Three members from ACTIVE Austria recently took part in an engaging and dynamic 8-day training course in Clermont-Ferrand, France. This event brought together 27 youth workers from across Europe to explore and experiment with the “SCRUM” project management methodology, tailored for youth work. Participants were excited to gain hands-on experience in non-formal education methods, tools on agile project management, and the scrum methodology.
The course focused on four key objectives:
- Raising Awareness: It aimed to increase understanding and foster a mindset shift regarding agile and scrum frameworks, which are widely used for managing software and innovation projects.
- Increasing Adoption: Youth workers explored how scrum principles could become essential tools in managing Erasmus+ projects effectively.
- Empowering Youth: Through the training, participants were inspired to engage in community-building activities and youth-oriented campaigns.
- Fostering Cooperation: The course promoted collaboration among European NGOs in the field of project management, opening doors for future partnerships.
Beyond the structured activities and hands-on learning, what truly made this experience unforgettable were the people who took part in it. Each participant brought their own unique perspective, challenges, and takeaways from the journey. Instead of just telling you about the program, let’s hear directly from those who experienced it – their insights, personal growth, and the moments that made this experience special.
“Our Scrum project began with a strong focus on collaboration, learning, and cultural exchange. From the very first day, we engaged in interactive activities that helped us connect and build a supportive team spirit. Through discussions on Agile and Scrum methodologies, we aligned our vision for the project and established clear expectations. Beyond project management, we explored Erasmus+ opportunities, brainstorming ideas and developing proposals together. This exchange of perspectives not only deepened our understanding but also opened doors for future collaborations. Interactive simulation games allowed us to experience teamwork in action, refine our planning skills, and gain deeper insights into evaluation processes. A truly special highlight was the intercultural night, where participants shared unique aspects of their countries, from traditions to fun and surprising facts, making the experience even more enriching.“
“As the training progressed, we moved from theory to practice, applying Scrum and Agile methodologies in real-world scenarios. Through the Youthpass self-assessment, we reflected on our personal growth, while the NGO Fair and Organizations Market allowed us to exchange ideas and showcase initiatives. We explored key Scrum roles in European projects and visited the Le KAP Learning Center at the University of Clermont Auvergne for project matchmaking and best practices in European project management. The highlight was the hands-on Scrum Project Lab, where we applied design thinking principles—Empathize, Define, and Ideate—to develop project ideas. In the evenings, activities like the strategic team game Win as Much as You Can reinforced collaboration and Agile decision-making in dynamic environments.“
“A major highlight of the training was applying our newly acquired skills to a real Erasmus+ project proposal. The final three days were dedicated to working in teams, following structured brainstorming sessions and integrating the required horizontal dimensions for designing a mobility project. With guidance from facilitators and a template to structure our proposals, we developed concrete project ideas, which we then presented to the group. The feedback from the facilitators and fellow participants was invaluable, pushing us to refine our proposals further and encouraging us to submit them to the next Erasmus+ mobility call.“
“The training concluded with a memorable group walk through Clermont-Ferrand’s city center, allowing us to reflect on our experiences and celebrate our achievements. In the evening, we gathered one last time for a farewell filled with games, laughter, and shared memories. This experience was more than just a training — it was a transformative journey that not only strengthened our teamwork and project management skills but also deepened our appreciation for cultural diversity and the power of collaboration in European projects.“