Desert Bloom

Join Us to Strengthen Your Virtual Facilitation Skills 🌐

Building Bridges Online

Intercultural Virtual Exchange Competence Workshop

Desert Bloom is organizing a pilot training workshop to prepare youth worker facilitators who will lead upcoming online trainings under “Digital Wellness Guardians (DiWeGa)”, an ambitious Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange project.

This workshop is designed for youth workers, educators, trainers, and community facilitators who want to strengthen their online facilitation skills.

Participants will explore non-formal online facilitation techniques that encourage:

Active participation

Meaningful collaboration

Engagement in virtual learning spaces

Intercultural dialogue in digital environments

📅 When?

Wednesday, March 18th
4:30 PM

📍 Where?

URI / Desert Bloom Offices

Hybrid format:

Attend in person

Or join online via Zoom

💻 Zoom Link

https://uri-org.zoom.us/j/83439698652?pwd=OzOGVaIxy2QVLpZDjqTsCRmyHTbHQu.l

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVJNl8XADyl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Desert Bloom at Erasmus+ Training Course on Inclusion Desert Bloom was proud to be represented at the Erasmus+ Training Course *“Inclusion in ESC and Youth Exchanges: Addressing Challenges in EU Youth Programmes”*, organized by ANDCTR and facilitated by Sergiu Mir in Side, Türkiye (15–21 February). The training brought together 50 youth workers, project managers, and NGO representatives from across Europe and neighboring countries, including Spain, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Ukraine, France, Estonia, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Finland, Moldova, and Serbia. The course focused on strengthening inclusion and diversity within Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects by equipping participants with practical tools, strategies, and non-formal education methodologies. Key themes explored included: * Addressing structural and invisible barriers in youth programme * Promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect * Encouraging active participation of underrepresented youth * Designing accessible and inclusive learning environments * Strengthening collaboration among youth organizations For Desert Bloom, participation in this training reflects our continued commitment to inclusive youth development and equitable access to international opportunities. We return with strengthened competencies, expanded partnerships, and renewed dedication to creating spaces where all young people can meaningfully participate and thrive. We look forward to integrating these insights into our future Erasmus+ initiatives and community projects. #DesertBloom #ErasmusPlus #ESC #YouthWork #Inclusion #NonFormalEducation #YouthExchange #InternationalCooperation

Desert Bloom participation in Y-WISE Transfer Study Visit in Gaziantep, Turkey from 2–6 Feb. 2026

A diverse group of youth workers and organizational representatives concluded a high-impact study visit to Gaziantep, highlighting the vital role of social integration and the preservation of cultural heritage. The “Y-WISE Transfer” study visit brought together 18 participants from 12 countries to explore innovative and practical models for empowering the next generation of young leaders. This project was co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ programme.
A cornerstone of the visit was a series of meetings at Youth Centers operated by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports. These centers function as essential hubs for social cohesion, offering safe and inclusive spaces for local youth, migrants, and Syrian refugees alike. Participants gained insight into how these centers rapidly adapted following the 2023 earthquakes, expanding their services to include psychosocial support, digital literacy training, and creative learning opportunities. The delegation explored initiatives designed to help young people in disaster-affected communities rebuild their confidence, strengthen social connections, and engage in science, arts, and cultural programs.
To better understand the region’s rich historical identity, the group visited the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum. As the second-largest mosaic museum in the world, it showcases 2,448 square meters of extraordinary Roman and Hellenistic artwork, including the iconic “Gypsy Girl.” Participants were inspired by how the museum and its invaluable collection remained intact despite the devastating 2023 earthquake, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and continuity for the city.
The learning experience continued at a local Mosaic Training Center, where each participant engaged in a hands-on workshop to create their own mosaic artwork. This interactive session allowed participants to connect directly with a cultural tradition that has shaped the identity of the region for thousands of years, deepening their appreciation for heritage-based education.
The study visit extended beyond formal sessions through an engaging City Tour and interactive Treasure Hunt. This activity encouraged participants to explore historical landmarks while building meaningful connections with local youth and community members. A key highlight was the “Bigger and Better” trading challenge, where participants exchanged a small item for something of greater value, creating moments of laughter, collaboration, and genuine community interaction.
“Meeting local youth and hearing their hopes and challenges firsthand was deeply moving,” shared one participant. “It allowed us to move beyond statistics and truly understand the human stories and resilience of Gaziantep.”
The visit concluded with a strong emphasis on future collaboration. By exchanging organizational contacts and sharing best practices, participating organizations from Austria, Poland, Jordan, and Palestine identified promising opportunities for joint initiatives under the Erasmus+ framework.
The Y-WISE Transfer study visit not only introduced participants to innovative approaches in youth work but also strengthened an international network committed to empowering young people and supporting their resilience in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.

DIWEGA Focus Group – Call for Applications!
📢 DIWEGA Focus Group – Call for Applications!
Join the Erasmus+ Digital Wellness Guardians project and help shape the future of digital well-being, online safety, and responsible tech use.
🌍 Countries: Tunisia • Greece • Jordan • Belgium • Egypt
👥 Who: Motivated youth aged 18–30
💬 What: Share your voice, build digital skills, and join an international community
🧠 Topics: Digital Ethics & Safety • Digital Health & Usage • Information Management • Intercultural Virtual Exchange
🗓 When: January–February — 4 online sessions
📅 Deadline: 30 December 2025
🔗 Apply now & become a Digital Wellness Guardian:
👉 https://shorturl.at/RF2pR
Funded by the European Union — Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange