GROW 1.1-1.2 2011 EVALUTION

Evaluation Grow 1.1-1.2 2011

Content

2

3

Executive Summary

4

GROW in numbers

5

GROW program

6

Train the Trainers

6

Train the Coordinators

8

World Wide Weekend

9

International trainers

13

High schools and cities

15

Testimonials

16

Conclusion

17

Impact report for GROW 1.1

23

Conclusion

24

Impact report for GROW 1.2

32

Conclusion

33

Partners

34

Contact details

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Executive Summary This paper is an evaluation of GROW 1.1 and GROW 1.2, the summer editions of the GROW program, developed for 11th and 12th grade high school students.

In the first part, you will find out more about the program itself and all its components and see pictures from each part of this summer edition.

In the second part, you will find an analysis of the impact generated by GROW 1.1 and GROW 1.2 on trainers and participants, realised by gathering qualitative and quantitative data.

This document shows how the GROW program is built and how its components combine into a long term program which has the potential to shape the youth of Romania and create a positive change in our society.

17%

8%

GROW participants before GROW 1.1-1.2 GROW participants during GROW 1.1 - 1.2 GROW participants until 2015

75%

As a long term objective of the GROW program, we aim to make an impact on 11,300 (100%) participants by 2015, increasing the number of participants each year. 1,932 (17%) high school students participated in our sessions before this summer and 879 (8%) during GROW 1.1-1.2. As a result, we still have 75% of our objective to reach in order to achieve our target of 11.300 of participants by 2015.

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

3

GROW 1.1-1.2 in numbers 1,820

Online applicants

879

Participants

13

Cities

91

High schools

70

International trainers

7

Financial partners

5

Media partners

1100

Posters

1300

Flyers

4

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

GROW program GROW represents a long term, non-formal educational engagement designed to improve the quality of education in Romania. It is a program organized in partnership with AIESEC that addresses high school students in Romania (age 14-18).

Through the GROW program, they can follow a complementary four-year educational cycle.

The program offers high school students a professionally designed educational curriculum that complements the formal education system. It has been developed with the support of an Educational Board, gathering personalities and top-notch experts in education and adolescent psychology, especially to address key needs of the development of teenage participants.

GROW 1.1-1.2 2011 took place between 4th of July and 15th of August 2011 in thirteen cities across Romania: Arad, București, Brașov, Cluj, Constanța, Iași, Lugoj, Oradea, Pitești, Sibiu, Suceava, Târgu-Mureș and Timișoara. The project involved 91 high schools, 879 participants and 70 international trainers.

The courses took place around the whole country and included trainings like proactivity, networking skills, negotiation skills, team management skills, leadership skills, self-awareness and early career orientation.

The main goal of this program is to build a constructive attitude for a sustainable change in the Romanian educational system. GROW aims to be the numberone national education program addressing high school students as it is unique among any other program: • it is a long term program (2010-2015) • it has the magnitude of a nationwide project • it has a specific approach for each high school level: 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders.

• the courses are delivered in English by international trainers • the courses were designed professionally by consultancy and adolescent psychology specialists

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

5

Train the Trainers Train the Trainers is the preparation conference for GROW trainers, where local project managers and international trainees, together with the School of Values and AIESEC members, discuss the curriculum, how the trainings align to the delivery standards of the project, and ways to implement the project.

Train the Trainers is also a motivational conference because of the presence of a large number of international people, combined with the idea of being a part of a movement leads to the creation and deepening of common directions and values, shared by all the people involved in the GROW project.

Train the Trainers conference took place in Predeal between 27th of June and 1st of July 2011 and gathered over 100 participants.

The international trainers involved in the project came from 25 countries like Bulgaria, Brazil, Russia, Poland, India, Ukraine, USA, Pakistan, China, UK, Greece, Netherlands, Malaesia, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Mexic, Ireland, Singapore, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Slovakia and Denmark. They came in Romania via the international volunteer program initiated developed and facilitated by AIESEC.

Train the Coordinators Train the Coordinators is the preparation conference for local project managers.

