A week in Cyprus sounds heavenly, but a week of learning in Cyprus is an even better alternative.

This project has been the most focused and diverse one in which I have ever been involved. I have learned a lot about youthwork itself, about the challenges it brings up and about problem-solving in this context. Something I will always remember is the surprisingly effective teamwork which led us to solve difficult case studies and to acknowledge why and how we want to become youthworkers.

I feel like this week took me out of my comfort zone and made me establish connections with people whom I did not expect to befriend. At the same time, my favourite activity is, for sure, the one from the sixth day which we held at the school. Being surrounded by the energy of individuals of 10 years old is an unique experience and, since I have never been in this position before, it represented a serious challenge for me. I can say that I literally worked with the youth during that day, even though our time there was limited, and that I exceeded my expectations.

Teamwork is also a challenge for me, since I have always been the "loner", but it seems that this project has done wonders in that sense.

Another thing I will always remember is concentrated in the case studies, which were focused on diversity and integration (consacrated European values). Integrating diverse matters into a single context was unexpectedly difficult and it almost felt impossible. With the help of my team, we were able to finish the task, providing a realistic solution.

This week helped me to understand the reality-expectation contrast even better than life managed to do so until now. I can also see the connection of that contrast with youthwork and with the competences a youthworker needs to have or to further develop.

In conclusion, I have learned in a week how much life would have taught me in 2 years.

Stefania