Mieke Neven McMahon

Educational pathway

I have been involved with education most of my life. I began as a kindergarten teacher, and while my 4 children grew up, I gradually moved into youth work and project based secondary education, discovering that non-formal learning is a great alternative and/or addition to the formal school system.

In 2003 I joined Fishbowl Youth, and since, I have gained experience in all aspects of managing, facilitating and coaching young people in carrying out their activities. I focused mainly on supporting these young people in creating, running and learning from their own projects.
Within Fishbowl I support the hosting and sending of EVS volunteers.

I work as a free-lance trainer for Léargas, the Irish National Agency for the Youth in Action Programme.
I like to draw from my own experience in youth work as a basis for my international trainings, which focus on Youthpass, participation, cultural diversity and coaching of peer educators and young project leaders.

Educational path:
College for Education:
Three-year full-time training.
The main areas I can transfer to training work are: deep understanding of educational processes, project planning, reflection and observation, working with large groups and group dynamics.

I have attended many courses within the European Youth Programme / Council of Europe, here are some:
§ Tic-Tac course, 6-days Belgium, how to create support activities for actions in the Youth Programme.
§ 3-D course, 10-days, Ireland, a course to become a trainer for Léargas trainers network.
§ Training of Trainers In Human Rights Education, 10-days, Council of Europe, Budapest.

Manage your own Business
This programme helped me develop project management skills.

Last but not least…

I have raised a family, which involves an incredible amount of in-formal and experiential learning! Our family was never a singular unit, there have always been additions… we have fostered young people, we have hosted language students and EVS Volunteers in our house.
These experiences have helped me a lot in my work as a trainer and youth worker.