El blog de JuanFra.es

The fear of Chechou, uuuuuhh

it passed a week since you've been gone but you can't forget about Mariana, ahah

"On the barranco of Chechou that runs close to Serpa, in a dark landscape, it says that appears a ghost. The ghost is described as a creepy and skinny human torso, with eyes that want to come out of the eyeballs. This creepy body use to emerge next to the bridge that cuts the river. (The part of the story that appears in raining days was a lie). The tradition also says that the fear of Chechou happens since ancient times. There are a lot of storys around the fear but it's said that a woman called Mariana was supposed do married but the marriage didn't happen so she was killed. Mariana lived on Vila Mariana as known as Yellow House that is near to barranco.

We had luck that Mariana was friendly for us, because the other didn't have the same luck.

Laranja da China

I'd like to share with you all this version of the song that we learnt thanks to the Culture Counselor of Serpa. 

Alentejo, we miss you!*

*especially the cheese

The future is OURS!

And also this great experience came to the end...

I'm here in my small town in Italy, looking at photos and videos that bring me back to those beautiful days in Serpa, smiling for every memory... I feel sensations that can not be described, only those who shared those moments can understand!

I hope to see you again, one day, alltogheter!

Obrigado a todos!

"The future is yours" in portuguese press

in Beja Digital

Today we're talking about... Education in isolated places. Some pros and cons

This morning in our Gran Group we have been discussing about Formal and Informal Education in Serpa and in isolated places more in general.

Let us share with you our point of view:

FORMAL EDUCATION

Cons:

• In class, if you get left out, it could be hard to change your group of friends;
• In a smaller city it is generally not accepted to be very good at something, it's the average level of your classmates that guides your behaviour;
• Usually teachers don't support nor push the most motivated and talented students to do better, more or faster than the whole class;
• Teachers could judge a student for some prejudice they have toward them or their family;
• The lack of opportunity to choose a specific school, e.g. a musical, artistic, scientific one or to change teachers;
• The group usually pushes a youngster to do bad things at an earl age, such as smoking or drinking.

Pros:

• You already know your classmates before going to school: in a way, it is a safer environment;
• In a small town there's not so many distractions as in a big city, so a student can focus better on what he or she is studying;
• Generally the school is at a short distance from the students' houses;
• If you are lucky to find a good class the sense of community and the mood improve;
• The group if it's good can keep you from doing bad things.

A possible solution would be compulsory echanges with schools in bigger cities abroad, to give a wider point of view of the world, beyond their own small town. You can also involve the students in other exchanges that don´t have anything to do with the school area, by informing with, for example, putting up posters on the walls promoting the exchanges, or bringing up the subject in class, etc.

In addition to that, we propose to organise special courses dedicated to each talent, interest or personal motivation. Each student could get an hour a week to decide for theirselves what they want to do. It must be related to school of course, and the teacher of the activity must be able to evaluate the students work and grade it!

We also suggest to give a chance to the talented student, as well as those who struggle in school, offering them support and help through study groups where the participants are encouraged to keep an high standard in what they do.

INFORMAL EDUCATION

Cons:

• Less inspiration for the personal development and for the education more in general;
• In small places people are used to judge everyone they don't know (e.g. immigrants, people with a different culture...), because it's hard to find different people in an homogeneous social environment;
• Also, for the same reason, people with a different style or with different ways to express theirselves are victims of prejudice, and it is very hard to escape from prejudice in small towns.

Pro:

• If you don't study or have a job and you rely on a social allowance you could become an outsider: therefore you fight harder to accomplish better results in school and in your working life, which leads to a better future too.

Conclusions....

People who grow up in an isolated area are usually conscious of their roots and have strong values; they are often raised in a safe environment where everybody knows eachother and want the best for their community.

When you live in a small town it's crucial to be surrounded by a good group of people that push you to do the best at school and in other educational fields (formal and non-formal).

