Implementation
"Digital Entrepreneurship Through Empathy" took place in Kotlina Kłodzka, in the County area of Kłodzko, in Poland, where we were hosted in Bolko Osrodek Turystyczny (https://osrodekbolko.pl/).
7th of May 2024
FIRST DAY
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
During the morning sessions, we conducted a series of ice-breaking and name-game activities.
First, we engaged participants in an exercise where they introduced themselves by stating their names, the meanings behind them, the reasons they were given those names, whether they liked their names, and how they preferred to be addressed.
Next, participants were divided into groups of 3-4 persons and we had an outdoor activity in which it was written on the floor (e.g., Village vs. Mountain or
Next, we organized an activity centred around creating personal envelopes. Participants walked around the room with a piece of paper that had their names and a circle representing a face. Each time the trainer said "stop," participants were instructed to draw a specific facial feature (e.g., eyebrows, eyes, lips) on the paper of the person whose name was on it. This process continued until a complete face was drawn. The result was a portrait of each participant, collaboratively created by various others. These portraits were then displayed on the wall with an envelope beneath each one, intended for "presents" and kind words from others.
Throughout the week, we also played a secret friend game. Each participant was assigned a secret friend from whom they received small presents and notes of encouragement.
YOUTHPASS ACTIVITY
In this activity, participants have been divided into eight groups. Around the workshop room, there were eight stations. Each station was about one Erasmus Plus Competence (e.g., Literacy, Multilingual, Mathematical, Digital, Personal and Learning to Learn, Citizenship, Entrepreneurship, and Cultural Awareness and Expression Competence). Participants with their teams received their Youth Pass portfolio. In each station, there was an envelope, including three tasks, which each team had to complete. This was a way for them to understand that Youth Pass is not only about the certificate they receive but about the subjective way in which they develop. It has been given to them space in this way, to reflect on each competence through practical learning, collaboration, and fun.
DEBATE ACTIVITY
On the morning of the third day, participants engaged in a debate activity designed to foster interactive discussion and critical thinking. The activity involved participants positioning themselves on designated spots marked "YES" and "NO" in response to various challenging statements, such as whether digital tools are more environmentally friendly than traditional tools.
By standing on their chosen markings, participants expressed their beliefs and perspectives on each statement. This inclusive platform allowed everyone to voice their opinions and engage in constructive debates, promoting a lively exchange of ideas and mutual learning.
The debate activity's dynamic nature encouraged participants to explore different angles of each subject, challenging their existing beliefs and fostering intellectual growth and open-mindedness. Through this process, participants were exposed to diverse insights, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of various viewpoints.
8th of May 2024
SECOND DAY
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
During the communication skills activity, participants were divided into small groups. Each group was tasked with designing and presenting activities that demonstrated various types of communication skills. These skills included:
- Microexpressions: Understanding and interpreting subtle facial expressions that convey emotions.
- Constructive Feedback: Providing feedback in a way that is helpful and encouraging.
- Paralanguage: Recognizing and utilizing tone, pitch, and volume to enhance communication.
- Body Language: Using gestures, posture, and other non-verbal cues to support verbal communication.
- Conflict Resolution: Effectively managing and resolving disputes through communication.
This interactive approach not only deepened participants' understanding of these essential communication skills but also provided practical experience in applying them in real-life scenarios.
DISCUSSION ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DESIGN THINKING
In the morning session of the Fourth Day, participants engaged in a valuable learning experience that began with a presentation on Design Thinking and Empathy Mapping.
Design Thinking is a human-centred and iterative problem-solving approach that emphasizes understanding and empathizing with the needs, desires, and challenges of the end-users or customers. It involves a structured process that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation to develop effective and user-centric solutions.
Empathy Mapping, on the other hand, is a specific tool within the Design Thinking framework. It enables participants to deeply empathize with the customer's perspective by creating a visual representation of their feelings, thoughts, actions, and spoken words. By putting themselves in the shoes of the customer, the participants gain valuable insights into the customer's experiences and preferences.
