Participants. Leaders. International project implementers. Role models. Erasmus+ faces. Who are they, what are their stories? The Erasmus+ Role Models initiative seeks to present people from various fields whose stories may inspire others when making decisions and finding their own paths. The campaign lays emphasis on social inclusion, helping those around us, as well as on communicating the general values of the EU.
Ákos Pordán Managing Director, 'Kézenfogva' Foundation
"'Kézenfogva' (Hand in Hand) Foundation was established in 1993 in order to develop services for people with disabilities, their families and professionals working with them, to promote the human dignity and social acceptance of those affected. For us, Erasmus+ programmes mean refreshment and new motivation; the programme is a logical resource distribution and usage system, based on trust and requirements of high professional standards.
I've found the right colleagues with whom we've been launching the third project where we are the main applicants. It's true that, in the long term, cooperation is more beneficial than competition; it feels good and it's also professionally uplifting to create something more together.
My most memorable Erasmus+ moment was when in 2018 in a mobility programme I met an intellectually disabled person who worked in the management of one of Finland's largest service provider partner organisations. He was provided all the help he needed to understand the life of the organisation and contribute to making decisions. I think it was a great thing; we want to proceed in that direction, too.
We are closing two of our projects now, just to launch two new ones. Altogether, we are involved in five Erasmus+ programmes. Our new topics are: the improvement of a sensitisation programme for kindergarten teachers in Romania and Slovakia, focusing on disabilities, the development of a school garden, and making a business plan and garden development with the involvement of people with intellectual disabilities.
In order to be involved in programmes which satisfy real needs, the most important thing to do is to disseminate the outcomes properly. We should follow up how they are used after the projects, so we can see what is in demand and what is not."
Last modified: 20-05-2020
