TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Edouard PORTEFAIX
The objectives of the seminar were the following:
—Experience living and working together with others in an intercultural environment
—Develop leadership competencies (knowledge, skills and attitudes) useful to leading rural youth
—Share personal experiences and challenges in the fields of agriculture and rural development
—Develop a personal action plan to put into practice the learning of the seminar
The seminar was divided in three parts. The first one was a training course on leadership during which participants worked in language groups (English – French – German). The second part brought all the participants together to share challenges and good practices. The last part was devoted to the development of individual action plans to be implemented by participants in their local communities.
The educational team was comprised of 7 trainers (Germany, Germany/Syria, United Kingdom/Italy, Uruguay, South Africa, Cameroun, France).
The group of participants was made of 100 rural young leaders from 57 countries.
The educational programme of the first part of the seminar was developed to approach the concept of leadership with all its complexity. It was grounded on non-formal education methodologies with a strong emphasis put on the holistic dimension of learning. It included – amongst others – experiential learning, body-mind practises, art activities, discussions in plenary or small groups, simulation activities, self-reflection… During the second and third parts, the methodology used aimed at supporting participants in sharing their experience with each other.
Brining 100 participants and overcome the language barrier (3 work language) to live and learn together; and to share the challenges they face in their respective local communities and discuss good practices to face these challenges is quite an achievement in itself.
Different forms of evaluation highlighted that the seminar was a deep learning experience for participants supporting both their personal and professional development.
The quality of the action plan developed by every participant is also an indicator of the success of the seminar.
Participants will be contacted 6 months after the seminar to discuss the implementation of their action plans and how the seminar impacted their personal and professional life.
As a trainer, I was responsible for the design and the implementation of training sessions for a group of French-speaking participants. I also took part in the design and implementation of activities for the whole group and participated in the evaluation process of the seminar.