Spinach for Popeye International Exchange Programme
Spinach for Popeye •
Spinach for Popeye is an international workers exchange programme • The key focus of the programme is – the transition years from school into employment for vulnerable young people who may be experiencing difficulties at school and / or at home or in the community • Members include...... – Falkirk (Scotland) – Gothenburg (Sweden) – Odenwaldkreis (Germany) • Previously has included Rimini – Italy, Den Helder in Holland, Viljandi in Estonia
Spinach for Popeye • The programme consists of 2 parts – A bi-annual Congress (usually November) – A bi-annual Youth Exchange (usually June)
The Congress • 5 nights excluding travel • 8 delegates from each country • Host completes application on behalf of other promoters • Funding is through the National Agency for Youth In Action (EU funds) – Action 4.3 Training and Networking
Purpose of the Congress • To explore, develop and sustain new and innovative programmes of practice • To learn from each other • To share practice • To discuss practice issues and challenges • To bring back to our own countries what we have learned and experienced and share with colleagues
Who is the Congress targeted at • Teachers, youth workers, police officers, employment, social services, voluntary organisations, local politicians – It is expected that the delegation will meet before the Congress to prepare for the theme – It is expected that the delegation will meet after the Congress to explore new ideas and ways of working together
Methods and Approaches • Inputs from each country / showcase or activity which relates to the congress theme • Informal activities, getting to know one another • Input speakers, visits, job shadow, practical workshops, meeting young people, meeting other workers • Cultural activities • Discussion and reflection
How is the Congress Planned • An advance planning visit takes place – host pays for hosting costs and promoters pay for travel • During this visit the group agrees the theme and ideas for the programme and contribute to the funding application • The host take the lead in planning and organisation of the Congress
Youth Exchange • Following the congress a youth exchange takes place which consists of 8 young people aged 14 – 16 • Host completes application on behalf of other promoters • Funding is through the National Agency for Youth In Action (EU funds) Action 1 – 2 workers – Young people who have fewer opportunities – In contact with workers who attended Congress • Similarly an advance planning visit will take place to agree theme, programme outline, planning issues and contribute to funding application
Our future Plans • New plan for years 2009 – 2016 – – – – – – – –
2009 Congress – Falkirk 2010 Youth Exchange – Falkirk 2011 – Congress – Germany 2012 – Youth Exchange Sweden 2013 Congress new partner 2014 Youth Exchange – Germany 2015 Congress Sweden 2016 Youth Exchange – new partner
• Statement of Intent signed in at Falkirk Congress 2009
Contributions • Each country contributes 2500 Euros towards the cost of the Congress • Each country contributes 500 Euros towards the cost of the Youth Exchange