ChangeMakers’ON Christmas — Awards for Members of the Community who Made the Greatest Impact
As the most beautiful celebrations of the year are coming soon, ChangeMakers’ON community organized the very first Impact awards that took place at Birštonas, Panemunio Villa. Experts, innovators, representatives of different organisations and other people that support and contribute to the development of social innovations and wish for a positive change gathered here, in Birštonas. Fun and entertaining talks, games and other surprises accompanied throughout the whole event.
ChangeMakers’ON social innovation program is an initiative unexpectedly generated by the social mission’s incentives. It is not financed by any funds or European project budgets, so partnership relations are of paramount importance. The contribution of the supporting community members is what helps to create many opportunities for innovators to develop sustainable patterns of activities and to implement positive changes in society. “The fact that this year we already organise the impact awards is the biggest proof that the power of partnership can create an environment for positive changes. I would like to award every member of our community who creates, dedicates his or her time and shares the most valuable asset — knowledge.
One of my biggest wishes is to expand this community and to strengthen the impact it creates”, — a welcoming word said the initiator of ChangeMakers’ON program Simona Simulyte.
During the ceremony, teams that have made the greatest result over the last year were rewarded. A team that promotes deaf fashion and art “Made in Silence”, the project that unites all the mothers “Mamos kartu” as well as the team that made a revolution in the educational system “Trys Kubai”. Organisers did not forget other teams — “Obuolių sūris”, a team that promotes financially safe life in the old age “Orūs namai” and the very first plant shelter with a “life window” “Gyvybės langelis”.
“Made in Silence” are happy to be a part of ChangeMakers’ON community because the participation in 2018 hackathon helped to build the communication bridge between the deaf and the hearers and to clear up their activities and set priorities. “This program gave us knowledge about the formation of the team, how to choose the right person and to use his or her strengths and skills. We all work towards the same goal — to reduce social exclusion, discover new talents and create more job opportunities. Today we are happy to see that more and more people are learning sign language and our “Made in Silence” clothes collection is attracting lots of people”, — shared the impressions “Made in Silence” team members.
Meanwhile, the founder of the very first plant shelter in Lithuania A. Virketė said that participation in ChangeMakers’ON activities gave her additional motivation and moral support while pursuing her dreams and goals. According to her, step by step she is coming close to her final goal — to open a private orangery. “First, it is important to build up an audience that would trust in my vision. Only then I can expect people to join the project “Gyvybės langelis”. Of course, awareness and popularity are growing. We can notice more and more appearances and articles on social media and press. I guess these are two of the most important things that are achieved so far”, — explained A. Virketė.
ChangeMakers’ON team also said a huge thank you to the partners that contributed to the implementation of all activities from the very first initiative of this program — UAB “Kauno grūdai”, AB “Volfas Engelman”, “Lavazza Blue”, UAB “BalticPack” and of course for the information partner “Kas vyksta Kaune”.
The award for the help related to the organisational issues was devoted to Kaunas University of Technology, the company “Telesoftas”, VšĮ “Versli Lietuva”, Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts and Erudite Lyceum.
A strong partnership is a key that ensures positive changes in our society. That’s why ChangeMakers’ON program seeks to unite everyone who wants to contribute to these changes. “Partnership can help to create added value by sharing “know-how” and our personal experience. In this way, new ideas which later develops into social innovations are born”, — claimed the head of International Relations and Protocol Department at Kaunas Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts A. Jaraitė.
Of course, if we want to make changes, first of all, we have to look around and to start dealing with everyday challenges that are the basis for global problems. “To know how to communicate and cooperate while dealing global issues is an important thing. True is that global problems are the result of small, local problems that we do not solve over time. ChangeMakers’ON team knows from what to start while tackling environmental and social issues in Lithuania and manages to foresee the positive impact of new solutions in a global perspective”, — explained a project manager at VšĮ “Versli Lietuva” Neringa Stroputė.
For their patience, time and efforts organisers rewarded ChangeMakers’ON experts — the founder of “Teenshapers” Artiomas Šiobajevas, Justinas Jarusevičius, Sigita Vaiciūtė. “They are not only a team of professionals but also people who clearly know their goal and vision. Therefore, being part of this community is an honour, pleasure and an opportunity to grow in all senses”, — cheerfully spoke the expert S. Vaiciūtė. The awards were also given to program’s supporters and contributors Jurgita Kazlauskienė, Raimondas Šimulis, Seaport Developers, Deividas Zigmantas, Andrius Vosylius and Darius Burzgulis.
Lastly, sincerely thank you goes to Panemunio villa owners Jurgita and Žydrūnas Kazlauskai! ChangeMakers’ON team could not image a warmer and more welcoming stay!
For all the beautiful photos we are more than grateful to our amazing photographer — Erikas Vosylius!
Have any questions? Do you want to participate to future events? Contact us! https://www.facebook.com/ChangeMakersON/
Original article: https://kaunas.kasvyksta.lt/2018/12/20/zmones/changemakerson-kaledos-apdovanoti-didziausia-pokyti-sukure-bendruomenes-nariai/#
And if you wish to know more about ChangeMakers’ON programs — learn more here!
