philoxenia
Philoxenia 2022
How Philoxenia 2022 went?
Our Philoxenia 2022 blog includes various activities and events that we are excited to share on the page
PhiloXenia 2022
Philoxenia rises as a question mark in the unprecedented pace of today's life. It emerges as an urge to take a step back from the set of beliefs that is imposed on each individual. Philoxenia is a response to the contemporary voice. The present time is characterized by the excessive confrontation with change and the corresponding stimuli in which people end up more disconnected, with themselves, and with the other. It is from this careful understanding, that it becomes crucial for individuals to reframe their personal purpose, to connect with others, and to become change-makers for a better future. A future that emerges from within the individual.
In an era of digital transformation, rising populism and polarization, echo-chambers are becoming prevalent. People are overly exposed to stimuli, be it the news or social media, making it harder to connect to oneself and to understand and love others. Particularly, in post-Covid times, young people are craving for an environment where the latter is possible: a space in which one can step back and reflect on themselves, understand and love others, and tackle the challenges of tomorrow together.
The conventional methods of learning as presupposed in today’s fast-paced society fail to encourage a thorough understanding of who we are, the other, and our impact in the world. Philoxenia presents an attempt to look at education from the bottom up, starting with the individual at heart (opposed to anything else).
In an era of digital transformation, rising populism and polarization, echo-chambers are becoming prevalent. People are overly exposed to stimuli, be it the news or social media, making it harder to connect to oneself and to understand and love others. Particularly, in post-Covid times, young people are craving for an environment where the latter is possible: a space in which one can step back and reflect on themselves, understand and love others, and tackle the challenges of tomorrow together.
The conventional methods of learning as presupposed in today’s fast-paced society fail to encourage a thorough understanding of who we are, the other, and our impact in the world. Philoxenia presents an attempt to look at education from the bottom up, starting with the individual at heart (opposed to anything else).
The conventional methods of learning as presupposed in today’s fast-paced society fail to encourage a thorough understanding of who we are, the other, and our impact in the world. Philoxenia presents an attempt to look at education from the bottom up, starting with the individual at heart (opposed to anything else).
This type of inside-out learning is particularly important for young people as they are suddenly facing a life-long journey of independence. By fostering a space in which they can navigate this transition together, reflect critically and learn from each other, Philoxenia equips them with more self-direction and offers them support through an inclusive network of young Europeans. Similarly, they add value to the network by becoming a source of inspiration for others.
In this respect, the overarching mission of Philoxenia is to engage, empower and expand a worldwide network of young “informal leaders”. Philoxenia defines an informal leader to be an agent of change that has mastered the art of “informal skills” where informal skills are defined as skills acquired by informal learning. The underlying hypothesis is that in the process of self-realization and becoming an active citizen, one should align their ambitions with one’s true nature, in the scope of society. Two pillars that are fundamental to this process, which have been briefly introduced in Philoxenia’s project of last year, are “Personal Growth” and “Unity in Diversity”. These two pillars act as premises for the third pillar: “Shaping the Future”. In this regard, we have started to understand these three pillars as the fundamental syllogism in Philoxenia’s project of last year. Hereafter, we refer to this as the Philoxenia Syllogism.
Activities and Workshops of Philoxenia 2022
LaBiomista Thinking Boxes
In the Thinking Boxes of LaBiomista, participants collectively delved into topics of societal relevance. Whether it was climate change, social justice, or technology's impact, participants engaged in thoughtful dialogues. These discussions transcended individual opinions, allowing a diverse array of voices to contribute to the understanding of multifaceted issues.
Well-being workshop
We had a workshop on the topic “Well-being”, where aspects of human happiness, psychology, motivation and much more were touched upon, let's see what the author himself says about his work
''My mission is to end mental suffering and help people actualize their potential through psychological tools, so the workshop was aimed at giving people science-based and practical insights and techniques to create meaning and experience more joy, presence, and excitement''
''My mission is to end mental suffering and help people actualize their potential through psychological tools, so the workshop was aimed at giving people science-based and practical insights and techniques to create meaning and experience more joy, presence, and excitement''
-Max (activity organizer)
Theater and Performance workshop
The workshop, where the participants were divided into two teams: those who were engaged in performance art, and those who were engaged in theater.
For the first hour, groups got acquainted with the process, learned more about performance and did exercises from theatrical art in order to get out of their comfort zone.
Later they acted out scenes, answered questions with the help of miniatures and various emotional effects.
For the first hour, groups got acquainted with the process, learned more about performance and did exercises from theatrical art in order to get out of their comfort zone.
Later they acted out scenes, answered questions with the help of miniatures and various emotional effects.
