Digital Enterprise Through Empathy

Ukraine Follow Up

    Follow Up Activities

Participants from Ukraine implemented 2 follow upactivities as followed:

    1st follow up Activity

    Inspired by art-therapy techniques, Halyna Leoshko, participant of DIGETEM 2023 training, has decided to conduct a special session with the group of schoolkids before the academic year. Before starting, the group was told information about the project, their teacher participated. They started to get to know more about Erasmus programs and the opportunities they may get. For better understanding themselves, they used the "two faces" follow-up activity.

    Here she provided kids with the templates of "inner-self and outer-self-portraits" and asked kids to draw pics of them "out" and "in". It helped them to realize their inner potentials. After that, they tried to imagine which type of business may be their cup of tea in the future and how it can relate to the created pictures. It helped to develop 21st century skills and make kids' outlook much wider than before.

    At both stages there were 24 participants.

      2nd follow up Activity

    After completing the participation in the Erasmus+ "DIGITEM" project, our team returned to Ukraine with a bag full of new knowledge and fresh ideas. Eager to inspire others, we decided to share our experience with students in Ukraine. We organized meetings and follow-up at educational institutions, introducing students to the numerous opportunities offered by Erasmus+. We emphasized the significant value of international experiences and the potential for personal and professional growth through participation in such projects.

    We started the activity with two engaging activities designed to encourage participation and foster a positive atmosphere. The activity, "Hi Ha Ho," іs an excellent icebreaker that helps alleviate tension among participants and create a friendly and inclusive environment.

    After the energizers we conducted the activity "MY FEARS, CONTRIBUTION and EXPECTATIONS" during which the participants were divided into 3 groups and engaged in discussions about their feelings regarding their learning experiences, the current situation in Ukraine, and then shared their thoughts with their group members. This activity is valuable because it encourages participants to openly express their concerns, discuss their potential contributions, and voice their expectations. It fosters open communication, empathy, and a deeper understanding among participants, ultimately strengthening the group's cohesion and problem-solving abilities.

    As we explored their thoughts and feelings, we noticed something wonderful happening among the students. Some of them began the activity feeling unsure, but by the end, they had a newfound sense of purpose and felt more closely connected to their fellow participants. Additionally, it was heartening to see that all of them shared a belief in Ukraine's victory over Russia and in a bright future ahead 

    Participants evaluation and reflection from their participation
    Halyna Leoshko

    I want to share my experience on the Erasmus+ project "DIGETEM", conducted on the 13th—20th July, 2023 in Pacos de Ferreira(Porto), Portugal, where I was in the participant's role.

    The project was devoted to the topic of empathy and digitalization in modern business world. As an educator, who provides people of different backgrounds with educational services, I was interested in it. The host side with all the facilitators prepared a nice course for us, where all the things were included: learning about empathy, your inner voice; managing businesses; working with customers and their needs and, of course, digitalization. Without doubt, my skills in using modern technologies are better after this course. In groups, we created our own small projects, created banners, logos and websites for them. Later we presented them at a conference, where facilitators evaluated the results of our work.

    In addition, all the participants had a great opportunity to share the experiences from their countries. All of us took part in intercultural nights, where we presented our nations and their experiences through the topic.

    I am highly pleased with all the support, organizational points and learning given.

    Special thanks to Niko, who was the soul of our project. He helped us to dive deeper in the culture of Portugal, to taste and feel it.

    Thanks Eva for being so responsible about the project and our work in it!  

    Olena Oliinyk

    From July 13 to 20, I took part in the Erasmus+ international mobility project in Porto, Portugal. The topic of the project concerned the implementation of empathy in the activities of digital enterprises. The organizers took a thorough and responsible approach to the organization of the project and all its activities. Personally, the experience of applying psychological practices became interesting for me, because before loving and respecting someone, it is necessary to love, understand and value oneself. Unusual experience on projects on such a topic. Various energizers made it possible to rest between the main activities - all participants were delighted with them. And, of course, the highlight of the project was the main activity - the development and presentation of ideas for digital enterprises through empathy. The team in which I was a member received the highest award - first place and nice gifts.

    Nataliia Kuzenna

    Participating in the "DIGETEM" project has been an incredibly insightful and empowering journey for me. Throughout the seminars and workshops, I gained a profound understanding of the crucial role empathy plays in digital entrepreneurship. Learning about the connection between empathy and technology was truly inspiring and thought-provoking.

    The diverse group of participants from various countries added a unique and enriching dimension to the project. Interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds allowed me to learn about their customs, traditions, and ways of life, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity and global perspectives. The workshops and activities we engaged in, particularly the art therapies, helped cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards others. This proved invaluable when collaborating on group tasks and business idea development sessions.

    The day trip to Porto was a delightful experience, allowing us to explore the city's beauty and strengthen the bonds formed with my fellow participants. The project provided a supportive and encouraging environment for personal and professional growth. I am truly grateful to all the organizers, facilitators, and fellow participants for making this experience unforgettable. The insights and skills gained during this project will undoubtedly influence my future endeavors positively, both in my professional career and personal life.

    Polina Levishko 

    I have applied for short-term Erasmus+ projects for the past few years and have never been accepted. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me - I didn't have enough experience, or too much experience, or low motivation, or..? In fact, everything is fine! I was just waiting for THAT ONE project - with an exciting topic, fantastic people, and an incredible country. 

    The Digital Entrepreneurship Through Empathy project in Portugal allowed us to develop a group business project, work out our goals and vision, and explore other cultures. I adore Portugal, Cyprus, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Sakartvelo, and Armenia from now on! Because the people there are just incredibly active and crazy :)

    The amount of work we did, the waves of laughter, and the support we shared could be the envy of any startup :) And how we managed to surf, dance, climb night towers, and give an interview to a TV channel in the breaks is still a mystery to me!  Also, the number of questions we were asked about the war in Ukraine and the necessary help warmed my heart and gave me the strength to move on. This is an important reminder: the world remembers us and cheers for our victory. 

    I'm so grateful to Acpelia, Associação Nó Górdio, and the Ukrainian NGO On the Wings of Art for the opportunity to experience such a bright Portuguese life with these great activists! Now the only question remains, how and when to get together again to implement everything we came up with.


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