EYE Opener

General Description

The aim of the training course is to offer an international learning experience to practitioners active in the youth work field, enabling them to develop their competences in setting up quality Youth Exchange projects.

The training relies on setting the basis of quality in youth exchanges. It will also provide the space to develop concrete project ideas among quality partnerships, targeting at submitting application proposals for the coming Erasmus+ (Youth) deadlines.

Objectives

• to provide information on Erasmus+ (Youth) youth exchanges
• to provide a group learning experience in the process of setting up a youth exchange project
• to develop basic skills, knowledge and attitudes to organise a youth exchange
• to understand non-formal learning and young people’s participation in learning
• to explore the role of a group leader in young people’s learning process
• to enhance the active participation of young people in the planning of youth exchanges
• to offer the opportunity to meet possible partner groups and to make contacts in other countries
• to promote equal-footed partnerships among young people and organisations 

The fact that young people can take part in the training gives a whole new dynamic to the process. Young people get first-hand knowledge on project building and the cooperation between youth leaders and young people gets better.

Some tasks are done in national groups, some in young people / youth leader groups and results are compared. The training shows evidence on young people’s competences in project planning on their own.

Target group
1 ADULT LEADER (over 18 years old) who deals directly with the young people and is committed to engaging in the future development of a youth exchange in partnership with the young persons. If justified, 2 adult leaders are possible.
1 TO 2 YOUNG PEOPLE: between 15-18 years old
Both youth workers and young people will be expected to communicate in English (eventually with peer support).

Programme

This training is a learning-by-doing experience, built on a simulation exercise which is interspersed with workshops, info sessions, activities to improve the group dynamics and ends with an evaluation. There will be one online meeting about two weeks prior (as preparation) and one about two weeks after the course (as consolidation and follow up).