TOP: Trainers' workshop on preparedness

The word preparedness starts to feel overused before we even took a closer look at it. In this workshop we will reflect on how preparedness can be understood and what actions we can take within the European Solidarity Corps to be prepared and prepare others. All of this will be combined with some outdoor and experimental methods in the beautiful surroundings of Polish mountains. Maybe the skills are already within us, waiting to be uncovered. And the real question is - what, or who, is the dragon we’re meant to face? 

Context: The workshop will develop trainers' skills and competencies in building a culture of preparedness among European Solidarity Corps volunteers and support the preparation of young people and local communities for times of crisis. Participants will learn about practical tools for supporting young people in emergency situations and how to harness the potential of the European Solidarity Corps at the local level, with a particular focus on the specific nature of work in partner countries where social resilience and solidarity are particularly important in the context of geopolitical challenges.

Objectives:

• Developing trainers' competences in building a culture of preparedness among European Solidarity Corps stakeholders.
• Exploring the role of trainers in frames of the Preparedness Union strategy and the Action Priority in the European Solidarity Corps
• Experiencing and sharing practical tools to support young people and local communities in getting ready and responding to challenges and crises
• Learning from the experience of partner countries’ realities in order to strengthen solidarity and civic engagement

Outcomes:

• Knowledge and tools to promote preparedness among European Solidarity Corps stakeholders;
• Skills of Preparedness for the training practice; 
• Inspiration on how to create and strengthen local support pathways for/in the time of crisis

For whom:

• Trainers working with ESC volunteers, project coordinators, mentors:
  • TEC trainers working with National Agencies and regional SALTOs
  • trainers active in supporting/hosting organisations in ESC;
• Participants have to be at least 18 years old and are able to work in English.
• 11 participants from Programme Countries & 11 participants from Partner Countries Neighbouring the EU

Practical details:

• Dates: 24-29.08.2026 
  • 24th of August: arrival day
  • 25-28 working days
  • 29th of August: departure after breakfast
• Location: Korbielów, Poland (in the Polish mountains)
• Group size: 22 participants, 2 trainers, 2 SALTO EECA staff
• Working language: English

Participants will need to be prepared to stay outdoors and for a light hike in Beskid Żywiecki

Accommodation will be provided in twin rooms. Meals and training materials are fully covered.

Travel costs will be reimbursed according to NET rules by the participants’ National Agencies.

Composition of the team:

Dagna Gmitrowicz (Germany/Poland), Mariia Herashchenko (Ukraine)