This autumn (end of October – end of November 2019), JA Bulgaria, JA Italy and JA Romania delivered, at local level (in Milan, Bucharest, Sofia), the first pilot training sessions, as part of the NEETs in Entrepreneurship Project, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment.
During the sessions, the trainers used the Norwegian FROG method, developed by Lyk-z & døtre, involving 26 young participants from the three countries.
The FROG program includes complex activities, interactive tools and exercises meant to support participants to find their true motivation, being implemented in small groups (8-12 participants). Thus, this series of activities that might seem awkward to an outsider, challenge the inner self of the NEET youth in a safe environment. These newly acquired learnt behaviours help them better control their reactions when facing real-life situations. Standing brave and taking risks, these youth will make real differences for their future and the one of their families by pursuing their dreams and opportunities, so they all have a fulfilling life.
The FROG method is not just about discovering the power of words and learning about building efficient relations with peers. It is about being aware and focusing on a higher and positive impact these young souls are able to cast on others and on their community. Using this good, strong foundation, our endeavor is to be further continued by providing them the help and support they need to follow their hopes by either starting a business or getting a fulfilling job.
The feedback received at the end of the training from participants emphasizes once again the need and true utility of this project for young people both from knowledge and skills’ perspective, by encouraging openness and sharing, and also inspiring and engaging them in learning by doing activities.
“I was pleased to be a part of this project. The program was well structured and the atmosphere very friendly. The practical exercises encouraged me to learn more about myself, to overcome my limits and follow my dreams. I began to grow as a person, to discover my strengths and to have more confidence in myself. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn something new and useful for the future.”– participant from Romania
“I found the project interesting, educating, fun and nice. And when I went for a walk in the evenings of these five days, I felt the change in the air. I’m really grateful for that because this is the best feeling, to walk and smile because you’re happy and you know what you want and are going to do, how you will do it. I will move forward with the skills that I found in myself thanks to you. It will definitely be something that develops me in one way or another. I am an entrepreneur!”–participant from Bulgaria
“I am really interested in leadership training and team building exercises and I have never had a chance to train these skills before. I would suggest to my friends to get involved in FROG training and this project because it is worth experiencing. I think that companies appreciate people with the skills practiced in this project.” – participant from Italy
In Spain, the first training session is scheduled for the week 16-20th of December 2019. In all the beneficiary countries (Bulgaria, Italy, Romania and Spain) the FROG trainings will continue also in the first half of 2020.
By the end of the project, 1,600 NEETs will be involved in different learning experiences face-to-face or blended learning, related to career orientation and entrepreneurship, such as job shadowing, internship, and mentorship for starting a small business.
