Circle of Fashion Project, Job Shadowing Activity in Salatiga, Indonesia (Summer 2022). Article by Dimitrios Anastasiadis
Watch Dimitrios experience here.
I had the privilege of participating in the Erasmus+ Job Shadowing activity in Salatiga, Indonesia for three weeks in June 2022. The activity was in the framework the Circle of Fashion project, which aims to raise awareness about the negative environmental and social impacts of fast fashion production, specifically in southeast Asian countries. It was an eye-opening experience, and I participated in several activities, including workshops, a
full-day workshop at a local school, and preparations for the upcoming Training Course in Indonesia. I took part in this activity representing Positive YOUth and (Kompetenta Unga), a non-profit organisation with the goal and vision of bringing positivity through self-development opportunities for local communities, currently active in Sweden and Lithuania.
One of the most memorable experiences during my job shadowing activity was the full-day workshop in a local school. The workshop was attended by approximately 40 young people mainly aged between 13 and 18. I was able to share my knowledge and experiences about the impact of fast fashion on the environment and child labor. It was inspiring to see how engaged and curious the young people were about the issue, and I believe we made a positive impact by raising awareness among the younger generation.
In addition to the workshops, we also encouraged the local community to organize their own actions to spread awareness about the issue of fast fashion. We explained how they could take small steps, such as choosing to buy clothes made from sustainable materials or upcycling old clothing. By empowering individuals to take action, we were able to create a ripple effect of awareness beyond our stay in Indonesia.
Another outcome of my involvement in the Circle of Fashion project was the preparation of a Training Course, which took place about one and a half month after my job shadowing activity. As part of my involvement, I helped lay the groundwork for the course and provided input on the content and structure. The Training Course was a critical component of the project and helped to provide participants with more detailed
knowledge about the impact of fast fashion.
Moreover, my participation in the Job Shadowing activity had a significant impact on my
personal and professional growth. I had the opportunity to work in a cross-cultural environment and engage with a diverse group of people. I learned new skills, such as organizing and leading workshops, and improved my communication and interpersonal skills.
Overall, my experience in Indonesia has helped me to become more aware of the negative impact of fast fashion and motivated me to make more sustainable choices in my daily life.
In conclusion, my participation in the Erasmus+ Job Shadowing activity in Indonesia within the Circle of Fashion project was a rewarding and fruitful experience. Through various activities, including workshops, meetings and actions for encouraging the local community to take action, we were able to raise awareness of the negative impact of fast fashion.
Moreover, this experience had a positive impact on my personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been involved in such an inspiring project.