There, the vision of the project is discussed and shared. There, everybody creates action plans, brainstorms and aligns the strategies. All the projects’ details are defined for a smooth implementation.

Also, each of the local project managers who have already implemented the project, during the conference, get to know each other better and share their experiences with the local project managers of the future GROW edition. They can also meet all the international trainers present at this conference.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

7

World Wide Weekend World Wide Weekend (August 6th-7th, 2011) was an entire weekend where GROW participants from all over the country were a part of an international cultural fair.

They had the opportunity to mix internationalism, cultural sensitivity, creativity and team work with having fun and practicing some of the skills gained during the project.

They, together with the international trainers presented their assigned culture in the most creative ways. Parents, other students and any other person had the chance to “taste“ an international experience.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

International trainers

Roya Mubariz Qizi

Elitsa Hristova

Bruna Estevanin

Yang Qing 10

Tahmina Alayi

Nigar Mammadli

Vinicius Alves

Rosen Kostov

Martina Mirska

Barbora Smokova

Tereza Kotaskova

Jana Jancova

John L. Frederiksen

Eri Xoyrida

Afroditi Karakosta

Kwan Lok Lam

Chan Sin Yee

Wong Nim Nim

Chan Ying Yeung

Yu Yan Hung Hilda

Divya Punjabi

John Kelly

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

9

Noreen Moloney

10

Mari Nic Giolla Bride

Saule Mukhamejanova

Lee Shoo Thien

Noor Najihan Muhamad

Gilberto Morales

Ruth van de Pol

Waleed Zuberi

Faaiz Gulzar

Izabela ŝylińska

Maciej Ciosek

Kamilla Misiejuk

Tomasz Helm

Pawel Raczyk

Julita Wiecek

Beata Piskadlo

Natalia Borowik

Hanna Adamus

Marta Jarzabek

Katarzyna Wozniak

Magdalena Bak

Giulia Biondi Moreira

Maria Govorukhina

Ksenia Eremeeva

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Sima Mironova

Elvira Guseinova

Megan Ong

Monika Skupa

Olga Tsilyk

Elena Krupova

Viktoriia Artemchuk

Elena Shevchenko

Alison Chong NI

Lee Dalchow

Michael Tsang

Thien-Kim Quach

Jun Hsien Lee

Roman Gorelik

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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GROW 1.1 sessions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

INTRODUCTION TO GROW 1.1 Proactivity Networking skills Negotiation skills People/ team management Leadership Advanced project management – how to create a business plan Who am I? – Life purpose and values Early career orientation Closing session and ceremony GROW 1.1

GROW 1.2 sessions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

12

INTRODUCTION TO GROW 1.2 My vocational path Personal values Career opportunities Entrepreneurship CV & Job interviews Time management Personal Brand Anything is possible Closing session and ceremony GROW 1.2

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

13 cities 91 highschools Arad

Colegiul Național „Elena Ghiba Birta”, Colegiul Național „Moise Nicoară”, Liceul de Arte „Sabin Drăgoi”, Liceul Pedagogic, „Dimitrie Tichindeal”, Colegiul Economic, Liceul Teoretic „Vasile Goldiș”, Grup Școlar Industrial „Aurel Vlaicu”, Liceul Teoretic „Adam Muller Guttenbrunn”, Grup Școlar „Gheorghe Lazăr Pecica”, Liceul Baptist, Grup Școlar „Gergely Csiki”, Liceul CFR, Liceul „Iuliu Maniu”, Liceul Henri Coandă

București

Școala Centrală, Colegiul Economic „Virgil Madgearu”, Colegiul Național „Spiru Haret”, Colegiul Național „Mihai Viteazu”, Colegiul Național „Ion Creangă”, Colegiul Național „Tudor Vianu”

Brașov

Colegiu Național de Informatică „Grigore Moisil”, Colegiul Național „Andrei Saguna”, Colegiul Național Emil Racoviță, Colegiul Național Unirea, Colegiul Național „Andrei Mureșanu”

Constanța

Liceul Teoretic Ovidius, Colegiul Național „Mircea cel Bătrân”, Liceul Călinescu, Liceul Decebal, Liceul Traian, Liceul Eminescu, Liceul de Artă, Liceul Pedagogic