 Aaron (Spain)

Chiara (Italy)

Elin (Sweden)

Inês (Portugal)

Sherin (Sweden)

Employment in Isolated Areas

During this Exchange we had the possibility to share our opinion and our experience about many issues. In particular, our group worked with the questions of employment in isolated areas.
We found out that most of the problems related to the employment are due to the lack of opportunities, unemployment, and low wages; besides of that, migration of workers and few chances for youngster are quite common in isolated area (like eg. Serpa).
We thought about possible solution for these issues and we would suggest as a short term solution tax breaks and subsidaries to established businesses in the area, even just to expand an already existing facility, or something like low rate loans for people who is going to start a business.
As long term solution, our suggestions are to invest in education and to encourage studies, to improve the infrastructure - in order to reduce the work emigration – and to give people the opportunity to studies at a more advanced level through the use of scholarships and grants.

Street football for tolerance

Street football for tolerance (not strip football for tolerance) consists in celebrates not only the goals of our team but also the goals of the other team, eliminating unconsciously the concept of competition and the ambition of winning.

Italian Night

The Italian Night was a bit different that the others. It began at dinner with tasty entrances followed by three different types of spaghetti making the Italian flag. Then they introduced the best and the worst of their country and the difference of Italians and Europeans in a comical way. There was a contest with “Miau”, “Auuu” and “Cocorococó” teams to know more about Italia. The award was dancing the famous “TUCA TUCA”! The party did go on with tradicional dances and of course “trash music”, all night long.

TRANSPORTS & COMMUNICATIONS

LIGHTS

Transports

• No traffic and pollution

• Easier to improve public treansports becoming more ecological

• Easier and more confortable to walk or ride a bike in small cities

• Easier to park the car in the ceneter of cities

Communications

• In small places everyone knows each other and it´s easier to communicate between them

• In small places you don´t need so much a cellphone for your everyday life

• In small places is easier to talk to local government and authorities

• The local newspaper are important to give local news

SHADOWS

Transports

•No enough public transports the day and night

• It´s difficult to come to small places by public transports such as buses

• The need of using a private transport to access other public facilities such as school, universities

• It´s impossible to rent a car

• It´s difficult for tourist to rench a place

Communications

• It´s difficult to go out from the small places, and it´s difficult the communication between the people

• In the most of small cities it´s not easy access Internet

• Sometimes in small places it´s hard to get a good internet or cellphone signal

• In small places it´s hard to find someone who speak foreign languages, even if in public spaces

• Maybe there´s not enough public telephone

• Some places are isolated, and the everyday needs (food, water, medecin) depends on the weather

• No information for tourists (english indication)

 

CONCLUSIONS

It´s not so easy to live in a countryside, because there is a lot of missing facilities, even for foreign people, but it´s easier to improve most of these problems in small places because they dont need so much money, workers or resources to make changes. Also the discussion between population and government i earlier.

The Photo competition in Serpa, Portugal

Here we are!!

We are the most famous group in the world called “Canaria”: I am Joel and I live in Serpa. I’m 17 and I play guitar; I am Francesco, I’m Italian, I’m 23 and I study Japanese; I’m Javiera, from Sweden. I am 21 and I love and hate many things ; I’m Haridian, I’m 22, I’m from Gran Canaria and I love to dance; I’m Chiara, I’m 24 and I am Italian but now I’m living in Viseu (Portugal).

The future is ours and that is why we all can dance!!

Yesterday was an amazing day, “Canaria” group left the hostel to conquer Serpa with its crazy bikes..

We started our adventure with the discover of the Castle and its habitants.

This is our typical Italian guy, in the wi-fi spot, just a little bit confused and irritated..

..in fact we decided to refresh our minds in a local bar and we suddenly became friends of the barman (but we had to pay!)

We wanted to learn something new but we got lost in a kinder garden, where we met our wonderful teacher!

Then, we decided to play football but we were definitely not able to do it..and in fact these are the results..

After the match we were really tired and we try to wait for the bus… but some of us fell asleep!



We were very hungry but, on the way to the hostel, Chiara met his love and decided to run away with him to Spain..



 Francesco became so sad that he tried to suicide, shouting "Please come back home with us!!"

Finally, she decided to follow us and we were together again on the tree!!!

