Past Projects
“EmpowerUrself2advocate4wellbeing!”
Nowadays, mental health and wellbeing of youth is threatened by different circumstances.
It’s of crucial importance to empower young people to advocate for promotion and support of their mental health and wellbeing on different levels in their environments, thus playing a role in public health policymaking and social change.
In this project young people have the main role to play in supporting their own and their peers' wellbeing, as well as a chance to make their voices heard during the meetings with policy & decision makers, stakeholders in the field.
In the scope of the project core teams will have local and international workshops, hackathons, self care festivals, online webinars, awareness raising compaigns as well as will develop self-care journals!
“Strategizing you®th mental health journey”
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UniGrowth Development Center, collaborating with Slovak Eco Quality (Slovakia), CreativePlus (Romania), and Reykjanesbæjar (Iceland), is initiating a project to enhance youth mental wellbeing amid global and local challenges. The project involves developing an educational program for youth workers that includes basic psychology, mental health support, and self-care fundamentals. Additionally, it will create a Toolbox with interactive methods for imparting this knowledge to young people, aiming to build competencies in personal wellbeing management. The initiative also introduces card-based and board games focused on promoting self-care practices and forming healthy habits, targeting the critical development phase of youth aged 13-30.
Green Triangle !
In the scope of this project with the aid of youth-led and youth-focused organizations, young people will be empowered and will have enhanced effective participation in environmental policy and decision-making processes.
This project aims to increase the involvement of participating youth in addressing environmental issues locally and globally, while also developing their capacity as future leaders and the forces behind a new eco reality (both today and tomorrow).
15 young people aged 18-30 from Armenia, Poland and Slovakia are the core team of the project and throughout 1 year will be implementing multiple activities including national workshops, ploggings and international hackathons. We lready had our first international meeting in Poland in December 2023. Currently teams are working on the upcoming events
“Fast Fashion? Fast Forward! 4F”
Our project brings together five countries UniGrowth Development Center (Armenia) Meshy (Italy), Impakt (Poland) SEQ (Slovakia) Amaze(Serbia) to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in Europe and beyond. Focusing on circular textiles and clothing, our objectives include raising awareness, equipping educators and youth workers with practical tools, and shaping sustainable attitudes. Together, we can combat climate change, support sustainable development, and revolutionize the fashion industry.4F Project is co-financed by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
This project is co-financed the Erasmus+ programme of European Union
For more info please check our project educational portal.
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EARTHgames4EyUth
UniGrowth Development Center (Armenia), Today We Have (Poland), Slovak Eco Quality (Slovakia), and Mare Nostrum (Romania) formed a consortium to foster Earth competencies among young Europeans, focusing on environmental sustainability and climate change action. The project includes three main components: 1) Earth Competencies Framework (EARTH PASS), outlining essential sustainability skills and knowledge, 2) Educational Games for accessible and engaging learning, and 3) An Environmental Education Program with a comprehensive curriculum, workbooks, and educator guidelines. This initiative aims to transform youths into active participants in environmental conservation and action.
This project is co-financed the Erasmus+ programme of European Union.
The Art of Support: PFA in youth work
On April 5-13, our international training program “The Art of Support: PFA in youth work” funded by the EU Erasmus+ program took place in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.
During the training program, youth work representatives from Armenia , Georgia , Ukraine , Bulgaria , Slovakia , Poland , Croatia , Germany and Estonia received psychological first aid Knowledge,Skills, Toolkit.
Trailblazer: Enhancing youth work with AI
From July 5th to 13th, we brought together passionate youth workers from Armenia, Georgia, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Spain, and Ireland to explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through our “Trailblazer: Enhancing youth work with AI” TC.
Our training packed a powerful punch! We delved into AI, experimented with various tools, and gained practical skills handy in youth work! But the fun didn’t stop there!
We also had the incredible opportunity to visit TUMO center and learn about their projects.
And the cherry on the top was the educational hackathon where our participants were creating youth projects using AI tools!
We want to thank all partners and our incredible participants for this amazing experience
“Be Equipped –PFA in youth work”
Youth workers on daily basis interact and support young people coming from different backgrounds and during their work can face challenging roles and situations. This training which was held between 9-17th September 2023 in Tsaghkadzor Armenia brought together 27 youth workers from Armenia, Italy, Slovakia, Portugal, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to get equipped with psychological first aid competencies and tools thus enhancing their work quality.
We also had study visit to AACEP and guest speakers sharing their experience of providing PFA to different target groups
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
"YOUrCare-YOUthCare! Mental health and wellbeing in youth work" Training course took place 24.06-01.07.2023 in Tsaghkadzor Armenia, where youth workers and young leaders from Armenia, Croatia, Georgia , Italy , Moldova,Romania, Slovakia and Ukrainecame together.
During 6 working days they were discovering wellbeing pillars and practicing tools to maintain own and their target groups' mental health and wellbeing, prevent working burnout!
We had balanced times of very deep personal discussions, talks on hard topics, challenging moments and of course fun and joy which made the experience not only fruitful from professional perspective but also gave a bunch of positive emotions and memories!