Cluj-Napoca Liceul „Avram Iancu”, Liceul „Nicolae Balcescu”, Liceul „Emil Racoviță”, Liceul „Gheorghe Șincai”, Liceul „George Coșbuc”, Liceul „Lucian Blaga”, Liceul „Sigismund Toduta” Iași

Colegiul Național „Mihai Eminescu”, Colegiul Național „Costache Negruzzi”, Colegiul Național „G.Ibrăileanu”, Liceul „Miron Costin”, Liceul „Dimitrie Cantemir”, Colegiul Economic Adminstrativ, Colegiul de Arta „Octav Bancila”, Liceul Teoretic „Grigore Moisil”

Lugoj

Grup Școlar „Aurel Vlaicu”, Colegiul Tehnic „Valeriu Braniste”, Colegiul Național „Coriolan Brediceanu”, Colegiul Național „Iulia Hasdeu”

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

13

Oradea

Colegiul Național „Iosif Vulcan”, Colegiul Național „Partenie Cosma”, Colegiul Național „Emanui Gojdu”, Colegiul Național „Mihai Eminescu”, Liceul Teologic Emanuel, Liceul Teoretic „Aurel Lazăr”, Liceul Teoretic „Onisifor Ghibu”

Pitești

Colegiul Național „I.C. Bratianu”, Colegiul Național „Zinca Golescu”, Liceul Teoretic „Ion Barbu”, Colegiul Național „Al. Odobescu”, Liceul de Artă „Dinu Lipatti”, Colegiul Economic „Maria Teiuleanu”, Colegiul Național „Vlaicu Vodă” Curtea de Arges

Sibiu

Colegiul Național „Gheorghe Lazăr”, Liceul „Octavian Goga”, Colegiul Național „Samuil von Bruckhental”, Liceul „Onisifor Ghibu”, Colegiul Pedagogic, Liceul „Constantin Noica”, Liceul de Arte

Suceava

Liceul „Ștefan cel Mare”, Liceul „Petru Rareș”, Liceul „Mihai Eminescu”, Liceul „Grigore Ghica” din Dorohoi, Liceul Tehnic Industrial Alimentar

TârguMureș

Liceul Pedagogic „Mihai Eminescu”, Colegiul Național Economic, Colegiul Național Unirea, Colegiul Național „Alexandru Papiu Ilarian”

Timișoara

Liceul Pedagogic, Liceul „Grigorie Moisil”, Liceul Economic, Liceul „C.D Loga”, Liceul „Jean Louis Calderon”, Grup Școlar Industrial „Emanuil Ungureanu”, Colegiul Național Bănățean, Liceul de Arte Plastice, Liceul Loga, Liceul Shakespeare

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Testimonials “Overall, working as a GROW trainer in Sibiu was a wonderful experience. I had a great time delivering the trainings and hanging out with the students. I certainly do not regret coming here and I wish to join and work on the project in the future.”

Jana Jancova from Slovakia, trainer GROW 1.1

“I remember myself being a teenager and going to Germany for the first time. This experience made me think who I am, what are my strong points and my values. Now it is the time to show this experience with other people. I joined GROW to give the Romanian teenagers an international exposure and help them find out who they are and might be in the future.”

Marta Jarzabek from Poland, trainer GROW 1.2 “GROW is a great program that will help teenagers develop themselves and find their ways. I think teenagers represent a country`s future. And both teenagers and trainers benefit a lot from GROW. GROW is a brilliant future.”

Xi Chen from China, trainer GROW 1.1 “For me, GROW project was one of the most amazing summer experiences I have ever had. I never thought you can make so many amazing friends while learning such useful things that are never explained in school. It also gave me the opportunity to practice my English speaking skills. I would never hesitate participating in another GROW-like project.”

Paul Solomon, GROW student “At the beginning, I thought GROW was like a summer school and I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of spending my summer attending some classes. But I found out that it is more than a class. We were a team, we had fun together and I couldn’t wait for the next session. I will definitely sign in to the next things that AIESEC and School of Values will organize!”

