set an energetic tone.

The facilitators introduced themselves, followed by a quick round of participant introductions, creating an initial sense of community. An overview of the IGNITE project highlighted its goals of fostering creativity, innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, cross-cultural competence, and networking skills. Participants were also informed about the daily reporting process and took a group photo with flags to mark the beginning of the program.

A speed dating activity allowed participants to engage in quick, meaningful conversations on various topics, fostering connections and encouraging open communication. This was followed by a reflection session where participants shared their insights and memorable moments.

After a short break, the group gathered in a circle to discuss what makes them unique and what unites them, promoting a sense of belonging. They then addressed their expectations, fears, and contributions through a creative exercise involving post-its and group discussions. This activity facilitated a deeper understanding of individual and collective goals.

In the afternoon, participants re-energized with a brief activity and played a name game with gestures to reinforce learning each other's names. They then took part in a marshmallow tower challenge, which involved building the tallest freestanding structure with limited materials. This exercise highlighted the importance of teamwork, creativity, and effective communication. A debriefing session followed, discussing successes and challenges faced during the activity.

The day concluded with the Names Blanket game, further reinforcing name recognition and camaraderie. Participants received envelopes containing materials or prompts for future activities and engaged in a final reflection session, sharing their thoughts on the day's experiences and insights gained.

Day 2 of the IGNITE training program successfully established a vibrant and collaborative environment. The structured activities effectively promoted communication, teamwork, and the sharing of diverse perspectives, setting a solid foundation for the days to come.

| 19 of November 2023

THIRD DAY

The third day of the IGNITE training program continued to build on the themes of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. The day began with a brief energizer to set an engaging tone.

Participants then engaged in the "Criactivity" session, which aimed to collaboratively explore and define the concept of creativity. This 90-minute session involved initial individual reflections, group discussions, and breakout sessions to refine and combine ideas into a comprehensive definition of creativity. The session concluded with a reflection on the process, highlighting the role of collaboration and the evolution of participants' understanding of creativity.

Following a short break, the "Build Your World" activity took place. Participants were divided into teams and tasked with creating and describing a fictional world. This 75-minute activity encouraged teams to think about various aspects of their world, such as geography, culture, and technology. Teams presented their worlds to the larger group, explaining their creative choices and reflecting on the challenges and insights gained during the process. This activity emphasized the importance of teamwork and creativity in constructing imaginative scenarios.

In the afternoon, the program featured the "Collaborative Newspaper Storytelling" activity. Participants were divided into small groups and assigned a theme for their story, which they formatted as a front-page newspaper article. Each group then presented the newspaper story of another group, leading to discussions on different storytelling styles and the impact of collaborative efforts. This activity fostered teamwork, creativity, and effective communication skills.

The day concluded with "Storytelling with a Twist." Participants worked in pairs to create stories based on assigned themes and unique constraints. This activity encouraged creative thinking and adaptability, as participants had to incorporate unexpected elements into their narratives. After sharing their stories, participants discussed how the constraints influenced their storytelling and the lessons learned from the exercise.

Day 3 of the IGNITE training program successfully reinforced the themes of creativity and collaboration. Through various interactive activities, participants enhanced their understanding of creativity, teamwork, and innovative thinking. The structured sessions provided practical examples of creative processes, helping participants develop skills that can be applied in both their personal and professional lives.

| 20 of November 2023

FOURTH DAY

The fourth day of the IGNITE training program was packed with activities designed to enhance creative problem-solving, engineering skills, and collaborative thinking. The day began with a brief energizer to invigorate the participants.

The first major activity was "Shark Tank - Creative Problem Solving," where participants were assigned random objects and tasked with brainstorming innovative uses and applications. This activity encouraged unconventional thinking and the development of unique solutions. Participants presented their ideas, followed by a discussion to evaluate the creativity and practicality of the proposed solutions.

After a short break, the "Egg Drop Challenge" took place. Participants were divided into small groups and given materials to design and construct a protective container for an egg. The objective was to prevent the egg from breaking when dropped from a specified height. Each group presented their designs, conducted drop tests, and reflected on the outcomes. This activity fostered critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in a "Collaborative Mind Mapping Workshop." Small groups were tasked with creating mind maps on various topics related to the theme of the workshop. This exercise introduced participants to the concept of mind mapping and emphasized the benefits of visual organization and collaborative brainstorming. Groups presented their mind maps, followed by a discussion on the challenges and benefits of the exercise.

The day concluded with the "Divergent Thinking Challenge: Creative Problem-Solving Rally." Participants were divided into teams and given a series of creative problem-solving challenges that required divergent thinking. Each team brainstormed and presented their ideas, followed by a debriefing session to discuss the strategies used and the importance of divergent thinking in problem-solving.

