DEADLINE 19 MAY 2008

Mission ACTivate - Context:

Is a training course based on the concept of youth participation, but moreover on its dynamic and relative features. The objective is to empower participants to develop practical tools to work on the topic of youth participation, based on their individual needs and process and enjoying from the exchange of experiences ideas and knowledge within the group. In the end of the training course we aim also that participants implement a specific project on active participation in their local communities.

Mission ACTivate - Target group:

· youth workers, both professional and volunteers, coming from EU countries

experienced within the Youth in Action Programme
in active contact with potential users of the Youth in Action Programme and/or the target group
willing to implement a project after the training course
part of a network of partners or willing to develop new partnerships
above 18 years old, able to work in English and committed to the total duration of the programme

Mission ACTivate - Aims:

· To reflect on the general ideas about youth participation and increase participant's knowledge and understanding.

· To identify different factors that play a role when it comes to youth participation;

· To become aware of the different stakeholders involved, such as organizations, the youth worker, and the target group and analyze and address their own specific needs.

· To understand the concept of non formal and self-directed learning processes.

· To facilitate participant's individual strengths and needs assessment in what concerns their own approach as a youth worker towards youth participation.

· To develop communication competences (active listening, presentation skills…)

· To facilitate the creation of a personal action plan tool by each participant, based on the exchange of ideas, skills and knowledge of the group and also on the results of the reflection of their own "learning by doing" process.

· To create an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, experiences and projects between youth workers in an intercultural context, stimulating networking and developing intercultural competences.

· To empower youth workers to become multiplying elements of the outcomes of this project within their actions in their local communities.

· To exchange good practices (youth activities already developed in this field).

Mission ACTivate - Methodology:

Our methods have a strong learning-by-doing character and are participant centered. We believe in the strong impact of experiential learning concept as a basis for non formal learning. We will use active and interactive methods to build a balance between the individual learning and the group learning processes. Outdoor activities will be used to facilitate the awareness of the group and of the individual.

Mission ACTivate - Funding:

70% of flight costs will be covered by the budget, but the remaining 30% must be paid by each participating organisation.
Boarding and lodging will be provided by the organization of the project.
Visa costs will be fully covered.

Mission ACTivate - Organisation:

This project is organized by Cláudia Fernando and Steven Haine, trainer's team within SALTO's Training of Trainers.