UniGrowth DC team wants to thank all participants and partner organizations for their contribution!
"YOUrCare-YOUthCare! Mental health and wellbeing in youth work"
“Do it Right-Reflection design in quality youth work”
"Do it right-Reflection design in quality youth work" was held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, form 20-27th of August 2022, where during 6 working days 24 participants from 6 counties (Portugal, Germany, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia) were exploring the wonder world of reflection. We passed through all the theory, tools, methods and practice that would make youth work more productive. It was a process of deep self-reflection, understanding both ourselves and other person's emotional state. We investigated reflection as one of the crucial components of youth work. During TC participants enhanced their knowledge of youth worker competences, learning styles, reflection & evaluation differences, developed empathy, active listening and of course practiced reflection design different tools. They also had time to reflect how all the experience and gained tools can be adjusted in their life and work with target groups!
Participants made strong connections and shared their new ideas with each other. We are sure that these ideas will become a reality in near future in a different parts of the world.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
“ReflAct-reflective learning in youth work”
The project was aimed to bring together youth workers and youth leaders from Armenia Georgia, Ukraine Moldova, Slovakia Romania and Estonia in order to gain skills and tools for supporting non-formal learning processes in the target groups with whom they work on a daily basis, thereby empowering and motivating young people to be reflective practitioners.
During 5-12 September 2021 in Tsakhkadzor, 27 participants participated in various experiments to increase their understanding of reflective learning principles and practice in youth work. We began with self-assessment and theoretical information and then progressed to practical activities and imitation to help them build their own skills.
We were assisted in developing emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills, which are incredibly crucial in today's world and allow you to evaluate your own experience and enhance efficiency in the future.
Day by day, we were able to create such a safe environment where each person was willing to open up and dig deeper, even though it was hard at times.
Reflection is not a simple game, but we made it possible and enjoyable.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
YOUthArt-Supporting Community Development
One of the most inspirational projects of this year "YOUthArt-Supporting Community Development" training course took place from 23rd to 30th October 2019 in Stepanavan, Armenia.
Youth workers and active leaders from Armenia Germany, Portugal, Italy, Romania, Russia , Georgia and Ukraine, who are involved in community initiatives came together to gain new tools and exchange experience for improving their work with their target groups.
During the project participants were able to experience different forms of artwork which also reflect the needs of communities they work with. As a result through creative and artistic actions fostering positive change they developed collective ideas and initiatives first implemented with the local community in Armenia and further to be continued in their countries.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programmes of European Commission
ChangeYOUth - Empowering Meaningful Impact on Community
"ChangeYOUth - Empowering Meaningful Impact on Community” training course took place 15-26th November 2019 in Tsaghkadzor Armenia. The project brought under one roof 27 youth workers and leaders from Germany, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine. During 9 working days, participants exchanged experiences, discussed problems and possible solutions in their communities, explored youth challenges in different countries and got acquainted with examples of successful change making initiatives. Training was also an excellent platform for participants to reflect on their abilities and resources, to understand more deeply the concept of changemaker, to get tools and methods. Last days of training gave space to practice gained skills and tools and moreover, develop their own ideas that can lead to positive change in their community.
The participants had an opportunity to have study visits to Tumo Center for Creative Technologies and Impact Hub Yerevan and get acquainted with their activities.
Desgin and Share your City
This was another Armenian-German 2 phase project! First stage took place in October 2019 in Berlin where participants raised awareness about urban space development and youth participation in it, had multiple study visits and developed their social projects. On the second stage of the project which took place in August 2021, part participants from Germany and Armenia had intense 10 days to get to know each other, deepened their knowledge in the topic of urbanism and the importance of human-oriented public places. And last but not least we were able to create street artworks on the walls of Yerevan as a contribution of our ideas. It was a challenging but at the same time inspiring and huge learning process. Besides the main topic of the project, we have learned a lot about human interactions and group work where finding a compromise is a must. Thanks to all the participants for making this project real with their active participation and contributions.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
Employable ME
"EmployAble ME" was our Armenian-Romanian bilateral exchange which took place on December 4-12 2019 in Dilijan. It gathered 20 young people from Armenia and Romania, who in the course of 7 working days first had the opportunity to go through a series of stages aimed at self-knowledge and personal growth, and also to acquire and develop a number of important skills to increase their competitiveness in the labor market. Our project was also valuable in terms of social inclusion as we had visually impaired participants and who taught as a lof of life wisdom!