Diana Bija, GROW student

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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“When I registered to GROW, I was sure that it was going to be a good experience.

But, in the end, it was better than I had expected. It was great. I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet great, new people, especially the international trainers. They were open minded and very friendly, during and after Grow-sessions.

Another good point would be improving my English, because it’s easy to write, but it’s sometimes hard to talk in a foreign language in front of many people. Even if I am usually emotive, I felt comfortable speaking among others, maybe because most of us were curious and willing to listen carefully to the others. GROW was supposed to make us feel more self-confident, notice how different and amazing everyone is, and so it was. GROW was as great as I expected it to be and I’m happy for partaking!

Rus Andreea-Oana, GROW student

Conclusion

The goal of the four-year GROW program is to shape a new generation of Romanian teenagers who will have the skills and courage to make a positive change.

GROW 1.1 and GROW 1.2 are the last two steps to make this possible.

According to their feedback, the teenagers are very interested in acquiring practical skills which are at the core of the activities during the sessions. They learn how to express their own ideas, create arguments to defend their points of view in front of the others, respect other people’s ideas, know how to give feedback, etc.

In the short term, this program helps them to become more self-confident, to get involved or initiate extra activities and to be more aware of their strengths and weaknesses.

In the long term, they will be well-prepared to choose the right career path and follow it. As the participants are now more open-minded and aware of other people’s problems, they will not only contribute to their community, but will also have the skills required to bring their ideas to life.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Impact report for GROW 1.1 Executive summary GROW 1.1, the 3rd edition of the GROW program, took place in July 2011 in 13 cities of Romania (Arad, Brasov, Bucharest, Cluj, Constanta, Iasi, Lugoj, Oradea, Pitesti, Sibiu, Suceava, Targu Mures, Timisoara). 493 high school students attended the courses delivered by 70 international trainers from 25 countries (e.g.

USA, Poland, India, Netherlands and Brazil).

The 10 sessions of GROW 1.1 were delivered on the following topics: Proactivity, Networking skills, Negotiation skills, Team Management skills, Leadership skills, Self-Awareness and Early Career Orientation.

The main goal of this report is to show the impact of GROW 1.1 on its participants.

Results of data analysed show that there is a positive change in the students’ answers before and after the project, especially in the areas of self-esteem and sense of direction.

Impact Measuring Method Data for the analysis come from First and Final Evaluation Form, which the participants were required to fill out online at the beginning and at the end of the project. This report only used responses from the participants who have filled out both First and Final Impact Evaluation Form. In this way, it is possible to observe how and if the answers have changed after the project.

Both Forms contained the same questions divided in 5 groups. Each of the groups investigates a different area of participants’ personal development: selfesteem, sense of direction, self awareness, exposure to role models and information at the fingertip.

In both evaluation forms, there were three types of collect data: an open question (exposure to the role model), a polar question (sense of direction), and statements (self-esteem, self-awareness, and information at the fingertip). For each statement, there were five options for an answer (always, usually, sometimes, rarely, and never) from which the participants had to choose the one which describes them the best.

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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Data analysis and conclusions Evaluation response rate We applied this questionnaire to 18% of the total number of participants.

Self-esteem 1. I feel comfortable around successful people.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes 4%

18%

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0%

0%

0%

28%

30%

37%

35%

48%

After the project, there are no negative answers to the question. More than 30% of the participants answered “Usually” and the number of the “Always” answers increased by 7%.

2. I feel comfortable trying new things.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

1%

Rarely

Never

1%

3% 18%

Sometimes

12% 29%

49%

0% 34%

53%

After the project, the number of participants who always feel comfortable around successful people has increased by 7%.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

3. I believe that I can handle anything After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes 1%

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

4%

9%

9%

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0%

20%

29%

22%

59%

47%

After the project, the number of the participants who answered the question with “Always” increased by around 20%, in the same time the number of the “Rarely” answers decreased by 5%. Regarding the answers the conclusion is that there is a positive impact on the participants’ confidence, self-esteem and beliefs in their own abilities.

Sense of Direction 4. I have an idea how my life is going to look like in 5 years.

