by paul-oxo | Jun 24, 2015 | Uncategorised
The expert jury came in at 10.00. We had some refreshment and traditional welcome bread »pogača« prepared for them. Then we played S-Factor promo film (the longer one) to them, to get the taste of the original S-Factor. After that we introduced the S-Factor into Eurovision project and explained the aim of today’s event and the rules of voting.
And the event began. In the audience of around 100 people there were all of the students and teachers from our school, some of their parents, foreign volounteers from Jouth centre Črnomelj and their Slovenian volunteers and co-workers, attenders of Care and working centre for people with special needs Črnomelj, some high school teachers and retired teachers from our school.
The expert jury consisted of: the chairman of the one of the biggest Slovenian insurance companies, the mayor of municipality Črnomelj, famous local musician, the headmaster of the High school Črnomelj in which we hold the voting event, chairman of Jouth center Črnomelj which introduced us to the S-Factor project, famous local TV journalist, a local photographer and printer, a local film maker and two parents of our pupils. The second panel was made out 6 of our students, 2 high school students and 2 attenders of local care and working centre for people with special needs.
We began with S-Factor promo film (short one), short greeting speech of school headmaster and short interview with Vlasta and Ajda about first part of the project.
After that we had a chat over Skype, first with Paul and then with Nicos and Greek audience and then with Simon at Belvue school.
Then the projection of all the videos began. Each participating country was introduced also with a drawing that characterises the country, made by our student during the projection.
We have to say that the biggest applause got our two films, shown at the end of projection. All the judges agreed those two were their favourites and regretted not to be able to vote for them…
And the main actor Izi exploited the moment, jumped onto the stage, kissed the event leader in gentleman way and took opportunity to take some pictures with the girls on the stage. He knows how to make the show!
During collection of the results our guest leader Erika, famous local cant author, sang some songs for the audience.
Then we announced the results. We were very surprised how the pupil’s selection of the best films differs from those of the expert jury.
After that we called Simon in England to share the results. We were excited to hear that our film Bass got the most voices from their expert jury and that our second film Happy school was chosen the second best from their students. You can see the excitement of our audience on some photos.
We also called Greece. They didn’t have the results by the time, but we could share ours and told them their film was chosen the best from our expert jury. We shared the excitement of their audience when they heard the results.
The judges shared some thoughts about films and the whole event with the audience and they were all very positive and supportive. They were positively surprised about the quality of the films and we all got a lot of compliments. The journalist from local TV offered to play our videos on their TV if we get to the finals.
We were ready to end the event. Our students did great, considering the event lasted almost two hours – little longer than expected (for the judges even half an hour longer). But no one complained about it. The whole event was assessed very good by the other guests too.
After the show the headmaster of the High school stayed around, excited about possibilities of future cooperation with our school and sincerely grateful that we’ve chosen their hall to hold the event in.
We took a lot of pictures during the event and recorded final thoughts of members of the juries.
The whole event was a big success and at the end there was a big relief that everything went well, especially the technical part.
We cannot wait to share all that with the entire group in July! See you soon!!!
by Paul Oxborough | Jun 19, 2015 | Uncategorised
I would like to say a very big well done to our S-Factor into Eurovision teams from across Europe for completing the films with your young people, I know you have all had a busy time doing your normal work at your schools/projects on top of this.
The films you have made are all amazing and clearly illustrate the fun and learning that can take place with video cameras. Whoever wins the overall first prize doesn’t matter to me but every single one of the people involved in the making of these films is a winner.
As professionals working in the field of disability we are taking steps to show the world our young people are important, they might not have a voice as loud as some but will (through the use of film) we give them a voice.
A few months ago 7 countries were working in isolation of one another, now they are international group of friends and colleagues – many of which will stay friends for the rest of our lives and this can only benefit our young people.
Imagine after this summer we build on this even further and say lets do it again but bigger and better with more partners, more countries more sponsors? We then create a movement that has power to change things, a platform to challenge our short sighted decision makers and politicians who always cut services to the most vulnerable in society, let us shown them we care – so they in turn have to start listening to us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing, for working in difficult times where decision makers and politicians don’t invest in this area of work or believe as much as we do.
