EPIC - Enabling positive intrafamily communication

We applied for this project in response to the urgent need for effective communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has significantly impacted the way families communicate, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and the risk of domestic violence. With mandatory quarantine measures in place, face-to-face interactions have decreased, and reliance on digital communication platforms has surged. However, this shift has also brought challenges, such as heightened suspicion and defensiveness in interpersonal interactions. As advocates for lifelong learning and adult education, we recognize the importance of equipping individuals with the skills and competencies needed to navigate these unprecedented challenges. Our project aims to address these needs by fostering effective communication techniques, promoting digital literacy, and supporting individuals in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches in adult education, we strive to empower individuals and communities to adapt and thrive in the face of ongoing and emerging challenges, both locally and globally.

This project aimed to achieve a comprehensive transformation in how families are supported and educated, particularly in the post-COVID era: 1) Strengthening NGOs: Enhance partner NGOs' ability to provide effective counseling and support structures for families. 2) Upskilling Educators: Equip adult education staff with crucial communication, conflict resolution, and family mediation skills. This involves: Improved Training: - Assessing existing knowledge and tailoring teaching methods. - Implementing innovative approaches for effective learning. - Strengthening support for learners facing challenges. 3) Integrating Media Literacy: Recognize the surge in digital dependence by incorporating media education and guidance into family support services. 4) Advocating for Family Education: Champion the critical role of family education on national and international platforms. Overall, the project sought to empower both families and NGOs. This involved creating skilled support systems, embracing the digital landscape, and advocating for stronger recognition of family education as a crucial societal pillar.

In the "EPIC - Enabling positive intrafamily communication" project, we implemented the following activities: 1) Developed two Intellectual Outputs: a) Prevention & Intervention Training program on "Communication and Mediation in families" for group leaders developed by 31 staff. b) Training program "New Media and their Influence on Intrafamily Communication and Relations," focusing on basic media literacy and understanding developed by 26 staff. 2) Three International Trainings for 117 NGO staff/volunteers: a) Prevention Training "Mediation and Conflict Resolution" in Bickenried (DE) b) Intervention Training "NBA" training to address bullying among students, adapted for family environment as well as “Pathways of Light” as good practice example in Bratislava (SK) c) Training on "New Media and their Influence on Intrafamily Communication and Relations" in Selje (SI), focusing on media impact on relationships. 3) Conducted several in total of 8 Multiplier Event in AT, DE, SK SI, CH and BE, presenting project outputs to 416 multipliers from NGOs, political decision-makers, and stakeholders to raise awareness and enhance support for family education on national and international agendas.

The concrete outputs and results of our project include: 1. Development of two Intellectual Outputs (IOs) done by 57 staff: - Prevention & Intervention training program focused on communication and mediation in families. - creating tools like websites, podcasts, webinars addressing the influence of media on family communication and interaction. 2. Capacity building in partner NGOs: - Enhanced skills of family group leaders, mostly volunteers, through innovative practices in family education. - Testing & implementation of the training program and media guide in local/regional communities by partner NGOs with 117 staff. 3. Increased awareness and proficiency among 668 NGO staff in: - Perceiving and addressing family tensions and conflicts. - Mediating interfamily conflicts arising from communication problems. - Coping with media-related deficits in families and integrating media awareness into existing training programs. 4. Strengthening of organizational and networking capacities participating 416 multipliers : - Establishment of a sustainable network of partners advocating for family education. - Reinforcement of partnerships for scaling up innovation and good practices. 5. Exchange of experience and know-how among 1.317 direct involved in the project, benefiting from: - Involvement of families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. - Acquisition of practical skills to tackle family tensions and conflicts effectively. - Promotion of mainstreaming good practices in family education. 6. Long-term impact on community life informing roundabout 11.000 members of local communities not target of the project: - Higher priority given to addressing family tensions and conflicts in family education programs. - Increased utilization of innovative approaches, including eLearning, in family education initiatives. Overall, the project aims to leave a lasting impact on family education agendas, promote cross-border cooperation, and stimulate ongoing initiatives beyond the project's completion.