Knocking down bridges

Theme of the training course: We would like to develop our knowledge on hosting volunteers, on the learning process on intercultural learning of volunteers and mentors within EVS activities. To learn how we can improve our volunteers personally, socially and professionally and for them to gain knowledge on how we can co-operate with different countries. Last but not least we would like to promote our host place to other sending, hosting and co-ordinating organisations in order to create good and sustainable partnerships with them. The unique thing about our training course is that we are inviting both youth workers and young people together to attend this event in order to discover the possibilities of an EVS together. Why is this training course for both youth workers and young people together? - Youth workers and young people will gain more information about EVS together; - Youth workers can improve the quality of their EVS places further; - They can understand the processes of intercultural sensitiveness and learning within EVS projects better; - They can share and develop together tools and techniques of solving cultural shock and conflicts; - They can find each other as “match-making” in order to have the best EVS placement for the most appropriate young person; - It gives a real chance for young people with fewer opportunities to meet with possible mentors and to have a better understanding of an EVS placement before deciding on their next steps. What is our overall aim? To understand about EVS: our overall aim is to train representatives of organisations who are interested in sending, hosting and coordinating within EVS projects and young people together in order to realise good quality EVS projects. The main focus is around training young people and youth workers in ways which they can overcome situations concerning cultural barriers and cultural shocks. What are our objectives, which will lead us to achieving the aim? - To have an understanding of what is required of an EVS volunteer; to train mentors, coordinators and young people together. For developing projects according to the proposals of European Voluntary Service within the Youth in Action programme; - To train youth workers and young people to recognise intercultural learning processes in EVS projects in general and in particular within own projects; - To identify cultural barriers; - To identify mechanisms of dealing with cultural shock; - To begin to understand cultural dialogue and culture in general; - To experience being in shoes of a volunteer and raise awareness on personal, social and professional development during EVS activity; - To prepare quality EVS projects, matching new requirements of the programme YOUTH in ACTION; - To offer the opportunity to meet possible partner groups. What is our methodology? The training course will follow the “non formal education approach”. A combination of different creative and interactive methods will be used by the trainer team and designed upon the profile of participants. Some of the examples of methods that are going to be used in this training course: - theoretical inputs - individual/group activities - group exercises - Dicussion in small groups - case studies - real attempt The entire course is designed as a mutual learning situation in which, using diverse methods, participants can compare their approaches and experiences with EVS. Trainers will establish a theoretical framework and common reference points for learning and communication in this course, and they will also provide a framework where participants will be able to experience what its like to be an EVS volunteer. The course methodology foresees direct involvement of the accredited EVS organisations that will be present at the training course. The course programme and contents are organised to allow for the maximum participation of the group using active and participatory methods. Who can participate in this training course? - Young people between 15 – 25 who are interested in being EVS volunteers in the future; - Youth workers, directly working with young people, who are interested in running EVS project as mentors and coordinators; - Ready to take part in the whole training course; - Have organizational support for further activities within EVS; - To be able to communicate in the English language.