The “Sound of the City” seminar, held in Câmara de Lobos, Portugal from July 27th to August 8th, 2023, targeted young adults with fewer opportunities who shared interests in educational and social work, art, music, digital tools, and ecology. This seminar was designed to foster various competencies among the participants.

The project had several overarching goals, including teaching participants to utilize diverse digital tools, nurturing their creativity, experimenting with different educational methods for youth work, enhancing their intercultural competences, and increasing their ecological awareness.

Anticipated outcomes included the creation and online uploading of original audio tracks by teams, designing stickers with QR codes placed throughout the urban space in Camara de Lobos, and the development of a map highlighting these locations. These activities were expected to contribute significantly to the participants’ understanding of teamwork, intercultural communication (both verbal and non-verbal), proficiency in language skills, and the acquisition of professional skills related to apps and software usage. Furthermore, the project aimed to raise ecological awareness, emphasizing the importance of sustainable materials and a green attitude toward the environment. Lastly, participants were exposed to various educational methods applicable in youth work.

In line with quality standards, the project aimed to produce multiple two to three-minute audio tracks uploaded online, distribute stickers with QR codes throughout the designated location, and create and share a map indicating these locations. Additionally, other criteria such as active group participation, a positive working atmosphere, participant engagement, productive collaboration, and effective communication were emphasized between participants from Germany and Portugal.

The project’s priorities centered on inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environment and sustainability, and participation in democratic life and European values. These priorities were thoughtfully embedded in the project’s activities.

Throughout the project, an array of activities engaged participants, including ice-breaking games to foster initial interactions, presentations on educational projects and programs, study visits to governmental youth associations and art galleries, eco-marathons for cleaning beaches and tourist areas, workshops on digital applications and software, the creation of recycling art instruments, outdoor tasks such as sound mapping and field recordings, improvisation sessions, art exercises encouraging nonverbal communication, mentoring sessions for project development, daily evaluation sessions, intercultural nights celebrating diverse cultures, and film screenings featuring relevant documentaries.

The project proved highly successful in enriching participants’ competencies. They improved their English language skills, acquired digital competences, enhanced creativity through experimenting with sounds and various art forms, mastered teamwork competences through project planning and responsibilities delegation, developed social competences by interacting with international teams, and expanded intercultural competences by immersing themselves in the local culture and language.

At the project’s conclusion, tangible results included a SoundCloud playlist containing seven tracks and seven stickers placed across Camara de Lobos. These outcomes showcased the participants’ creative endeavors and contributions to the local environment.

Dissemination of the project results took place through various channels, including photo and video documentation shared on social media platforms, the publication of audiotracks on SoundCloud, a report on the Chance International webpage, and a TV report by local television.

Despite some challenges, such as language barriers, punctuality issues, and limited technical equipment, the project’s success was a testament to the dedication of both participants and organizers. Translations resolved language barriers, teachers ensured punctuality, and collaborative laptop use addressed technical equipment shortages.

In summary, the “Sound of the City” seminar was a transformative experience for young adults, equipping them with valuable competencies and knowledge while creating tangible and impactful results in the local community.

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