"The Future Is Yours" oficial soundtrack

Swedish night

After dinner, the participants from Sweden made a presentation of Sweden and everyone got to try out some typical Swedish food. We also danced around a small midsummer tree, and were singing some typical Swedish songs as we did so.

We asked some of the participants about the impression they had of the night and this is what they answered:

Chiara T., 25 years old, from Italy: “I think that the Swedish group was able to give a lot of information about their fascinating country in a funny and interesting way. I liked also the traditional food they cooked; I have already tasted the salted licorice when I was in the Scandinavian peninsula, and I loved to taste it again!”

Inês, 17 years old, from Portugal: “The swedish group gave us a lot of information about their country and some curious details in a relaxed and funny way. The dances to commemorate the arrival of Spring are really great to get out of a depression. I loved the food, I could live there, only the lingondricka doesn’t taste so good.

Laura, 23 years old, from Spain: “I really have a good time yesterday night, Sweden is very different from Gran Canaria. The food was good and I enjoyed the dancings and the presentation. I want to know more about this country and the lifestyle of their people. I hope I could visit Sweden soon”.

Sherin, 18 years old, from Sweden: “I thought everyone was very happy about the night, and participated in a good way, and I had a lot of fun too. And although the preparations were a bit stressful, we got everything done in time”.

tradicional games

The rest of the afternoon we spent the time playing some traditional games of the countries participating in the program. For example, we played Swedish midsummer games like the “three legged-race” and the Italian Rubabandiera. Everyone had a great time, and although it sometimes were close, no one got injured.

LIVING IN SERPA

Shadows

During our staying in Serpa, living as inhabitants, we have observed their ways of life.



Serpa

The first thing we noticed is that Serpa is far away from other places in the country and the transports aren’t enough: maybe young people need some private transport to move.



The average age is high and for that reason there are few leisure places for younger, such as discos, cinemas, gyms, pools, in the centre of municipality. Because of that younger move to other places to study or work and as consequences the region grows slowly.

Moreover, the place doesn’t provide facilities for disable people.

Lights


Apart from that we observed that it’s very difficult to find a wide range of shops where to buy clothes, books, movies, music and so on.



Inhabitants of Serpa (waiting...)



However we have found out many advantages and many reasons to visit and discover this beautiful place. In fact during the walk we can enjoy wonderful landscapes where the history is perfectly integrated in the urbanization. The historical monuments and buildings (aqueduct, castle) have been respected by the local population and this has permitted a good state of conservation. The cleaning and the security of the roads, the relax and the quietness in the street are evident.



At last but not least, we have been surprised to meet local people so friendly, kind and with a great sense of hospitality.



Hmmmm..



Cheese factory











Finally, we want to say thank you to the waiters of the “Lebrinha” bar for their delicious cakes and to the cheese factory to give us the opportunity to try that tasteful cheese.

We are happy to stay here because we have seen a style of life and habits so different from ours. Despite of the beauty of Serpa we think that living as younger is harder than in bigger places with more facilities.

Visit to the aqueduct

On the International Day of Water (and certainly, on that day it rained a lot), the group went on a guided tour in Serpa, and saw the aqueduct. The aqueduct was used to transport water from one place to the castle, and the water was pumped up by mechanics powered by animals.

The aqueduct is a magnificent construction, and proves that even with small measures, miracles (like lifting water) can be made. The people living in Serpa today should look at the aqueduct and think “if they could build that for so many years ago, then we should be able to build a great society again”.

"I" INTRODUCE MYSELF

Ey! How you doing? We are the group "I" and we come from different parts of Europe: Spain, Sweden, Italy and Portugal. Our names are Cristina, Laura, Amanda, Rachele, Pedro and Angela. We are a little bit worried beacuse we are lost in the middle of Serpa surrounded of horses, donkeys and hunted houses.

Serping around!

The Welcome Dinner

On the 15th of April, we came to Setúbal, where we met the participants from the other countries, for a welcome dinner. Everyone was very excited to meet each other and start the week.

Waiting for the bus

The next morning we took the bus to Serpa. The Swedish people went crazy about all the sunshine, but the Spanish and the Italians remained calm. Some participants entertained the bus by singing the whole way.

