ECO-UNESCO / PUZZLE – 2008 Portugal Project Amazing is the word! ECO-UNESCO and PUZZLE (a Portuguese NGO for art and culture) took a group of 5 Irish young people and 10 Portuguese young people to a beautiful organic farm in Lagos, where for 5 days the participants had the change to engage in several environmental and recreational exciting activities. Lisbon was part of the plan and a day well spent with the fishes and all the other wonders of the sea world. Departure day But don’t let me tell you how it went, here are a few words form the participants! "For me the Portuguese exchange was a fantastic experience, I enjoyed it so much I would happily jump back on a plane to join my Portuguese friends again in a heartbeat (…) Due to this project I now know that language is not a barrier that prohibits you from making friends and enjoying yourself but a mere obstacle that is easily overcome." Elaine Anthony, Cobh , Cork "One of three outcomes I have achieved by participating in this project is that I have learned to become more environmentally friendly, for example reducing the amount of water I use. A second outcome I have achieved is that I have learned to listen to everybody’s opinions. Finally I have made many friends that I will definitely keep in touch with." Emily Ahern, Cobh, Cork Creative recycling workshop "I think that this project has truly boosted my confidence and made me feel better about myself. For example I was given the challenge of creating and delivering an activity with the group .I now feel more independent and realise that I have interests and communication skills that I never new existed." Kate O’Donnell, Dublin "The programme benefited all the participants in so many ways, we learned from each other and from our leaders and even from our situation, based on an eco friendly farm. Our shared ideas then spread as we ended our trip, but we can now teach others what we learned, spreading the word even further." Rachel Hart, Armagh , Northen Ireland "I feel that this trip exceeded itself on all levels (…) This trip has benefitted all who where involved. It taught us so many things which we can in turn teach the people of our community. I am looking forward to returning to Portugal at some time in the future." Anna Hart, Armagh , Northen Ireland