MOUNTAINS OF LEADERS

The program aims to create an environment for young adults ready to jointly develop Polish-Ukrainian initiatives and social activities. It begins with a six-day spring trip to the mountains and is then continued in various forms over the following months. The co-authors of the project are Joanna Cutts, Margaux Richet, Jaś Bełdycki, Experts Team, and Ukrainian Action KIK.

Participants learn how to:

• work together in a culturally diverse environment and resolve conflicts;
• develop self-confidence, responsibility and empathy;
• motivate and inspire a team to achieve common goals;
• make quick and effective decisions in different situations;
• create and communicate a clear vision and strategy for their team.

We teach effective tools that make communication easier in a culturally diverse environment. Participants gain a deeper understanding of their own strengths and areas that need improvement. We take them on a journey full of experiences that, as we have noticed, foster long lasting friendships. The program combines the practice of intercultural communication and teamwork. It builds relationships based on empathy and emotional resilience and supports the creation of conscious interpersonal relations. The program includes joint outdoor activities such as zip-lining, orienteering in mountain forests, and kayaking – all as part of an adventure that pushes participants beyond their comfort zone.The purpose of these tasks is to build trust within teams, develop the ability to motivate and inspire the team to achieve common goals and also to create and communicate a clear team vision. Through participation in shared field activities, we teach conflict resolution and decision-making in crisis situations.

The 6-day experience is then followed by a one-year alumni program aimed at deepening the knowledge gained in the mountains.

The project is funded by The Boston Foundation, the EFC Foundation, and KIK.