Beyond the Fields

28 January 2025
The team representing SIR in the “Beyond the Fields” YE held in Castelo Novo last October would like to share some thoughts on the project with you guys!
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Nina, who you can see presenting their achievements in one of the pictures, also hosted an extensive dissemination session. SIR is proud to have been a part of this project and to engage another group of youth in meaningful action.
“Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to return to Castelo Novo, a place where my Erasmus journey first began nearly three years ago. This time, I was proud to represent Stowarzyszenie Inicjatyw Regionalnych during the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Beyond the Fields”, organized by Associação Selfmade – Mobilidade Internacional e Empreendedorismo.
This inspiring project brought together 30 young participants from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Turkey, focusing on entrepreneurship and soft skills. Together, we explored tools and strategies for building rural businesses and making impactful decisions – empowering ideas that are crucial for creating sustainable communities.
Being back in Castelo Novo reminded me of how youth exchanges like this can be. It’s not just about learning and networking, it’s about personal growth, cultural exchange, and creating meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact.
If you’re considering stepping into the world of Erasmus+, I can’t recommend it enough. Every journey has the potential to change your perspective and open up endless opportunities!” – Nina
“The experience was enriching, broadening our horizons and offering valuable practical and cultural insights. We were engaged in a variety of activities including workshops, hands-on projects, and discussions that encouraged the exchange of diverse perspectives and ideas.
The project not only focused on skill development but also fostered a sense of community among participants. By participating in team-building exercises and cultural exchanges, we established profound connections.” – Agnieszka
“Through an Erasmus+ youth exchange – “Beyond the fields”- I met fascinating people
and gained insights into rural realities in Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Türkiye – countries better known as top tourist destinations.
I spent a week in Castelo Novo, an ancient stone village – Aldeia – that stands as a testament to Portuguese history. Yet, like many rural areas, it faces challenges such as an aging and shrinking population, along with infrastructure issues distant from metropolitan areas.
In nearby Fundão, however, I discovered inspiring local initiatives aimed at bringing people back. During a visit to an agricultural innovation fair, I encountered startups like StarMountain and a nationwide initiative, BLOCKCHAIN.PT.
Thank you to the Associação Selfmade – Mobilidade Internacional e Empreendedorismo Squad for such an enriching project! Obrigado!” – Łukasz
#ErasmusPlus #YouthExchange
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