Mentored Mentors Mentor Better!

This international training course on personal support and mentoring in EVS is a 4.3 Action of the European Commision Programme Youth in Action and it will take place in Agros Cyprus. The main activities will last 8 days (including arrival and departure days). The Training Course is about using creative methods to promote the quality of EVS mentoring. During the seven days training course we will implement activities and exercises that strengthen some of these competencies: team-building, facilitation, communication, intercultural competence and creative thinking skills. Several methods will be combined to explore the topics: intercultural learning exercises, simulation exercises, coaching methods, discussions, creative thinking techniques, self-assessment inventories, reflection groups and presentations. We will host 25 participants from Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Portugal, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Malta, France, Hungary, Romania and Poland The training course will be of advanced level and will focus on the human aspect of EVS and the interrelation between human key-elements within projects. In more particular, the emphasis will be on the relationships between volunteers and the human resources of the organizations that form part of the EVS support system, and how can these be improved and become more efficient and effective (mentors, coordinators, task related supervisors, points of reference, tutors). The European Voluntary Service has been with us for more than 20 years including its pilot version. Since then, a lot has happened. A constant evaluation of the Action has brought changes, some minor and some other more significant ones, in order to improve its quality and its effectiveness for all the stakeholders involved. The aim of the training course is to maximise the effectiveness of EVS projects through the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes of people within the EVS support system. The objectives of the training will be realized through various workshops, discussions, presentations, experiential activities and case studies based on the fundamentals of non formal learning. The participants will be able to express and improve their creativity and capacity and present their ideas. All of the above, in the appropriate proportion and balance meeting different needs and learning styles, keeping a smooth flow within the programme, in order to facilitate real progress in real EVS projects. Moreover, our trainers and invited speakers are international authorities in their fields. All around, an exciting program! In order to reach the project's objectives we have planned several activities (training sessions, intercultural evening and intercultural programs) that will guide the participants through the process of getting specific competences. The activities will be implemented with the support of non-formal education methods and tools (games and exercises, group presentations, workshops, debates, role plays, forum theatre, open space, open cafe, outdoor activities, team building). The objectives of the training include: - To bring together support EVS people of organizations whose activities target towards active citizenship and participation -To practice tools and skills for the success of EVS in terms of psychological and human support to the EVS volunteers - To increase the competence to deal with challenging situations in inter-cultural contexts -To understand EVS through the volunteers' point of view -To rebuild the life cycle of EVS accounting for best practices -To create new partnerships within EVS - To create a safe, sharing and creative environment on which standardized practices will be exceeded Exploring Cyprus may also be a good idea, while visiting the island for the training. Cyprus is well known for its hospitality, its great sights and the beautiful sceneries around the island. A main characteristic of the island is the short distances between places. One can travel from the unspoilt mountains to the golden beaches within the same day. Not to mention the ancient sights which date back several thousands of years. Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and is located in the centre of the island. TO APPLY Please send us the completed application by the 30th of July. Selection will take place shortly after. We hope that you will find the youth course worth participating and we are looking forward to meeting you in August!