After arriving to our nice hostel, we met the local participants from Serpa. We started out playing some quite tricky name-games, so that all of us could get to know each other. We had a lot of laughs that afternoon. Pronunciation can be tough!

The visit of Isabel Estevês

Later that day we met Isabel Estevês, a representative from the Municipal of Serpa, who welcomed us and told us a bit about Serpa.

Our bikes!

In the evening, we went to town for dinner – by bike! This was not appreciated by our butts, or our, still aching, untrained leg-muscles. Now we are more used to the hilly roads of Serpa.

We finished the day with a great meat and a visit to a local café.

The Walls of Serpa

On the following days we had a lot of different activities. We visited the Castle and the walls of Serpa for a guided tour, and also the Aqueduct. We got to see the process of making the famous cardoon flavoured cheese from Alentejo, and also taste it directly from the factory. 

In the work room, we have had presentations about Youth in Action and the different organisations involved in the project, e.g. La Tierra Verde and Experimentáculo. One day we made a Multilingual Dictionary with all the languages spoken by the participants.

Outside, we had a Photo Challenge and traditional games. We had a blast, covered in water, flour and grass!

Swedish night!

Every night, one of the groups presents their country, traditions, culture and food. Amongst other things, we got to see La Lucha Canaria (wrestling from Gran Canaria) and celebrate the Swedish Midsommarafton (Midsummer’s Eve). Now, we are looking forward to the Italian and the Portuguese nights.

So far, we are enjoying ourselves a lot! It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to come here, and learn about Serpa, all of the countries involved, get to know amazing people and grow as European citizens. 

Aaron, Spain

Chiara, Italy

Elin, Sweden

Inês, Portugal

Sherin, Sweden

Foto Contest

Monday morning, there was a photo contest. Each group were to take photos of five different topics. The groups could choose the pics themselves, but the challenge was, part from finding them all, to make the photos funny and with a personal touch.

The contest will end tonight, but here you’ll find a few examples of the pictures we took (not the funniest ones though, since the competition is not over yet).

Love is in the air (of Serpa)

Hi everyone!

We are the "love"-group of the Future is yours-project in Serpa.

Alba: hi I'm a spanish girl, I'm 19 years old. this is my 7th exchange and I'm very glad to be here again. Serpa is very different from the place where I live and this is a good experience for me.

Björn: 19 year old from Sweden. This my first Youth in Action-exchange, but I'd really like to go again. I find this to be a great experince, where I get the chance to meet new people, and learn about other countries and cultures.  

Catarina: I'm 17 and I'm from Serpa, Portugal. This is my first Youth in Action exchange program and I really want to participate in more. I'm enjoying this project and I'd love to know the participants from the others countries!

Giulio: I'm 25 years old, and I am from Italy. I've already taken part in other Youth Exchange, but this is my first time in Portugal. I really love this country and I was so happy when I got the opportunity to come here in Serpa.

Skay: I'm a 24 years old regular joe from Sweden. This is my first Youth In Action Exchange and my first visit to Portugal/Serpa. I really treasure this opportunity to be able to meet all of these beautiful people. So far I'm having a blast so I'd love to go again.

We are the people that are going to take part to the activities as a group and you will find our posts under the key word "love group"!

Vicolocorto (from Italy)

VICOLOCORTO is a non-political, non profitable youth cultural association, based in Pesaro (Italy) and mainly working in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, but also spread information and involves young people at regional and national level.
His specialization in youth work concerns the education and mobility fields.

La Tierra Verde (from Spain)

La Tierra Verde Association is a Canary Islands non-governmental, non-profit organization that was founded in 2003. The Association works actually in the creaction of the Canarias Youth Council, the higher expression body of youth stakeholders in the region. The main objective of our association and of its activities has been, since its creation, to raise awareness about the role that information and specifically environmental info can and should play in promoting young people' and society members' participation and active involvement in a broad spectrum of issues (of social, cultural, environmental, patrimony, etc.), in diffusing and distributing updated and reliable information and in encouraging the utilization of information for the shaping of virtuous and socially viable behaviors.