The participants were then divided into pairs, and each pair received a customer-based scenario. Their task was to collaborate and collectively fill out an Empathy Map for the specified customer, delving into how this individual feels, thinks, acts, and expresses themselves. By examining what the customer says and does, they aimed to uncover the underlying emotions and thought processes behind these behaviours.
Based on the Empathy Map, the groups were asked to articulate and write a concrete problem statement. In the context of Design Thinking, a problem statement succinctly defines the challenge or issue that needs to be addressed. It is framed from the customer's perspective and focuses on their needs, ensuring that any proposed solution is aligned with the customer's requirements.
They later had to prepare a roleplaying scenario, in which they solved the customer's complaint in a professional way, practicing, this way their communication skills, increasing their confidence, improving their problem-solving skills, and providing a better understanding of the customer's perspective.
ONE STEP FORWARD
The day ended with an outdoor activity called "One Step Forward," designed to cultivate empathy and foster a deeper understanding of human rights. Each participant was assigned a roleplaying concept, and during a guided meditation, they immersed themselves in the experiences and emotions of that role. The goal was for participants to step into the shoes of others and gain a firsthand appreciation for their perspectives and challenges.
The activity involved a series of statements related to human rights. Participants were asked to reflect on whether they had access to certain privileges, such as education or Wi-Fi. If they answered "yes," they took a step forward, visually symbolizing their advantage. On the other hand, if they answered "no," they remained in their original position, highlighting the absence of those rights.
By engaging in this exercise, participants developed a profound sense of empathy. They were allowed to tangibly understand the privileges they possessed or lacked, experiencing first-hand the disparities that exist among human beings.
Beyond merely understanding the roles they were assigned, the "Take a Step Forward" activity allows participants to connect with the broader human experience. They realize that regardless of individual circumstances or roles, all human beings are equal and deserve access to basic rights and opportunities. The activity powerfully conveyed the message that equity lies in providing equal access to these rights, ensuring that everyone can benefit from them.
7th - 8th of May 2024
Launch Time
Alpaca's Visit
On the 7th and 8th of May, during the launch break, participants had the opportunity to visit Alpacas.
Alpacas are domesticated mammals native to South America, specifically the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. They belong to the camelid family, which also includes llamas, vicuñas, and guanacos. Smaller than llamas, alpacas are primarily raised for their luxurious fibre, which is known for their softness and warmth.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Alpacas stand about 90 centimetres (35 inches) at the shoulder and typically weigh between 48 to 84 kilograms (106 to 185 pounds).
- Appearance: They have slender bodies, long necks, and large, expressive eyes. Their coats can come in a variety of colours, including white, black, brown, and shades of grey.
- Fibre: Alpaca fibre is highly prized for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. It is used to make a range of textiles, including clothing, blankets, and accessories.
Behaviour and Social Structure
- Social Animals: Alpacas are highly social and prefer to live in herds. They communicate through a range of vocalizations, body postures, and facial expressions.
- Temperament: Generally, alpacas are gentle and curious animals, though they can be shy and cautious around strangers. They are known for their distinctive "humming" sound and occasional spitting, which is typically a defence mechanism or a way to express displeasure.
9th of May 2024
THIRD DAY
Excursion Day
On the third day, we first visited the Centrum Historii Zajezdnia and later participants had some time to the centre of Wroclaw.
The center is dedicated to documenting and presenting the history of Wrocław and the broader region of Lower Silesia, with a particular focus on the post-World War II period. Its mission is to educate the public about the social, political, and cultural changes that have shaped the city and its inhabitants.
Centrum Historii Zajezdnia features a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition, "Wrocław 1945-2016," takes visitors on a journey through the city's history, starting from the end of World War II, through the Communist era, the Solidarity movement, and into the modern-day transformation of Wrocław into a vibrant European city.
The exhibition is organized chronologically and thematically, with interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and artefacts that bring history to life. Key themes include the reconstruction of Wrocław after the war, the experiences of repatriates and displaced persons, the impact of the Communist regime, and the struggle for freedom and democracy.
