EXIT - Experiential Learning for Inclusion Training

Background of the project and aims:

One third of young people in Europe are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Many do not have access to their social rights. Many continue to face multiple discrimination, experience prejudice and hate crimes. Many young people with diverse abilities are excluded from society for that reason. New migratory phenomena brought several social and inclusion challenges.

With our EXIT training, we want to equip youth workers, trainers and other professionals with hands-on methods and tools to help young people exit these challenges. Raising awareness about the topic through diverse experiential learning methodologies and creating more inclusive educational activities based on the principles of universal design in their work. 

Objectives:

• To discover innovative educational methods in the field of experiential learning for inclusion, by exploring crossovers of facilitating experiential learning activities through outdoor activities, bodywork, circus, sport based activities, theater, etc. 
• To develop participant’s competencies based on the experiential learning facilitator role, while exchanging educational best practices among participants
• Train participants in how to create activities accessible for every target group based on the principles of universal design.
• To enable participants to be able to put experiential learning methods in practice through follow-up activities.

Approach and format:

During the training days participants will be able to experience diverse methodologies on using experiential learning as a tool for inclusion by practise, while having an opportunity to discuss and reflect after every exercise on how to implement the activity into their work, based on universal design. This requires from participants already a sense of knowledge about the concept of experiential learning.

We will use non-formal education methodologies that require active participation, this means that participants have a very important role in their own learning process. 

We will implement activities in small groups, discussions, group dynamics and team building, individual and group reflection, games, and outdoor activities.

We are trying to be as environmentally friendly as we can, but with some limitations as well. So we will use recycled  and reused materials when possible.

Participants profile:

• (professional) experience in working with young people,
• Youth workers, or professionals in the field of training and education (youth leaders, teachers, volunteers, coaches…), who work with young people in social exclusion risk, and wish to implement new working methods into their work
• Participants who wish to refresh their methodological toolbox in the field of experiential learning while reflecting on their own learning goals and competencies as trainers and facilitators in the youth field.
• Participants have a basic knowledge and experience in non formal education and experiential learning (methodologies and processes)
• Participants are fully available for the period of the training course, are able to work in English and are aware that the training course can be transfered to an online training course if Covid19 interferes.