Gröna Planaten (from Sweeden)

Association Gröna Planaten, established in 2008, is a local is a non-profit and non-public association based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The main purpose of the association and its activities is to improve understanding of the role information plays in promoting youth participation and activeness in society on a wide range of issues such as social, cultural issues including issues related to environment, health, nature and so forth.

Furthermore, the association Gröna Planaten aims to disseminate updated and reliable information, and encourage the use of information as a positive proactive force in society. We are also particularly interested in building bridges between different cultures of different states, promote environmental protection and health among the youth. Nevertheless, additional to the agenda is also to work with other international projects within the Youth and Active program in Europe.

Experimentáculo (from Portugal)

The youth organization Experimentáculo Associação Cultural is a non-Governmental organization with the mission to promote cultura, art and patrimony. Experimentáculo was founded in 2006, in Setúbal, Portugal, and since then has been implemented more than 100 projects and activities.

Experimentáculo promotes concerts (e.g. F.U.M.O. festival), movie festivals (e.g. Curtas Sadinas), produces documentaries and short-movies and gives formation on those areas. Experimentáculo works as well with Youth in Action program.

You can find us at www.experimentaculo.org or in facebook.

See ya around.

Knowing Serpa

Serpa is a municipality in Portugal, in Alentejo Region, with a total area of 1104.0 km² and a total population of 16,178 inhabitants. The Guadiana River flows close to the town of Serpa. Serpa is of ancient origins and its establishment probably preceded the coming of the Romans to the area. After the Roman occupation, the neighbouring town of Beja became the Roman capital of Pacensis (southern subdivision of Lusitania province) and Serpa was settled by Roman settlers. The archeological remains of a Roman Villa today lie close to Serpa.

The Moors settled in Serpa after their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula and remained until their defeat at the hands of Portuguese forces fighting their way south during the period of the Reconquista (the Christian re-conquest of Iberia).

As a result of Serpa's proximity to the Spanish border, the town has always been a defensive stronghold and today is still surrounded by thick castle walls. The town castle stands in the middle of town and is partly damaged as a result of the last Spanish invasion. Owing to its rich past, Serpa offers much in historical interest to visitors, including archeological sites, the town walls, the castle, the aqueduct, the clock tower, the town's museum and numerous interesting old churches.

The area surrounding Serpa consists mostly of wheat farms and wheat has traditionally been the staple of the local economy employing many people. Due to the area's strong agricultural reliance much of the area's people have traditionally been peasants or sheep herders. After the Portuguese Revolution of 1974 the Portuguese Communist Party gained strong support in the area and its popularity continues to this day.

Today many urban residents of Lisbon, Beja and other cities maintain country homes in Serpa or take weekend breaks to the area as a result of Serpa's rural location and laid back lifestyle. Serpa is famous for its cheese, a spicy and strong-smelling cheese made in the area and eaten throughout Portugal, although a good one is now hard to find. Other local and regional specialties include Shepherd's Lamb Stew, a Clam and Pork dish and Sweet Potato Pastries.

Program

Summary of the project

Nowadays we live in a global, immediate and ephemeral society, where young people face new problems that arise with more force than a decade ago. Problems such as unemployment, social exclusion, the desertification of the interior and lack of opportunities outside the centers of decision, xenophobia or environmental problems are increasingly and it’s urgent that the young try to find a solution for them.

Youth is the time to build up a person and is a natural and decisive step in life in shaping human nature. Therefore, it is necessary to accompany the young not to feel helpless, giving them enough freedom so that they can overcome their own problems and dilemmas.

Thus, between 15 and 23 of April 2011, 24 young people from four European Union countries, are meeting in the town of Serpa, within a multilateral exchange, to jointly meet, confront and overcome the problems that affect them today. Using the tools of non-formal education and promoting dialogue, tolerance and multicultural ideas, young people will speak with their own language about current problems, which they know directly, such as unemployment, sustainable development or the European socio-political reality. And Serpa is an ideal setting for this purpose, the inner city that suffers from lack of opportunities.