"Crack the Cycle"- Training of Trainers in Experiential Learning

Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the experiential learning cycle and its significance in youth work? Are you eager to integrate the steps of the experiential cycle into your work with youth? Then this training is perfect for you!

Young people today have lots of chances to get involved in different groups and projects, both locally nationally and internationally. They can be volunteers, take part in workshops, work directly with various creative methods, or even taking an active role in the life of their communities. All these experiences help them to develop useful skills and competencies. For such learning to happen at a high level is important for young people to be guided through proper experiential learning cycles. This is a framework that outlines the process through which individuals learn from their experiences. 

Our team has been working in youth field for years and we've seen the need to help youth workers improve in guiding young people through these experiential learning cycles.

The main goal of the project is to enhance the quality of youth work by equipping youth workers (coordinators, facilitators, mentors, educators, teachers, etc.) with competencies in the experiential learning process. The aim is to build capacity among youth organizations to deliver high-quality educational programs in their communities and enhance the learning outcomes for young people participating in their activities.

More specific objectives of the project are:

• To increase the level of knowledge in experiential learning (theory, concepts, steps, philosophy)
• To enhance practical facilitation skills in applying the experiential learning cycle to various non-formal education methods
• To develop practical skills in designing and implementing experiential learning activities on various sensitive topics
• To empower youth workers to design and facilitate learning processes with young people on various important current topics.

The course is based on experiential learning principles and philosophy, with adequate time allocated for debriefing and reflection throughout the program. The working methods are designed to ensure equal involvement of each participant, encouraging active engagement in the process. The training course has a proposed structure, but the activities are flexible and adaptable to group needs, considering participant reactions, feedback, expressed needs, experience, and group dynamics. Additionally, the training will include sessions prepared and delivered by participants, with coaching from the trainers' team and feedback sessions from the entire group.

The learning process will be guided and facilitated by an experienced team: 

• Andreea-Loredana Tudorache has been active as a trainer and facilitator of different types of learning processes since 2007. (http://trainers.salto-youth.net/AndreeaLoredanaTudorache )
• Tuba Ardic, Director of Creative Connection, Trainer in the National Agency of Norway and active mentor, trainer, facilitator and social researcher since 2010.
• Elena Stevkovska, youth worker, volunteers manager, theatre facilitator and trainer since 2021 (https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toy/elena-stevkovska.6009) 

Do you want to be one of the learners on this exciting journey? This is what we are looking for: 

• Members or close collaborators of active Youth Organization (staff or active member, paid or not). The organization should have a valid OID number (we will sign partnership agreements with the organization of selected participants!).
• Enthusiastic youth workers who are motivated towards taking a strong lead in designing and/or facilitating meaningful learning experiences for young people on current relevant thematic
• Are beginners or at the beginning of their journeys as Facilitators in non-formal learning processes. More experienced facilitators are welcomed if they feel the need to advance their competencies in using the Experiential Learning Cycle in their work.
• Comfortable to communicate and learn in English.
• People older than 18 years and with a legal residence (proven by documents) in the country they are currently residing in.