The second phase of the program was supposed to take place in Constanta but because of Covid 19it was cancelled
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
HumaNature
30 young people from 6 countries (Austria Armenia,Lithuania, Estonia Georgia Ukraine) who were interested in self-exploration, personal development and outdoor activities came together 4.07-13.07.2019 in Tsaghkadzor Armenia There was a space and conditions to go through the process of self-discovery and personal development, where participants re-evaluated and self-reflected upon certain topics, identified new possibilities and developed useful personal and social skills. They had the opportunity to experience outdoor education and challenge their abilities, broaden our perspective in topics like intercultural dialogue, tolerance and social cultural stereotypes. During the project we had a hiking to Mt Hatis as well had plogging at Sevan national park.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
YouthBrand
“YOUth Brand –Make Yourself Employable” gathered 36 youngsters from 6 countries (Austria, Slovakia Poland, Armenia Ukraine Georgia)united by the idea “Brand Called “Me” in 5-13 September in Vayk Armenia .The aim of this youth exchange was to equip young people with soft skills for enhancing employability and competitiveness in labour market. During the project there will be a space and conditions where participants will go through the process of personal development, will gain skills and tools of self-branding and self-presentation, effective communication, and storytelling which they can apply afterwards while entering to labour market or further career development.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
“Time for your performance”
This was our first two-phase Armenian-German youth exchange! First phase took place 1-12 December 2018 in Berlin. . Participants went through the intense process of self-exploration and self-expression with the help of body movement/improvised dance methods. Body awarness, inner conflicts overcome, body-mind-heart interconnectedness, creativity, acting and performing competences were developed during the project. Participants became more confident on the stage as well as aware of their weak points to be further developed during the second phase of the project
Thus we met again this time in Armenia from 29th of March till 9th of April 2019 in Yerevan, During these 10 days we had sessions on our self-expression through body-awareness, movement techniques, feeling the contact and trust, improvising with sound and space, experiencing forum theatre and preparing final performances which were presented at NPAK (Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art)
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
“Rural is the New Urban”
Youth exchange “Rural is the new Urban” was held in Dilijan, Armenia from 25th October to 3rd November 2018 and made young people from 6 countries (Armenia, Croatia, Georgia, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine) interested in rural areas development full of innovative and creative ideas of social initiatives come together!
Here they had an opportunity to raise their awareness on employability potential in rural areas, to increase participants’ knowledge on social entrepreneurship as well as develop and gain tools to design their social enterprise ideas. Also participants had a chance to meet local youngsters and get acquainted to social projects they do in their communities, shared practices each party could take home.
In the end of project they all had their unique ideas and inspiration to further develop and implement them in their communities.
The project was founded by ERASMUS+ programme of European Commission
“DigiDialogue in Multicultural communities”
This youth exchange took place in Dilijan, Armenia from 8-17 October 2018 . It created a space for 30 participants from 6 countries (Armenia, Germany, Georgia, Estonia, Italy and Ukraine) to come together and reveal digital tools potential in peaceful community building. Participants of the exchange were with very different background including refugees and migrants, which made experience more vivid and tangible. During our working days young people raised their awareness on migration and inclusion issues in participating countries, had a chance to develop their competences of non-violent communication and intercultural dialogue, as well as skills of using digital tools to raise and find solutions to issues they face in their communities. Moreover they have created their own digital messages to share with other young people from different parts of the world.
The Youth Exchange was financed by Erasmus+ programme of European Commission
“Be Updated Not Misled”
From 4.07-16.07. 2018 Youth Exchange “Be Updated not Misled” took place in Dilijan Armenia where 36 participants from six countries (Romania, Estonia, Austria, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine) came together. During these days Dilijan turned into a big boiler where very different cultural perspectives and views “were being cooked”. During the last week participants got acquainted to non-formal education principles, cultural diversity. They’ve gained skills to distinguish real and fake news by learning to swim and not drown in the informational flow as well as presented media literacy levels, development potential and ways in participating their communities." During the project we also had study visits in Tavush region bordering villages getting real information about local life and realities
The Youth Exchange was financed by Erasmus+ programme of European Commission.
“Rural but Crucial” 2017
In the scope of this youth exchange 12.06-21.06.2017 Dilijan, Armenia 41 young people and youth leaders from 8 (Armenia, Georgia Ukraine Belarus, Romania Estonia, Spain and Slovakia) interested in social entrepreneurship and rural areas development through it came together . Working team provided space and condition for participants to explore and to discover the potential of rural areas from labor market perspective, to re-evaluate and reflect on rural entrepreneurship’s enormous employment potential and as well as it contributed to the identification and development of personal and entrepreneurial skills.
Participants had an opportunity to see local examples of promoting rural areas and local people who despite many obstacles have already succeeded or are on the path of their courageous ideas realization.
The Youth Exchange was financed by Erasmus+ programme of European Commission.
Beyond the Limits 2016
This was a very special project for UniGrowth DC as it was our first project to host in Armenia. 22.10-01.11.2016 Tsaghkadzor it 45 young people and youth leaders from 9 countries (Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine) come together.
Due Armenian nature and weather, perfectly keeping up with the project spirit and topic, the working team has provided space and conditions for the participants to go through the process of self-discovery and personal development, to re-evaluate and self-reflect on certain topics, identify new possibilities and had an opportunity to experience outdoor education and challenge their abilities. Being outdoors brought participants back to their natural environment, strengthening human – nature interconnectedness and empowered personal development. Through challenging themselves, trying to go beyond the limits participants comprehended a new physical, mental and spiritual level.
The Youth Exchange was financed by Erasmus+ programme of European Commission.