Day 4 of the IGNITE training program successfully promoted creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative thinking through a variety of interactive activities. Participants were able to develop and apply innovative solutions to diverse challenges, enhancing their critical thinking and teamwork skills. The structured sessions provided practical experiences that can be applied in various personal and professional contexts, reinforcing the core objectives of the IGNITE program.

| 21 of November 2023

FIFTH DAY

Day 5 of the IGNITE training program was designated as a free day, allowing participants to explore the cultural and historical richness of Porto. This day was designed to provide a relaxing yet enriching experience, fostering informal interactions among participants and giving them a taste of the local culture.

The group visited the Comissão dos Vinhos Verdes, where they had the opportunity to engage in a wine-tasting session. Participants learned about the production process, characteristics, and varieties of Vinho Verde, a distinctive Portuguese wine. The wine-tasting session was both educational and enjoyable, offering a unique cultural experience.

After the scheduled activities, participants had free time to explore Porto at their own pace. Some chose to visit local markets, cafes, and shops, while others opted to explore additional historical sites, museums, and scenic viewpoints. This free time allowed participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Day 5 provided a perfect blend of guided exploration and free time, allowing participants to experience the cultural and historical charm of Porto. The guided tour and wine tasting were highlights that offered educational and enjoyable experiences, while the free time enabled participants to explore their interests and interact informally. This day not only enriched the participants' understanding of Portuguese culture but also fostered camaraderie and relaxation, enhancing the overall experience of the IGNITE training program.

| 22 of November 2023

SIXTH DAY

Day 6 of the IGNITE training program was dedicated to exploring the concept of gamification and its application in various settings, as well as fostering innovation in youth work. The day began with an energizer to prepare participants for the intensive sessions ahead.

The first session introduced participants to gamification, discussing its components and uses in different contexts. Participants were divided into groups and given case studies to develop gamification strategies. They used flipchart papers, markers, and other materials to create visual presentations of their strategies. Each group presented their ideas, followed by a reflection session where participants discussed their experiences and insights gained.

After a short break, the focus shifted to the "Innovation Think Tank." Participants played a game of "Two Truths and a Lie" to warm up, featuring innovative practices in youth work. They were then divided into groups to discuss foundational questions about innovation in youth work, covering topics such as barriers to innovation, the role of technology, and youth participation. Each group presented their findings, followed by feedback and discussion.

In the afternoon, participants engaged in a collaborative activity to develop an "Innovation Toolkit." They identified key areas of innovation relevant to youth work and voted on the most compelling themes. Stations were set up for brainstorming and documentation, where participants created sections of the toolkit.

The day concluded with a debriefing session, where participants reflected on how the day's activities contributed to their understanding of innovation and discussed how they could support each other's innovative efforts moving forward.

Day 6 of the IGNITE training program successfully deepened participants' understanding of gamification and innovation in youth work. Through interactive sessions and collaborative activities, participants developed practical strategies and tools that can be applied in their professional contexts. The day's activities fostered creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, reinforcing the core objectives of the IGNITE program.

| 23 of November 2023

SEVENTH DAY

The seventh and final day of the IGNITE training program focused on consolidating the skills and knowledge gained throughout the week, with an emphasis on practical application, reflection, and evaluation. The day began with an energizer to prepare participants for the day's activities.

The first session, "IGNITE@WORK," started with individual reflection where participants wrote down the main challenges they face as youth workers. In small groups, they shared these challenges and engaged in design thinking to brainstorm and select innovative solutions. Each group then developed their solutions using techniques learned during the program, creating prototypes or detailed plans for implementation. Groups presented their solutions, followed by a feedback session that allowed for constructive suggestions and discussion. The session concluded with reflections on how the methods learned during the training could be applied in their daily work.

After a short break, the afternoon session featured the "Three Monkeys" activity, which focused on exploring communication challenges. Participants were divided into groups with each member having a communication limitation (cannot talk, cannot see, cannot hear). They had to plan a vacation together, finding creative ways to overcome their communication barriers. This activity emphasized the importance of alternative communication methods and teamwork. Groups shared their plans and discussed the challenges and solutions they encountered, reflecting on the lessons learned about effective communication.

The day ended with an evaluation session using the DIXIT card game, which provided a creative and engaging way for participants to reflect on and evaluate the entire training program. Participants also received their Youthpass certificates, recognizing their participation and achievements in the program.

In the evening, a farewell dinner was held, allowing participants to celebrate the successful completion of the training and enjoy a final opportunity to connect and socialize.

Day 7 of the IGNITE training program effectively wrapped up the week by reinforcing the application of skills and knowledge gained. The activities encouraged practical problem-solving, creative communication, and reflective thinking. The farewell dinner provided a memorable conclusion to the program, fostering a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among participants. Overall, the final day emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in youth work, leaving participants inspired and equipped to apply their new skills in their professional lives.