The imprint of the experience of EUF project
Notes on participation in the EUF project by Matteo Busceti e Christina Papadimitriou
Our experience with the EUF project was an important opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally. This project, carried out through collaboration between organizations from Italy, Greece, and Portugal, aimed to improve communication between parents and children. From the very beginning, our involvement encouraged us to reflect on the complexity of family dynamics and the importance of effective tools to foster intergenerational dialogue.
One of the most enriching aspects of this experience was working with an international team, allowing us to engage with different perspectives and approaches. Not only were we able to improve our English level by working with an international team, but this project also enabled us to explore topics related to family communication through visual materials and innovative educational strategies. In particular, the process of selecting photographic material was a deeply impactful moment: observing images that captured moments of intimacy, dialogue, and growth between parents and children helped us gain a deeper understanding of these relationships and the crucial role that communication plays in strengthening them.
Throughout the project, we had the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of its content, collaborating with various professionals and institutions. As a result, we also observed how these professionals work and we had a better insight into how these themes can be brought up in different environments. Engaging in dialogue with teachers and school staff, for instance, gave us a concrete perspective on the importance of integrating these topics into educational settings, raising awareness not only among young people but also among the adults who guide them in their growth.
This experience also prompted us to reflect on the power of project design as a tool for social change. Actively participating in different project phases, from planning initiatives to organizing events, nurtured our strong interest in project development and its potential for impact. More precisely, we also gained valuable and useful knowledge on project management in order to understand in depth the process of organizing an ERASMUS project like this one. We learned how to create a Gantt for instance, which is one of the first and most important tools and the first step in creating the pathway of a project. Lastly, we learned how essential it is to design initiatives that actively engage people, stimulating deep reflections and creating spaces for authentic dialogue.
Ultimately, the EUF project was a formative experience that left a lasting impression on both of us. It allowed us to grow, refine our skills in project design, and strengthen our awareness of the importance of communication in family relationships. Working closely with professionals and diverse communities enriched us and gave us food for thought regarding our professional future, which is being constructed now. It reinforced our belief that education and culture can be powerful tools to promote individual well-being and build more inclusive societies. Finally, this initiative gave us the opportunity to reflect upon our own thoughts and beliefs regarding interfamilial communication styles and how vital it is to work in a personal and in a more social level in order to improve them.