TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Sue Dudill
AIM:
To help you to increase your potential as individuals and the capacity of your organisations by dismantling and removing barriers to communication in the context of the topic of social exclusion along with its associated language.
The main objectives:
by travelling through a logically constructed learning journey of highly interactive sessions
by critically examining the issues you all face and sharing some of your tried and tested tools and ideas with one another other in the safe space provided
by exploring the linguistic and cultural challenges you face when working in a multi-cultural society
by helping you to increase your confidence in English on this topic to enable you to work more easily on a European level in the future
by offering the opportunity of a platform for future cooperation in Erasmus+ to further develop your skills and experience in this hot topic
The target group was socially excluded young people.
Those countries represented were:
Macedonia
Bulgaria
Poland
Serbia
Estonia
Georgia
Hungary
Slovakia
Turkey
Austria
The group comprised, youth workers, volunteers and educators who work with the target group
We used a cornucopia of different non-formal methods including a range of icebreakers, getting to know you games, The Empathy Map, The Secret Mission, The Word Food Cafe, Stakeholder Solutions, Gibberish and more!
We explored the risks and causes of exclusion on a transnational level in the context of the countries the participants all represent
We then explored inclusion and best practice available across Europe and other parts of the world looking at the diverse range of real issues that the organisations here represent; it is in fact a cornucopia of disadvantage, looking at those promoters we have chosen. It gave them the opportunity to also examine and empathise with those simply having a different set of problems
for example we discussed the concept of violence being one of the results of exclusion and its consequences, the justification (if any) for using it and what constitutes 'right' and 'wrong'. What are the costs to the individual and to society and how can we reduce these by creating worthwhile and more importantly realisable projects
We examined the cost to the health of an individual, affected by the lack of access to services and opportunities in the community and how we can make small but significant changes to the advantage of all
We helped to increase the capacity and potential of organisations and individuals by dismantling and removing barriers to communication, thereby helping them to realise their developmental goals
we thoroughly explore the topic, interlaced with language learning, using the latest non-formal methods to be found at the finger tips of the multi-skilled training team, embracing the theme with great relevance
We provided the participants with the opportunity to access and utilise the valuable skills and expertise of a team who are crucially not only highly trained European trainers, but equally qualified to a highest level in teaching English as a foreign language/ESOL. The team comprised trainers both native and non-native speakers thus giving expertise from many angles to respond to the many needs of the participants
we gave clarity to the topic of working with socially excluded young people in a European context using learner-centred methodology, thereby avoiding ambiguity and misconceptions based on cultural and language differences which the training team have the ability to recognise in every way
We consistently supported the participants enabling them to maximise the potential of the learning that has taken place in both the topic content and the language elements
We provided the opportunity for participants, from a wide range of languages and cultures, with a unique peer learning moment in time
we scaffolded a quality learning process which strengthened the confidence and resolve of the participants to work on a European level in their chosen topic, creating new and improved projects; a tangible measurable outcome for all stakeholders
We provided a safe space for the learning to take place and yet ensured that it also challenged the individual to be the best that they could be, leaving them with the 'can do' feeling at the end of the training course
We were able to offer a workshop on the content of the new programme as well as looking back at Youth in Action to see what is being carried over and what is new.
We provided a programme that was rich in content, not only in terms of topic, but also the quality of the integrated language, one that was highly interactive incorporating all learning styles - audio, visual and kinesthetic and the 8 multiple intelligences (spatial, linguistic, logical mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic) wherever possible.
We created a relevant learning journey that had a logical thread running through it with a clear and transparent map for the participants to follow
We cultivated an atmosphere with the participants that was entirely professional and yet allowed us to be authentically who we are as people, as well as European trainers
We delivered a refreshing and energising training course with integrity and transparency
we empowered the participants to go out into their communities and make a real difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.
I was the trainer along with my Bulgarian colleague. Together we developed the LICK concept and adapted the programme to reflect the needs of the participants in this group. I supported the hosting partner in the process.