Coaching in Solidarity Project

NOTE: This seminar is designed for people active in the field of Solidarity Projects - either already actively supporting a group of young people as a coach, or planning to become a coach in the near future. 

This event is NOT for people who want to acquire life or career coaching skills. No previous knowledge of coaching is necessary. We expect from participants basic understanding of the European Solidarity Corps programme and Solidarity Projects.

Who is a coach in the Solidarity Projects? 

A resource person who can accompany groups of young people and support their participation. Also, a coach can facilitate and foster the quality of the learning process and assist in identifying and documenting learning outcomes at the end of the project, based on the programme guide. 

What are we aiming for? 

The aim of the seminar is to explore the concept of supporting young people carrying out the Solidarity Projects within the European Solidarity Corps.                                                                      

What are our specific objectives? 

• developing a common understanding of the role and importance of the coach in the Solidarity Projects;
• emphasizing the importance of the work of coaches in Solidarity Projects and what they can bring to projects; 
• gaining basic understanding of the coaching process;
• offering a chance to practice coaching in safe environment;
• building a community of coaches;
• understanding the idea of solidarity in Solidarity Projects;
• planning next steps, transfer of the knowledge to the reality of participants.

How do we work?  

• using non-formal education approach we will encourage participants to share their own experiences and best practices as well as to practice various tools in the safe group environment;
• trainers will provide inputs and various coaching tools and opportunity to practice in a safe environment
• we will offer a space for transfer - creating action plans on how new knowledge and skills can be incorporated into project realities.

To whom is this event addressed?  

• to youth workers and employees of supporting organizations of the Solidarity
• volunteers or professionals supporting young people;
• coaches of Solidarity Projects (in some countries even from specific pools of coaches)

Participants are expected to: 

• Have prior experience with the Solidarity Projects (as participants, youth workers, being a volunteer in organisation that realises Solidarity Projects etc) 
• attend full duration of the seminar;  including the preparation and evaluation Zoom meeting (2 online ZOOM meetings of 90 minutes) 
• be fluent in English;
• be ready to implement coaching in their everyday practice.
• No prior experience/ knowledge of coaching is required - we will introduce you to the concepts and basic coaching tools. This seminar is NOT for people who are already professional life or career coaches, it is meant for youth workers who want to acquire coaching tools to support young people. 

Where and when?  

3-7.11.2025

The arrival of the participants is expected on 3rd November 2025 and departure on 7h November 2025.  If your application is successful, you will receive confirmation and a detailed program with info-pack until the end of September. 

DRAFT OF THE PROGRAMME

Preparation ZOOM meeting: 20.10. 15-16:30

MONDAY 3.11. - ARRIVAL OF THE PARTICIPANTS

18:00 First dinner together

19.00 -20.00 Getting to know each other, Introductions

TUESDAY  04.11.

9.30-11.00 Who is who, setting the context, welcome

11:30 - 13:00 Aims, Program Intro + Expectations

13.00-15.00 Lunch

15.00-16.30  Clarification of the role of a coach

17.00-18.30 Past successful experience of coaching in youth work

18.30 – 19.00 Difference mentoring/coaching/advising & Frame of coaching process

19.00-20.00 – dinner

20:00 -21.00 - Organisations market

WEDNESDAY  5.11.

8.00-9.00 – breakfast

9.30-11.00 - Solidarity Projects: Philosophy and Practicalities

11.00-13.00 Art of asking questions & Practice time

13.00-15.00 Lunch

15.00-16.30 Active listening & Feedback

17.00-18.30 Coaching practice

18.30-19.00 - Reflection time

20.00-21.00 – Dinner out

THURSDAY 6.11.

8.00-9.00 – breakfast

9.30 – 11.00 - Open Discussion on Future of Coaching Community

11.00-13.00 - Working with young people: Setting goals & Preparing contract

13.00-15.00 Lunch

15.00-16.30 - Tips for team coaching: Motivating and supporting groups & Coaching Practice

17.00-18.30 -  "Planning next steps within ESC and Solidarity Projects Evaluation"

18.30-19.00 - Reflection time

19.00-20.00 – Dinner

20.00-21.00 Good bye and see you again party

FRIDAY  7.11.  - departure day