TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Maria Tasheva
“Let’s plant Hope!” is an international training course at European level on the problems of the forest ecosystems, their conservation and sustainable development. Main aim of the training is to improve the knowledge of the young people from rural areas of Europe on the problems of the forest ecosystems and to acquire practical skills and competencies for their conservation and sustainable development.
An objective is also to increase awareness and acquisition of knowledge on the various reasons for the disappearance of the forests and the negative consequences at global and local level, as well as to promote good environmental practices to ensure sustainable development of the forest ecosystems, exchange of experience and practical skills to protect and restore of the natural resources;
The target group are 37 young people from Rumania, Hungary, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Macedonia and Bulgaria who actively work on environmental protection.
Interactive games, simulations and presentations, ice-breakers, work in small groups, discussions, self-reflection sessions, outdoor games, methods for sharing impressions, role-plays and more.
The feedback of the participants was quite satisfying. The group was various and there were some more experienced participants and at the same time beginners in the topic. Therefore the intensity was moderate and finally addressed to everyone, despite the background and the knowledge.
The practical exercises and the venue allowed application of some of the methods for protection and restoration of natural resources. The facilitated site visits allowed reflection and testing on the field.
I was the main trainer during the course. Some of the sessions were undertaken by young volunteers from the group under my supervision and my guidance. The program was designed also with my support.