TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Kamil Oleszkiewicz
The EuroPeers Annual Network Meeting 2023 training activity in Riga aimed to enhance cooperation, inspire innovation, and develop strategic plans among EuroPeers participants and their supporting organisations. The event gathered 50 young people, trainers, and representatives from 12 countries. Its key goals included:
1. Strengthening the Network: Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and collaborated on future strategies to foster cross-border connections and develop the EuroPeers network.
2. Promoting Core Themes: Workshops addressed sustainability, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Activities such as the "privilege walk" and group discussions focused on creating more inclusive communities and on environmentally conscious practices.
3. Developing Skills: Activities such as the "free microphone" session allowed participants to showcase talents, run workshops, and enhance organizational and communication skills.
The training addressed the need for cross-cultural collaboration, inclusion, and youth empowerment within the EuroPeers network. It also aligned with the goals of participating organizations by promoting youth mobility, volunteerism, and the European Solidarity Corps programs through shared learning and planning for future activities.
Members of International Network of EuroPeers from:
50 young people, four trainers, facilitators, and representatives of 12 national agencies from the network countries Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden and Spain
During the Annual Network Meeting 2023 in Riga, I co-facilitated several key sessions using diverse non-formal education methodologies:
Open Space Technology: I managed a series of parallel, participant-led workshops focusing on specialized Action Groups (AG). These sessions empowered EuroPeers to take ownership of topics such as Sustainability, Inclusive Events, and the power of Storytelling in promoting solidarity.
Market Place of Opportunities: I facilitated an interactive networking space where participants showcased Solidarity Projects, exchanged best practices with National Agencies (NA), and explored creative tools within the Art Space. This method was crucial for peer-to-peer development and identifying resources for future initiatives.
World Café: I led a multi-stage reflective dialogue centered on the EuroPeers Network: Past, Present, and Future. This session encouraged deep-dive conversations on strategic pillars, including:
Inclusion and Diversity: Strengthening our community's reach.
Reward and Recognition: Enhancing the validation of EuroPeers' voluntary work.
Promotion and Visibility: Developing tools to amplify the impact of the European Solidarity Corps across Europe.
The EuroPeers Annual Network Meeting 2023 in Riga was a transformative event that significantly strengthened international cooperation and the network's strategic development. Over four days, participants from across Europe and beyond engaged in an exchange of best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse volunteering contexts and successful project methodologies. The meeting served as a vital platform for fostering synergy among diverse EU networks, leaving participants with renewed motivation and a broader perspective on European solidarity.
As part of my role, I designed and ran sessions, including the Skills Bazaar, Mission Impossible. My goal was to make these moments engaging and helpful for everyone’s learning process. In addition to facilitation, I was also responsible for the visual aspects of the meeting. I designed all the materials that gave the event its identity, from the Infopack and IDs to digital graphics, stickers, and stay-in-touch cards. It was important to me that these tools didn't just look good, but actually helped participants connect with each other and feel part of the EuroPeers community even after the meeting ended.
As the deputy international coordinator of the pan-European EuroPeers network, I am pleased to confirm the activty as well as validate and recommend Kamil on behalf of the Estonian National Agency.
With Kind Regards,
Kai-Ines Nelson