After

Before Yes

Yes

No

No

8%

33%

67% 92%

After the project, the number of students, who have an idea of how their lives are going to look like in 5 years has increased by 25%. At the end of the Grow 1.1, only 8% of the participants has answered negative to this statement.

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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5. I know already which studies I want to choose.

Before Yes

After

No

Yes

No

21%

33%

67% 79%

After the project, the number of positive answers (students who know what studies they want to choose after high school) increased by 12%.

6. I have already begun to plan my career.

Before Yes

After Yes

No

No

25% 47%

53%

75%

After the project the number of positive answers increased by 22%. Regarding answers to the closed questions it is visible that a big percentage of the participants had difficulties with choosing their direction of studies or career but after the project around one fifth of them are sure about their future choices.

Self Awareness 7. If asked to describe myself in one sentence, I would not have any difficulties.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

3% 9%

4%

21%

23%

10% 27%

32%

28% 43%

After the project the number of the participants who will “Usually� not have any difficulties increased by 15 %.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

8. I know what I am good at and what is difficult for me.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Never

0%

3%

13%

0%

11%

Rarely

0%

32%

34%

53%

54%

After the project, there were no “Rarely“ and “Never“ answers to this question.

9. I learn from my mistakes and experiences.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

0% 12%

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

1%

0%

9%

47%

51% 37%

0%

43%

After the project the number of participants who answered “Usually” increased by 6 %.There are no negative answers.

Exposure to Role Models 10. Do you think one/more people involved in the grow project could be your role model(s)?

“I see the trainers as role models because they threw themselves into a completely other culture, with no expectations whatsoever and came all the way to Romania to take part into a social project. I really admire their initiative.”

(Raluca Georgescu from Constanta) “I admire Tania for coordinating this project after being just like me, a participant to “grow”. She believed in it and wanted to share her experiences with others and that’s inspiring and makes me want to have the some courage and determination.”

(Andreea-Cristiana Gentea from Pitesti)

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“All the people involved in the project are a role model for me, their confidence and social skills had an impact on my opinion about being a trainer and teaching others the guidance through life.”

(Bianca Petronela Oltean, Sibiu) “I already have a role model so it is pretty difficult to beat that. However, I must confess I had awesome trainers, full of life, funny, smart, creative and the list can go on forever. Thank you for all your effort!”

(Roxana Bucur from Arad)

Information at the Finger Tip 11. I know where to look for the information I need.

Before Always

Usually

After

Sometimes 1%

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0%

1%

9%

0%

8%

24%

43% 49%

65%

After the project, the percentage of participants who answered “Always” increased by 19 % and there are no more negative answers.

12. I feel informed about the topics relevant to my age.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

0% 4%

14%

Sometimes 4%

Rarely

Never

0% 22%

16%

28%

54%

58%

After the project, the number of students - who feel always informed about the topics relevant to their age - has increased by 8%.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

13. I share the knowledge/information I have with other people (e.g. friends, family).

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

After Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

2% 17%

Rarely

Never

4%

0%

13%

47%

34%

Sometimes

0%

53% 30%

After the project the number of participants who answered “Always” increased by 6 % and there were no negative answers.

Conclusion The goal of this report is to show the impact of GROW 1.1 on its participants. This analysis clearly illustrates several ways in which we are on the right way to achieving our objective.

Firstly, GROW 1.1 improves the participants’ sense of direction: they are more aware of their future plans. Moreover, they start to be creators of their own future.

It is particularly shown in question number 4 (I have already begun my career.) and number 6 (I know how my life is going to look like in 5 years.).

Secondly, GROW 1.1 has a motivational effect on the students. This can be seen especially in question number 3, where the number of students who believe that they can always handle anything has increased by around 20%.

Thirdly, GROW 1.1 broadens perspective on information sources. Analysis of question number 11 underlines this statement. The number of participants who believe that they always know where to look for the information they need has increased by around 20%.

Fourthly, GROW 1.1 participants’ awareness of themselves significantly increased during the program. As an answer to question number 7, the number of participants who, when, asked to describe themselves in one sentence, would not have any difficulties has increased by 15%.

