This project goal was to increase the safety of the non-formal educational programs based on kayaking organised by Ingens Risus by equipping its staff and volunteers with the necessary skills to give tailored support to young participants, especially those with fewer opportunities; and to further increase the inclusivity of the activities implemented by the organisation.

1. Facilitate learning and a deeper understanding of safety procedures and measures among 5 members staff and volunteers who organise non-formal educational workshops for young people utilising kayaking;

2. Increase the 5 participants' competences in adaptive instructional methods to suit the learning styles of young people, including those with fewer opportunities, to ensure safety and equal participation in grassroots kayaking activities.

3. Increase networking and foster the exchange of good practices between the two organisations involved in using kayaking as a non-formal method for youth inclusion; 

Our preparatory visit was essential for the success of our project. Meeting the Social Inclusion team in person helped us build trust and connect with them on a personal level, allowing us to align on goals and clarify job-shadowing details.

Seeing the location firsthand was invaluable—being right by the water in Athens made planning the kayaking workshops much easier. We explored the area with our hosts, which helped us understand the environment and plan logistics effectively.

The Social Inclusion team guided us in choosing accommodations that were comfortable and convenient for participants, as well as dining options that suited everyone’s needs. We also reviewed key documents, ensuring everyone understood expectations and roles, which set the groundwork for a smooth project rollout.

Finally, our hosts shared helpful insights into Greek culture, which we know will make a big difference in helping our participants feel at ease. This visit strengthened our partnership and gave us the tools to create an impactful kayaking-based learning experience.

During the job shadowing with the Social Inclusion Association, our team dove into a series of engaging, hands-on activities that brought us closer to the heart of the hosting organization’s approach to safety, teaching, and collaboration. Right from the start, we were immersed in their safety protocols, not just through observation but by actively engaging with the routines and equipment that ensure secure kayaking workshops. This direct exposure to safety measures gave each of us a deeper understanding and confidence in handling future workshops—particularly when working with youth in outdoor settings.

One of the highlights of this experience was learning to adapt our teaching methods in real time. The kayaking workshops weren’t just about physical skills; they became a space to experiment with different instructional approaches to meet various learning needs. Adapting on the fly helped us connect better with participants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The interactive environment allowed us to build inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone felt encouraged to participate. Feedback from participants, like Diana Joca, underscored the value of clear communication and teamwork, as we all learned how crucial these elements are for overcoming challenges in dynamic group settings.