TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Aleksandra Szmurlik-Dominguez
MAIN AIM:
The main aim of this training course is to develop the competences of 24
youth workers from 8 countries to support and equip them with the tools
needed to managing working with teams on long term projects and support
them during all stages of the group process as a whole cycle.
THE TRAINING OBJECTIVES:
1. to increase knowledge about group
process and techniques that can be used in each stage
2. to develop skills to support their teams during the group process
3. to i ncrease awareness on the i mportance of the group process
by showing the Influence on the dailyteamwork.
-aged 18 +,
- with an intermediate English level to engage fully in discussions and
activities,
- actively engaged in the field of youth work and currently working with young
people (preferably managing a group of local or long-term volunteers),
- able to attend all working days and sessions (sometimes more than 8 hours
a day),
- motivated and interested in the topic of the training,
- with a positive attitude and motivation to cooperate in international teams
and learn from and with the participants,
- motivated and willing to implement dissemination activities and share with
others through workshops back home what you learned in the TC.
Countries: GREECE, ITALY, NORTH MACEDONIA, MALTA, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA, SPAIN, POLAND
The training conducted utilized a variety of non-formal learning methods designed to facilitate personal and professional development among participants. Here are some of the key methods used:
Personal/Self-Reflection: Participants engaged in daily individual reflections guided by prompt questions following the experiential learning cycle. This allowed them to internalize and assess their learning outcomes and personal growth.
Pair Sharing and Group Discussions: Structured opportunities for participants to share insights and reflections with partners or in small groups fostered collaborative learning and peer feedback.
Workshops and Stations: Interactive workshops covered essential topics such as communication, mediation, conflict resolution, and intercultural teamwork. Stations allowed participants to rotate and engage in different activities, maximizing exposure to various learning experiences.
Role Plays: Participants were divided into groups to prepare and perform role plays illustrating the eight key competences of the Erasmus+ program. This method helped participants understand and demonstrate these competences in a practical, engaging manner.
Open Space Technology: This method empowered participants to propose and facilitate sessions on topics of interest, encouraging autonomy and active participation.
Youthpass Certificate: The use of Youthpass as a tool for self-assessment and documentation of learning outcomes encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences and articulate their newly acquired skills and competences.
These methods were integral in achieving the training objectives, as they promoted active learning, critical thinking, and practical application of skills. The success of the training was evidenced through continuous reflection sessions, midterm and final evaluations, and the closing circle where participants shared their experiences and provided feedback. Additionally, the creation of a purpose manual guide and presentations on the local level were tangible outcomes demonstrating the impact of the training.
Achievements of the "Process of Changes" Training Activity
The "Process of Changes" training aimed to develop an innovative long-term support model for coordinators and organizations involved in long-term local and international volunteer projects. The primary objectives were to enhance the coordinators' skills in leading groups and managing changes and disruptions in group processes. Specific achievements include:
Competency Development: Participants gained deeper insights into group processes and the role of a leader, improving their ability to analyze group situations and support their teams effectively.
Cultural Awareness: The program facilitated cultural exchanges among participants from eight different countries, fostering a better understanding of generational and cultural differences within groups.
Practical Skills: Attendees were equipped with practical competencies to offer real and appropriate support to their groups, addressing challenges such as generational shifts and volunteer retention.
Indicators of Success
The success of the training can be measured through several indicators:
Participant Feedback: Positive evaluations and feedback from participants regarding the relevance and impact of the training sessions.
Skill Application: Observable improvement in participants' abilities to manage group dynamics and support volunteer projects effectively.
Follow-Up Activities: Increased engagement in follow-up activities and continued collaboration among participants from different countries.
I was one of the main trainers and co-writers of the project.