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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Impact report for GROW 1.2 Executive summary The main goal of the report is to analyze the impact from GROW 1.2,summer edition, among the participants who have taken part in it.

The summer edition of the GROW 1.2 project for 2011 took place in 13 major Romanian cities (Arad, Brasov, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta, Iasi, Lugoj, Oradea, Pitesti, Sibiu, Suceava, Targu Mures, Timisoara) and in this edition there were 386 students who participated. The sessions for GROW 1.2 were delivered on different topics, including: Personal Values, Career Opportunities, Goals Setting skills, Personal branding,Time management and Simulations of the decisionmaking process of the European Parliament.

Regarding the results from the research performed after the project it is visible that most of the students find the project very useful for their needs and they can see the positive change in themselves.

Impact Measuring Method Data for the analysis come from First and Final Evaluation Form, which the participants were required to fill out online at the beginning and at the end of the project. This report used only responses from the participants who have filled out both First and Final Impact Evaluation Forms. In this way, it is possible to observe how and if the answers have changed after the project.

Both Forms contained the same questions divided to 5 groups. Each of the groups investigates a different area of participants’ personal development: self esteem, sense of direction, self-awareness, exposure to role models and information at the finger tip.

In both evaluation forms, there were three types of collected data: an open question (exposure to the role model), a polar question (sense of direction), and statements (self-esteem, self-awareness, and information at the finger tip). For each statement, there were five options of the answer (always, usually, sometimes, rarely, and never) from which the participants had to choose the one which describes them the best.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Data analysis and conclusions Evaluation response rate For GROW 1.2 we applied this questionnaire to 16% of the total number of participants.

Self-Esteem 1. I feel comfortable around successful people.

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

After Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0% 0%

3%

0%

17%

29%

24%

31%

52%

44%

After the project, there are no negative answers to this question. More than half of the participants answered “Usually” and the number of the “Always” answers increased by 2 %.

2. I feel comfortable trying new things.

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes 1%

After Rarely

Never

Alway s

Usually

3% 18%

1% 29%

49%

Sometimes

12%

Rarely

Nev er

0% 34%

53%

After the project, the number of the people who answered with “Usually” and “Always” increased by 4-5 % and there are no “Never” answers.

Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

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3. I believe that I can handle anything.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes 1%

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

4%

9%

9%

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0%

20%

29%

22%

59%

47%

After the project, the number of the participants who answered “Always” to this question increased by 20 %. The number of “Rarely” answers decreased by 5%.

Analysing the answers, we can come with the conclusion that GROW created a positive impact on the participants: confidence, self-esteem and belief in their own abilities.

Sense of Direction 4. I have an idea how my life is going to look like in 5 years.

After

Before Yes

Yes

No

No

8% 29%

71%

92%

After the project the number of the positive answers increased by 21 %.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

5. I know already which studies I want to choose.

Before Yes

After Yes

No

No

14%

27%

73%

86%

After the project, the number of positive answers increased by 13 %.

6. I have already begun to plan my career.

After

Before Y es

Yes

No

No

26% 40% 60%

74%

After the project, the number of positive answers increased by 14%.

After analysing the answers to the closed questions it is visible that a big percentage of the participants had difficulties choosing their direction of studies or career.

After the project, around one fifth of them are more focused and sure about their future choices.

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Self Awareness 7. If asked to describe myself in one sentence, I would not have any difficulties.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

3% 9%

21%

4%

23%

10%

27%

32%

28%

43%

After the project, the number of participants who will “Usually” not have any difficulties if asked to make a personal description in one sentence - increased by 15 %.

8. I know what I am good at and what is difficult for me.

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

After Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

3% 11%

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0% 13%

0% 32%

54%

0% 34%

53%

After the project, the number of participants who answered with “Always“ or “Usually“ increased by 3%. There were no “Rarely“ or “Never“ answers.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

9. I learn from my mistakes and experiences.

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

After Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

0% 12%

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

1%

0%

9%

47%

51% 37%

0%

43%

After the project, the number of participants who answered “Usually” increased by 5 %.There were no negative answers.

