Mara participated in the Training Course “Prepared Not Scared” organized by PROJUVEN in Benalmádena, Spain
Hello Mara! Can you give us your opinion about the project “Prepared Not Scared“ and Erasmus + experience?
The project was one of the most impactful Erasmus+ projects where I participated so far. This was due to the fact that the workshops were very well thought out and adapted to the theme of the project and were structured in such a way as to allow the improvement or training of specific new skills. Intercultural and social skills were also improved by organising intercultural evenings and visiting Malaga. In my opinion, the seriousness and professionalism of the organisers (Projuven) contributed to the success of this project, who brought this project to a maximum level in all aspects: location, accommodation, meals, programme, workshops
How has your perspective changed about disaster preparedness as a result of participating in this training course? What were the most valuable takeaways from the course for you personally?
As a youth worker and teacher, I have had the opportunity to participate in various activities on this topic, but I have never had such a broad and clear perspective on what disasters and disaster preparedness are. This training has helped me to become aware of what it means to be proactive in dealing with the aftermath of a disaster and how I can help in such an event. Everything I did/learned in this course will be useful both in my work as a high school teacher and in my work with young people as a trainer, NGO president, and volunteer.
According to you, what are some effective methods to educate young people about disaster preparedness?
Disaster preparedness work involves, in my opinion, disaster preparedness, behaviour during the disaster and what you do after the disaster. In all these stages, it is very important to know concretely what you need to do to save first your own life and then the lives of others. To make young people understand these things, the most effective methods are practical, non-formal ones. Concretely, role-playing, simulation, demonstration are methods that work and make activities effective and impactful.