Moldova Team
Follow-up activity:
Representing Moldova at the Erasmus+ project "Digital Entrepreneurship Through Empathy (DESTEM)" in Kłodzko, Poland was a transformative experience for our team. The training focused on enhancing digital entrepreneurship skills through the lens of empathy. The training, held from May 6th to 13th, 2024, brought together 36 youth workers from various countries. The core concepts in this training included digital entrepreneurship, empathy in customer service, and the role of humanitarian values in business. We engaged in workshops, role plays, and experiential learning activities, which equipped us with practical skills to apply in our professional and personal lives, and many energizers.
When we got back to Moldova, we were excited to plan a follow-up activity to share what we had learned. We decided to hold our session at IPLT "Alecu Russo", in Cojușna, aiming to reach young students interested in digital entrepreneurship. We held the activity on May 30th, 2024. We started with a brief introduction about ourselves and the DESTEM project, followed by an icebreaker activity that we had during the project, to energize everyone and set a relaxed tone to make everyone comfortable. We then presented the key lessons from the training, emphasizing how empathy can improve customer relations and business success. This included interactive discussions with real-life examples and personal stories from the us. We thought that giving everyone personal examples would make them relate more and really be involved in the activity, because during the training we covered the importance of non-formal learning and how it can impact us. We talked about how, during our training, we were divided into groups to brainstorm and develop mock digital business ideas, focusing on empathetic customer service, and we shared the new tools that helped us during the project for creating logos and websites. We also replicated an empathy mapping activity from the training, which helped participants understand customer needs and perspectives, highlighting the importance of creating user-centred digital solutions. The trainers did their job perfectly and we didn't fail to credit them for their implication and dedication throughout the project.
The follow-up activity was a great success, with over 15 participants actively involved in the sessions. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive; participants appreciated the practical insights and the focus on empathy in business. Many expressed a newfound interest in pursuing digital entrepreneurship, inspired by the approach we shared and many others were interested in the Erasmus projects that align mostly with their future career or personal preference.
Overall, participating in the DESTEM project and conducting the follow-up activity in Moldova has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It allowed us to enhance our skills and contribute to our community by sharing valuable knowledge and adopting a culture of empathy and innovation. This active recall made us eager to participate again. We are grateful for this opportunity, for the people we met, that left a special place in our heart, for the things we learned, the places we visited that brought us closer together, and look forward to future initiatives that will continue to empower and inspire young minds.
Posts/videos from social media about the project:
Videos:
1. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C69aoYyN_1R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7E6yN6o8Kz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
3. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6t1RlTtSob/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
4. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C60d0G3Nc_M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Posts:
1. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6875N3Il2O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6841y5ozuX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
3. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7xA9BOouJs/
4. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6qZHKlN32-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
5. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6qqPE6Nar9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
6. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6w4L0MNKM5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
7. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6uea4KoM-v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
8. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7AIH2btcNe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
9. https://www.instagram.com/p/C69Cxd4IzEC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
10. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6w18Zfoire/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
11. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6w0pyaIj9B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
12. https://www.instagram.com/p/C6wxHXBo2Mw/? utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Participants' Impressions from the Project:
Valeria: Participating in this training was eye-opening. I have participated before in other projects and youth exchanges. I can say that nothing compares to this one. The workshops on digital tools were practical, and I loved the group activities where we brainstormed business ideas. Connecting with people from different cultures and experiencing the local Polish hospitality was a bonus. I enjoyed how everyone was so open and friendly. I didn't expect that I would make so many friends. I'm excited to apply what I've learned and stay in touch with the people I meet.
Ariadna: With this being my first Erasmus project, the DESTEM course was significant and special. I learned a lot about digital entrepreneurship and empathy in business. The workshops were engaging, especially when we all started to want "more outside activities". I look forward to using these insights and maintaining the connections I've made. The trainers put a lot of effort into every session and helped each in need, they were organized and understanding, and this made me grow close to them. I never expected to see myself cry after the training but there I was with a face full of tears waving my goodbyes to everyone. Overall a significant experience in my life.
Veronica: This Erasmus project in Poland was incredible. I enjoyed the hands-on workshops, particularly group one where we developed a business plan. I think that the people you work with influence your progress therefore I was lucky. I have to mention the cultural nights, trying new foods, and making friends from around the world broadened my horizons. I'm very grateful that my first Erasmus project and my first time travelling outside my country was such a great success. I loved spreading positivity and smiling everywhere I went.
Diana: This experience was invaluable and provided me with new perspectives and essential skills for my career. The program included a series of seminars and workshops focused on various critical aspects of digital entrepreneurship, including Empathy in Digital Entrepreneurship, Ideation, Brand Establishment, Web Design, and Fundraising Strategies. This experience helped me develop both technical and interpersonal skills, and I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and relationships I built during this program. I look forward to applying these lessons in my future projects and continuing to grow in this dynamic field.