PROMEnhance Winter School program in Turin concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and equipped with valuable insights into participatory development strategies. The event brought together 25 students - from Portugal, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Romania - and experts from diverse backgrounds, fostering an enriching environment for learning, cultural exchange, and collaboration.
For many participants, the Winter School was a gateway to new opportunities. Tiago Silva (Lusófona University Economics student) shared his excitement, saying: "The PROMEnhance Winter School was my first Erasmus+ project, and I'm very glad for the opportunity to take part in it. I had the chance to meet new students with the same passion for participatory development, while being able to get hands-on knowledge about established institutions in participatory development."
The program combined theory and practice seamlessly, providing participants with tools and real-world experiences to address community engagement. Reflecting on her experience, Claudilene Perim (Lusófona University PhD Student) highlighted the impactful methodology: "Participating in the Winter School on Local Participatory Development was an enriching experience. With a practical 'learning by doing' approach, I explored theories and practices of community engagement in real contexts, such as the Via Baltea Community Hub and Urban Lab. The lectures and workshops offered essential tools for strategic planning, co-creation, and civic technologies, while also addressing themes like inclusion and sustainability. The diversity of specialists provided a rich and interdisciplinary perspective, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration as the key to local development."
The Winter School stood out for its unique blend of academic rigor and experiential learning. Participants engaged with local organizations in Turin, bringing development theories to life. Theodor described the program as a “transformative experience”, adding: "The well-organized teaching, practical learning approach, and enriching cultural exchange stood out. Visits to local organizations showcased real-world applications of participatory development strategies. The perfect balance of learning and exploration made it both productive and memorable."
Cultural activities, city tours, and workshops complemented the program, creating an unforgettable educational journey for all involved. As the PROMEnhance project meeting concluded, participants and organizers alike celebrated its success, leaving inspired to continue working towards inclusive and sustainable community development.
For more information about PROMEnhance and its initiatives, visit PROMEnhance's website.