TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Fabio Meazza
The primary objective of the Erasmus+ training course "Lights, Camera... Action! EuroGoals on Screen" was to enhance youth workers' digital skills through practical video production training. The course aimed to empower youth workers to create impactful digital content that promotes the European Youth Goals and the underlying European values. Participants also learned to use digital platforms to increase their outreach and improve their organizations' social media presence.
Key objectives included:
- Equipping youth workers with new digital tools and content creation techniques.
- Raising awareness of the European Youth Goals and fostering active community engagement.
- Developing participants’ ability to use social media effectively to communicate their messages.
The project involved a diverse group of 28 participants from seven different countries: Greece, France, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, Romania and Poland. These participants were youth workers and youth leaders actively engaged in non-formal education and youth empowerment initiatives within their respective countries. The trainers’ team itself was also international, with trainers from Italy and Lithuania, each bringing unique expertise in digital content creation, video making, youth work and European Youth Goals.
Partner organisations:
- GREECE, Wheeling2Help
- LITHUANIA, Loud and Clear
- SPAIN, Asociación Cultural L'Ayalguina
- PORTUGAL, ProActing
- FRANCE, Toler’Arts
- ROMANIA, Filiala Se Poate
- POLAND, Green Elephant
The program was designed with a focus on achieving the primary goal of the project: to develop youth workers’ competences in digital content creation, including video production, while also raising awareness of the European Youth Goals. Most participants were beginners in these areas, so the training followed a structured approach that introduced the principles of content creation step-by-step. The process began with the basic rules of photography and storytelling, progressing through the complete production of digital content, including video editing, social media strategies, and creating impactful messages around the European Youth Goals.
To facilitate learning, non-formal education (NFE) methodologies were at the core of all activities. These methods provided participants with opportunities to experiment with tools, platforms, and techniques, learning by doing in a dynamic and engaging way. Trainers guided participants through practical exercises, allowing them to develop digital skills in an environment that promoted creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the course, participants engaged in various exercises, training classes and group debates related to digital content creation. They worked on producing videos and other digital materials, all centred on promoting the European Youth Goals. The trainers provided continuous coaching and feedback, ensuring that participants developed high-quality content while honing their technical and creative abilities.
Daily reflection sessions were scheduled each evening, following NFE principles, allowing participants to gather in small groups to share their experiences, provide feedback, and discuss their learning journey. These sessions created a safe and supportive environment, fostering open dialogue and an exchange of best practices. Participants could share challenges and successes, enhancing their involvement and sense of ownership in the course.
Throughout the training, participants were encouraged to take an active role, with the aim of fostering learning through experience, dialogue, and exchange. By making participants the protagonists of their own learning, they were motivated to contribute actively and collaborate effectively. Group dynamics were carefully facilitated to promote collective learning, with a strong focus on building community and mutual support.
The training successfully met its objectives by equipping youth workers with the skills to create digital content that raises awareness of the European Youth Goals. Specific outcomes include:
- The creation of several short videos focused on different aspects of the European Youth Goals, produced by the participants.
- Improved digital literacy and content creation skills among youth workers, empowering them to become effective communicators and advocates in their communities.
- Increased collaboration and networking among participants, fostering future transnational projects.
To document the success of the activity, the participants’ videos were showcased during a Movie Gala, and they will be uploaded to partner organizations' websites and shared through their social media platforms. The training was also followed by a post-production phase, during which participants will continue to produce and disseminate digital content in their home countries.
I worked as a full-time trainer in a team of three, delivering sessions on various topics like image composition, shot types, storytelling, communication, the use of universal language, frugal production techniques, how to provide peer constructive feedback and how to create social promotional videos. I was responsible for leading these sessions, alongside co-trainers, and also conducted workshops on Erasmus+ and Youthpass. Additionally, I oversaw the participants’ reflection process, ensuring continuous learning and self-assessment throughout the training.
Key responsibilities included:
- Co-designing the program and developing engaging, structured training sessions.
- Delivering comprehensive theoretical and practical classes on all stages of video production, from pre-production to post-production.
- Facilitating interactive workshops, activities and group discussions.
- Leading discussions on the European Youth Goals, guiding participants in incorporating these goals into their digital content.
- Coaching teams, offering tailored feedback to help refine their digital and video projects.
- Ensuring coordination of the team and the training schedule, conducting daily debriefings with the team, and adapting the program as needed based on participant feedback.