Significant Mayo input into project fostering social inclusion among young people
A project with the primary objective of fostering social inclusion among children and young adults by enhancing essential life skills has significant Mayo input.
'A.C.R.E. Applying Aikido as a Conflict Resolution Method in Youth Education' is funded by the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA) and commenced this month.
This project involves collaboration between the ASD Aikido Wago Dojo, located in Malo e Castelgomberto, Italy, and partners such as the Akademia Ruchu Sports Union Zdrowia Sakura, based in Chmielno, Poland, and Aikido Mayo, based in Westport.
The consortium of partners is overseen by the Provincial Committee of the Italian Sports Culture Association, headquartered in Vicenza, Italy.
The essential life skills being being enhanced encompass problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, critical thinking, and personal and social responsibility.
Aikido, the discipline practiced by the three collaborating partners, embodies these core values. Through the practice of Aikido, children and young adults will enhance their life skills.
Aikido instructors, meanwhile, will undergo training to identify and encourage the development of life skills within the Aikido practice for children. The project involving the three Aikido schools comprises a week of training for 12 instructors led by an educational expert.
This training will take place in Ireland from April 8 to 14, hosted by Aikido Mayo. Additionally, a summer camp scheduled from July 13 to 21 will bring 20 Italian children to Poland, where the Akademia Ruchu will facilitate interaction with 50 local peers. This exchange will be reciprocated in Italy from August 24 to September 1, during which Polish children will be hosted by ASD Wago Dojo.
The project's activities are scheduled to span 14 months, concluding in February 2025 with the release of the first manual on Aikido best practices. This manual will be distributed to other Aikido dojos across Europe and made available to anyone interested in this martial discipline.
Significantly entitled 'Applying Aikido as a Method of Conflict Resolution in Youth Education', the project secured funding of €60,000 through the Erasmus-Sport 2023 call.