Debate
''40 different participants from 17 different nationalities gathered (or were invited in the thinking boxes) at labiomista to discuss immigration, climate change and the significance of education in today's dynamic job market''
This diverse and engaging forum provided a rich platform for exchanging perspectives and fostering cross-cultural dialogue on pressing global issues. By bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, Labiomista created an environment that promoted mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving for a more interconnected world.
This diverse and engaging forum provided a rich platform for exchanging perspectives and fostering cross-cultural dialogue on pressing global issues. By bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, Labiomista created an environment that promoted mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving for a more interconnected world.
-Rohan (activity organizer)
LaBiomista presentation
Built on the remains of Zwartberg's mining past and former zoo, LABIOMISTA is a project merging artist Koen Vanmechelen's vision of identity, fertility, and diversity with culture and nature. In Labiomista, Koen Van Mechelen held a talk about his projects as an artist. Then inviting us to the floor, to tell our stories and ask our questions.
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Jogging
Morning runs, exercises, and gymnastics are light activities to feel better throughout the day. But for participants who love to stay in bed a little longer, in Philoxenia, there have always been soft pillows and warm blankets. This thoughtful accommodation allows everyone to tailor their morning routine to their preferences, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating start to the day. Furthermore, this balance between active engagement and relaxation contributes to a holistic approach to well-being during the event.
International cuisine
One of the examples of a meaningful acquaintance with other cultures is gaining an understanding of a country from within. That's why in Philoxenia, a tradition of international dinner emerged, where participants could try Italian, Belarusian, and even Pakistani cuisine. This unique experience fosters cross-cultural appreciation and promotes a sense of unity among diverse backgrounds. Additionally, these gatherings provide a platform for sharing personal stories and traditions, further enriching the cultural exchange.
Meditation
Meditation is what you need to reset your brain and maintain a good state of mind. One of the events organized by JoJo was a meditation session, where our Philoxeniants slept in nature, drifting off to peaceful and gentle music. This serene experience allowed participants to reconnect with themselves and find inner tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Moreover, the practice of meditation contributes to improved focus and emotional well-being, making it an essential part of holistic self-care.
Music
Music played a vital role in the Philoxenia project, serving as a means of expression and unity. Throughout the project, participants found solace and inspiration in the melodies that resonated with their emotions and experiences. Whether through shared songs or collaborative music sessions, the power of music fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the Philoxenia community. It transcended language barriers, cultural differences, and brought everyone together, forming lasting connections and unforgettable memories. The project celebrated the diversity of musical traditions, reaffirming the universal language of harmony and rhythm that unites us all.
Sport
Sport played a crucial role in the project, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition among participants. Through various sports activities and games, the project encouraged physical fitness and well-being. Sporting events served as a platform for cultural exchange, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding among diverse participants. Moreover, the spirit of sportsmanship promoted respect, fair play, and mutual support, enhancing the overall sense of unity and cooperation within the Philoxenia community.
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Final project or Ergo's
The final task of the project was to interpret everything learned through various forms such as art, theater, conferences, and more. Participants were challenged to express their insights and experiences using diverse mediums, including visual arts, theatrical performances, and engaging conference presentations. The culmination of the project involved transforming the acquired knowledge into creative expressions, showcasing the richness of ideas and perspectives. The project's grand finale was a showcase of interpretations, where participants demonstrated their understanding through intellectual dialogue in a multi-dimensional celebration of culture and learning.
Ecstatic Dance
''Sport played a crucial role in the project, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition among participants. Through various sports activities and games, the project encouraged physical fitness and well-being. Sporting events served as a platform for cultural exchange, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding among diverse participants. Moreover, the spirit of sportsmanship promoted respect, fair play, and mutual support, enhancing the overall sense of unity and cooperation within the Philoxenia community''
- Irene (activity organizer)
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Open Mic
In the heart of PhiloXenia's transformative atmosphere, the Open Mic Evening was a meaningful event during the project. It brought together participants from diverse corners of the globe, offering them a platform to share personal stories and experiences, recite cherished poetry, and weave music that transcended boundaries. Reflecting on the event, the Open Mic Evening wasn't just a showcase but a reminder of the connections formed when diverse voices come together.
Project's Map
While Philoxenia has worked with partners based in 10 different countries, we represent over 20+ nationalities. Our community predominantly consists of alumni and current participants, but aims to expand by continuing to collaborate with partners.
Location of Philoxenia 2022 intercultural exchange: Genk, Belgium
Overall, we are working towards a suitable public sector structure, ensuring our community is actively engaged in steering the organisation forward. Reach out to us if you would like to become part of the project or collaborate in any way. Next to organising youth exchanges, we are working with universities, NGO's and other institutions where we apply our educational methods.
+31 6 14581286
philoXerasmus@protonmail.com
philoXerasmus@protonmail.com
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