Cultural exchanges have a significant role in bringing people from every religious, economic and social background together. Through this project we wanted to combine both preservation of cultural heritage and work on social integration of people and in particular youngsters and artistic groups within the creative sector who usually get less attention via the media and other networks in their local communities and to develop active citizenship among all groups of people.
This YE was focused on fostering development of basic and traversal skills, such as soft skills and multilingualism using innovative methods and two universal languages: Folk Music and Traditional Dance as tools of social inclusion. The overall aim of the project is to make participants aware of their culture and ancient roots through discovering similarities and sharing common problems and opportunities
Participants from France, Lebanon, Armenia, Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina were involved in the project.
Through this project participants had the chance to learn about each others’ Folk Music and Dances, shared their traditions, learnt about the history of folk music and dance. Got team building skills, learn how to work with people from different cultural background.
At the same time the participants had the chance to learn a bit more about Armenian culture. Special thanks to Ardvin Folk Dance School and Ashtarak Hayordac Tun after Gyulameryan for bringing their big contribution in sharing Armenian culture within the participants from 5 other nations.
Ardvin Folk Dance School spent time to teach Armenian dances to our participants,, which they really liked and enjoyed and used during the open air event. And thanks to Ashtarak Hayordac Tun after Gyulameryan youth, our participants got the vibes of Armenian traditional instruments, got the energy of Armenian dances, learnt inspiring Armenian songs and of course had the chance to talk with the local youth and share about the their culture.
Project was funded in the frames of Erasmus+ project.
Thanks to Ballade Association for the effective and strong cooperation and to all the partners who made this project happen: Pokhara Association-Spain, BRAVO-Bosnia and Herzegovina, YDO-Lebanon.
The project was hosted by FIOH Armenia
At the end participants created also a brochur including information about the folk dances and music. You can download it HERE
Below is what our participants share:
Hovhannes Vardanyan
The unexpected opportunity to participate in the program made me very happy. In general, it was my first project. Being a representative of the host country within the framework of the program, I had the opportunity to introduce participants from different backgrounds to my country and my culture and of course, I also got to know their culture, which was very important for me. This program was the best opportunity in my life to make friends from different countries, especially friends who are as close to art as I am. Mostly unforgettable for me was the song created by my French friend Nath, as well as with our team, even if it was a small one, where I had the opportunity to use my hobby, playing the guitar. I also kept my portrait painted by Farah and Angel’s gifts safe.
Anna Amiryan
It was grateful 10 days full of beautiful colors. First of all I want to say I loved everything with every details. From the first day we became close friends with some of our participants as they shared warm vibes and it was pleasant to talk and interact with them. The most important thing is when you think you’re the only one, or it seems you know all kinds of people, but during that time you discover that there are a lot of people like you or some people who are , indeed ,very different from others in their personality. The whole time I felt comfort and I didn’t want to finish my history with such beautiful people like them. We were a big family where every member had his own role and importance, and organizers made it warmer with their attention and care. That’s why I would like to participate another project, but of course with the same group and our lovely organization. After this project, I understand how important is knowing your culture and the most memorable thing for me was my dance and our cultural night. It was full of Armenian vibes. I really liked it.
Sonya Ohanyan
It was a great experience for me discovering Erasmus+, making beautiful memories, finding friends from different countries with different background, mindset, culture and traditions, learning from them. I’ve met the best, well-organised Armenian team ever. And of course, I’m still excited about the participants on how much reliable , caring and kind they were, the atmosphere full of energy, rhythm and love.
Hayk Hakobyan
This was so much fun taking part in this project. Project where I could got to know many talented people. To see diverse culture and learn something new. What was the outcome? I’ve changed my mindset a lot, got new skills which I will implement in my life for sure, practiced my language skills. Overall, this was an experience that I couldn’t imagine to get, I really wish everyone to get such an experience!
Syuzanna Manvelyan
This was such an amazing project and experience for me. It helped me to find various people from different parts of the world with so diverse cultures and lifestyles. Just amazing and talented individuals whom I probably would never meet without Erasmus+ and I am so thankful the project for them, for new skills I obtained, the new knowledge I learned and for the new emotions, I felt. And I just can’t skip our unforgettable study visit day, when we had an opportunity to dive into Armenian culture through national dances, songs, some stories and sights. What refers to the project itself it was a great opportunity for me to learn more about other cultures, as we danced together, and sang together.
Susanna Grigoryan
Erasmus+ projects in Armenia, how interesting it can be? These were my first thoughts when I heard about the project, but how wrong was I !My first hosting experience was so epic, that could’ve imagine! First of all I felt a little responsibility in introducing my culture, but also I was very honored to meet the amazing people who were very curious and were asking a lot of questions during intercultural exchanges. The most impressive memories are from study visit, where I was happy to share and enjoy presence of our intercultural friends in my beloved places of Yerevan and getting new experience (like soaking in fountains or random organized picnics or musical coffee breaks) as well as discovering some new parts of Armenia.
“Culture and rhythms” is and will be unforgettable due to its wonderful people, whom I’m happy to call my friends! I really enjoyed learning and dancing Lebanese, Spanish and Bosnian traditional dances and even added one more dance in Armenian collection.