Wroclaw is a vibrant city located in western Poland, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. Wroclaw has a long and complex history, having been influenced by various cultures and empires over the centuries. It has been a part of Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia, and Germany at different times in its history. The city has a beautiful mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. Wroclaw's Market Square (Rynek) is one of the largest in Europe and serves as the heart of the city. It is surrounded by elegant townhouses, cafes, restaurants, and the iconic Gothic-style Town Hall.
10th of May 2024
FOURTH DAY
Concept Strategy
During the second session, the focus shifted to introducing the Golden Circle concept, a powerful framework developed by Simon Sinek that delves into the fundamental elements of a business's vision and purpose. The participants were guided through tasks aimed at helping them define and refine their business ideas.
The Golden Circle concept centres around three essential questions: "Why," "How," and "What." Participants were encouraged to first explore the "Why" of their business idea, which represents its core purpose and the underlying motivation behind it. By understanding the deeper reason for their venture, participants could establish a strong foundation for their business's direction and mission.
Next, the participants delved into the "How" aspect of their business idea. This step involved defining the strategies, processes, and methods that would enable them to achieve their vision. It allowed them to consider the practical aspects of turning their purpose into reality and identifying the key actions required to make their business successful.
Finally, the participants addressed the "What" of their business idea, which pertains to the tangible products or services they intend to offer. This step involved specifying the features, attributes, and unique selling points that would set their offerings apart from competitors.
In addition to the Golden Circle exercise, participants engaged in competitive analysis. By evaluating their competitors, they gained insights into the existing market landscape and identified potential gaps or opportunities. This analysis also helped them uncover their business's unique selling point, the distinct feature that sets them apart from others and provides a competitive advantage.
Brand Identity
In the second session of the day, participants delved deeper into the concept of brand identity. They explored elements such as tone of voice, colour combinations, and strategies for effectively conveying their company's vision and philosophy. Following this, they were tasked with designing a mood board, creating a colour palette, and developing a logo for their company. You can view their digital business idea creations here: https://destem.webnode.page/digital-entrepreneurial-projects/
Journaling
In the subsequent session, participants engaged in a series of thought-provoking exercises aimed at gaining deeper insights into their life choices and personal aspirations. The first activity involved delving into the underlying reasons behind their actions by repeatedly asking themselves "Why." Through this introspective process, participants sought to uncover the true motivations driving their life decisions. Furthermore, they extended this exercise to one another, helping fellow participants explore their purposes by asking probing "Why" questions and encouraging them to delve deeper into their thoughts.
Participants were also encouraged to create a list of life goals and aspirations but with the added challenge of subsequently removing some items from the list. This exercise aimed to foster focus and efficiency by prioritizing their ambitions and learning to let go of non-essential pursuits.
In another activity, participants had to ask two persons from the group their opinions about them. This was aimed at enhancing their self-awareness, realising that different people have different beliefs about us and learning how can become better individuals in general.
11th of May 2024
FIFTH DAY
Homepage
The first session of the fifth day focused on web accessibility, showing participants some methodologies for designing more accessible websites, focusing on web accessibility guidelines. They performed some small exercises and tasks on the topic and later had to design the webpages for their business ideas. All of the participants' web pages can be found on their respective devoted pages: https://destem.webnode.page/digital-entrepreneurial-projects/. Later, participants had to create reels to advertise their companies. In the last session, participants had time to prepare their pitches for the formal conference of the next day.
12th of May 2024
SIXTH DAY
Formal Conference
The day started with a business conference, where participants had 120 seconds to pitch their business ideas, showcasing the progress they had achieved during the program. The conference provided an atmosphere of professionalism and excitement as each group confidently pitched their innovative ideas to their peers.
To add an element of realism and engagement, a twist was introduced – the use of "fake money." Each participant received 200 euros, representing their investment potential. As active investors, the participants had the task of discerning the most promising business idea among their peers. They interviewed each group, seeking to understand their strategies, value propositions, and potential for growth.
In the afternoon, we continued with evaluation, dissemination-follow-up explanation, and secret friend ceremony. Last, we had our youth pass ceremony.