I have been truly inspired by these films and by my new bunch of international friends, my respect for you and your work is indescribable. All I can say is I want to do more projects like this and Momentum World would love to explore future opportunities. Let us now enjoy the next phase which is to celebrate and show off these great films, but remember one thing don’t slow down and don’t stop making a noise through your video camera as those politicians are looking for the silent ones who don’t make a noise because then they can’t take away their funding. Stick together guys and fight for better resources, better facilities as by doing this we will have a voice that is really heard
Once again well done and thank you xxx Paul
by paul-oxo | Jun 19, 2015 | Uncategorised
An international training course to promote inclusion in education and youth work
Doncaster / Rotherham, UK 4-11 July 2015
Places are available for participants from: AUSTRIA, BULGARIA, GERMANY, GREECE, ITALY, POLAND, SLOVAKIA and UNITED KINGDOM
Partners for Inclusion is a 7 day training course for youth workers or other professionals with an interest in working with young people with special educational needs or other social or educational disadvantage. The course is fantastic opportunity to learn about the theory and practice of inclusion in the UK and other countries, and to promote the concept of Europe as an inclusive space.
Activities include team building, interactive discussions, visits to special schools / inclusion projects, meeting with experts, forward planning, and intercultural evenings. The highlight will be to attend the amazing “S-Factor” event where young people from special education perform for a large public audience in a professional venue. For many people, this is a life-changing experience. See https://vimeo.com/109529781
The course is organised by Momentum World’s experienced team of trainers. There will be participants from 12 countries altogether, providing a valuable networking opportunity, leading to future projects.
The course fee is €180 / £150. This includes accommodation, food and all activities.
International travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with EU Erasmus+ travel rates.
Application deadline 26 June 2015
by paul-oxo | Jun 19, 2015 | Uncategorised
An exceptional professional and personal development opportunity for bright and motivated young people aged 21-25, on one of the most innovative courses available.
London, UK 15-23 July 2015
Places are available for young people from: CROATIA, ESTONIA, LITHUANIA, POLAND, PORTUGAL and UNITED KINGDOM
This is the latest version of Momentum World’s International Leadership Course, our “flagship” programme which has been running successfully every year since 2010. We can honestly say that this is a unique and life-changing experience for young people who take part. Participants on previous courses have found jobs, new ideas and ambitions, a new level of self awareness, and (of course) new friends for life.
Participants will get an outstanding educational, professional and personal experience:
- · Understand your own leadership style
- · Clarify your career ambitions
- · Increase your employability
- · Learn about other cultures
- · Access further international projects with Momentum World
An intensive, innovative and challenging training programme is combined with a unique programme of visits and social activities, including the Houses of Parliament (meeting with an MP), visits to businesses and organisations in the City of London (meeting with senior executives), and a special river boat party on the Thames. Participants will also benefit from the opportunity to complete the Myers Briggs®personal profiling exercise.
Apart from the Momentum World team, trainers will include Paul van Casteren, a renowned management coach who works with senior executives of multinational companies, and the head of human resources from one of the UK’s leading recruitment companies.
The course is open to highly motivated young people aged 21-25 – for example, recent graduates, young professionals, university students or volunteers active in the youth sector.
The course fee is €250 / £180. This includes accommodation, food and all activities.
International travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with EU Erasmus+ travel rates.
Application deadline 30 June 2015
Give your future career a head start
The expert jury came in at 10.00. We had some refreshment and traditional welcome bread »pogača« prepared for them. Then we played S-Factor promo film (the longer one) to them, to get the taste of the original S-Factor. After that we introduced the S-Factor into Eurovision project and explained the aim of today’s event and the rules of voting.
And the event began. In the audience of around 100 people there were all of the students and teachers from our school, some of their parents, foreign volounteers from Jouth centre Črnomelj and their Slovenian volunteers and co-workers, attenders of Care and working centre for people with special needs Črnomelj, some high school teachers and retired teachers from our school.
After that we had a chat over Skype, first with Paul and then with Nicos and Greek audience and then with Simon at Belvue school.
And the main actor Izi exploited the moment, jumped onto the stage, kissed the event leader in gentleman way and took opportunity to take some pictures with the girls on the stage. He knows how to make the show!
The judges shared some thoughts about films and the whole event with the audience and they were all very positive and supportive. They were positively surprised about the quality of the films and we all got a lot of compliments. The journalist from local TV offered to play our videos on their TV if we get to the finals.
We were ready to end the event. Our students did great, considering the event lasted almost two hours – little longer than expected (for the judges even half an hour longer). But no one complained about it. The whole event was assessed very good by the other guests too. 
The whole event was a big success and at the end there was a big relief that everything went well, especially the technical part. 