Exposure to Role Models 10. What kind of person would you like to be? (Open question) “I wish I could be more self-confident, more determined, and to succeed everything I set my mind to. I don’t want to be influenced, so I will go on my own way, as long as I know it’s the right one for me. I also want to have quality relationships and an imperturbable inner peace.” (Amanda Wolkowski, Bucharest) “I would like to be as intelligent as Albert Einstein and as beautiful and charming as Audrey Hepburn, but I really like myself as I am” (Sandra Avram, Constanta) “I would like to be a confident person and have the power to make a change in the world. My main goal is to contribute to the improvement of life’s quality among the human beings and to achieve personal fulfillment. I want to enjoy most of the experiences that life provides and live a life of excitement” (Nita Cristina, Iasi) 11. Do you think one/more people involved in the GROW project could be your role model/s? (Open question) “The people, involved in the GROW project, could be my role models because they taught me how to accomplish my dreams and also they told us stories from their experience that could come handy in my life. They showed me the path to success.” (Adrian Bartos, Arad)

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“Yes, from my point of view each person that is involved in the Grow project owns and possesses one or more special qualities and I am sure I have something to learn from each one, including our trainers, people involved in the organizing committee and also the students who took part in this project-my colleagues.”

(Theodora Elena Avasaloaie, Suceava) Regarding the answers participants gave to the open questions, it is visible that the project had a positive impact on their self-esteem, confidence, way of thinking, perception and desire to make a change in the world, starting with themselves.

Almost all the participants are striving for excellence, improve and personal growth.

A lot of them show a desire to help others, work as a volunteer or contribute to the society in some way.

Most of the participants have role models-relatives, friends, famous and successful people, people involved in GROW project. Also, some of them mention that they want or to be their own role model and they don’t want to look or behave as someone else. This shows that their level of confidence is satisfying and they already know themselves and have more self-respect.

Information at the Finger Tip 12. I know where to look for the information I need.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes 1%

9%

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

0%

1%

8%

24%

0% 43%

49% 65%

After the project, the percentage of participants who answered with “Always” increased by 19 %.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

13. I feel informed about the topics relevant to my age.

After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

0%

Rarely

Never

0%

4%

14%

4%

Sometimes

22%

16%

28%

54%

58%

After the project, the number of participants who answered with “Usually” and “Always” increased by 4 % and 8 %, respectively. There were no participants who answered “Never”.

14. I share the knowledge/information I have with other people (e.g. friends, family) After

Before Always

Usually

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Always

Usually

2% 17%

Rarely

Never

4% 0%

13% 47%

34%

Sometimes

0%

53% 30%

After the project, the number of participants who answered “Always” increased by 6 %. There were no negative answers and only 2 % who answered “Rarely”.

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Conclusion The goal of the GROW project is to build an open-minded young generation of Romanian teenagers with improved skills and desire to learn and change. This report shows that GROW 1.2 succeeded in having this kind of impact on high school students.

According to the results of the feedback, the participants found the program very useful; they are seriously interested in the topics and most of them claim that they will actually use the skills and knowledge they gained in their everyday life and activities.

Firstly, GROW 1.2 improves the participants’ sense of direction: they are more aware of their future plans. Moreover, they started to be creators of their own future. It is particularly shown in the question number 4 (I have already begun my career.) and number 6 (I know how my life is going to look like in 5 years.).

Secondly, GROW 1.2 has a motivational effect on the students. This can be seen especially in question number 3, where the number of students who believe that they can always handle anything has increased by around 20%.

Thirdly, GROW 1.2 broadens the perspective on information sources. Analysis of question number 11 underlines this statement. The number of participants who believe that they always know where to look for the information they need has increased by around 20%.

Fourthly, GROW 1.2 participants’ awareness about themselves has significantly increased during the program. As an answer to question number 7, the number of participants who when asked to describe themselves in one sentence, would not have any difficulties has increased by 15%.

The impact of this edition of the project is very powerful in the areas of selfesteem, confidence and sense of direction. As a last edition of the project for its participants, it is very important that after the project they feel more prepared to face the future and make important decisions, plan their studies or even their career paths.

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Grow 1.1-1.2 2011 Evaluation

Partners This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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