TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Rota Marite Strazda
The training activity, Becoming the Witness, aimed to equip youth workers with mindfulness techniques and tools to address the psychological and emotional challenges amplified by the global COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges included heightened stress, anxiety, social isolation, and reduced emotional well-being, which impacted young people and communities alike. By focusing on mindfulness and stress management, the training directly addressed the urgent need for youth workers to support young people during times of adversity and uncertainty.
The training sought to enhance youth workers’ ability to:
1. Improve their performance and competencies by integrating mindfulness practices into their personal and professional lives.
2. Develop and implement unique mindfulness tools tailored for use in their work with young people.
The objectives were designed to create a safe and collaborative learning environment for participants to explore and practice mindfulness, share experiences, and develop actionable tools. Each participant was encouraged to implement at least two follow-up activities within their own communities, ensuring that the benefits of the training extended beyond the course itself.
The training aligned with the goals of partner organizations by increasing the quality of youth work, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence among young people, and inspiring active volunteer networks to act as agents of social change.
This alignment with organizational goals, coupled with its focus on equipping youth workers with effective, evidence-based techniques, made the training a success in both its immediate outcomes and its broader, long-term impact.
The training activity brought together an international group of youth workers from diverse backgrounds, representing organizations from Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, and Latvia.
The training targeted youth workers, trainers, and representatives of partner organizations who were directly involved in supporting young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected based on their role as key facilitators within their communities and their need for tools to address stress, overwhelm, and emotional disconnection.
Team Composition:
The training team was led by experienced trainers and mindfulness practitioners, Rota Mārīte Strazda (Latvia) and Melania Forte (Spain). Both had previously collaborated together designing and facilitating the youth exchange Stillness in Motion and brought their expertise in mindfulness and Community Building to this new next level format for youth workers, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for participants.
The training course employed a wide range of non-formal education methods grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (David Kolb), emphasizing "learning by doing" and fostering self-awareness. These methods were tailored to equip youth workers with practical mindfulness tools and enhance their professional competences. Key methods included:
1. Meditation and Mindfulness Practices: A variety of mindfulness techniques were introduced to enhance self-awareness, well-being, and present-moment satisfaction, fostering personal and professional growth.
2. Community Awareness & Small Tribes: Participants engaged in small, supportive groups to encourage openness, sharing, and social inclusion. This method emphasized collective responsibility and demonstrated the impact of individual actions on the community.
3. Dance and Body Movement: Used as a universal and inclusive form of self-expression, these activities fostered celebration and connection among participants.
4. Nature and Outdoor Activities: Nature served as a reflective tool, helping participants recognize patterns in their behaviors, gain fresh perspectives, and inspire personal growth.
5. Way of Council, Discussions, and Group/Pair Work: Structured dialogues encouraged participants to express themselves, exchange ideas, and practice non-violent communication, enhancing group understanding and decision-making.
6. Silent Self-Reflection and Alone Time: Participants spent time in self-reflection to integrate their learning, evaluate their experiences, and develop mindfulness practices.
7. Rituals and Routines: Activities like empowerment mornings, community practices, and silent reflection created a sense of belonging and allowed participants to cycle through experiential learning processes.
8. Learning by Doing and Peer-to-Peer Learning: Participants designed and facilitated workshops, both for their peers and local youth, receiving feedback to refine their methods and ensure real-world applicability.
9. Creative Expression: Artistic activities such as writing, singing, and painting encouraged self-reflection and mindfulness, allowing participants to explore their creativity.
10. Journey to Nature: Activities in nature provided a break from routine, reduced anxiety, and fostered connection and re-centering.
11. Mastermind Groups: These peer-mentoring sessions provided a structured support system for participants as they developed and refined their mindfulness tools during and after the training course.
These methods collectively created an engaging, supportive, and transformative learning environment, equipping youth workers with practical skills to bring back to their communities.
The training activity achieved significant outcomes for participants, their organizations, and their target groups. These achievements include personal growth, professional development, and the promotion of mindfulness practices within communities. Here’s how the training was a success:
Achievements for Participants:
1. Personal Growth: Participants gained mindfulness tools and techniques to better manage uncertainty and chaos in their personal and professional lives. The retreat offered a space for self-reflection and balance, leaving participants feeling centered, relaxed, and empowered.
2. Professional Skills Development: Through experiential learning and peer feedback, participants improved their facilitation skills and gained confidence to implement new methods. They learned to critically assess their current approaches, adapt tools to meet the needs of their target groups, and integrate mindfulness into their youth work.
3. Networking and Community Building: Participants formed an international network of youth workers, fostering a sense of belonging and support. These connections provide ongoing opportunities to exchange ideas, share strategies, and collaborate on future projects.
Achievements for Participant Organizations:
1. Enhanced Capacity: Organizations gained youth workers with improved self-confidence, new mindfulness tools, and innovative ideas for activities focused on well-being, personal development, and social inclusion.
2. Stronger Networks: Existing partnerships were reinforced, and new collaborations were established, promoting sustainable development within the sector.
3. Long-term Impact: Participants’ organizations are now equipped to create lasting results through improved evaluation and feedback mechanisms.
Achievements for Target Groups:
1. Youth Empowerment: The young people served by participants learned mindfulness practices to handle stress, improve decision-making, and boost self-confidence. They developed self-awareness and accountability, enhancing their critical thinking and perseverance.
2. Community Growth: Follow-up activities designed by participants fostered empowered and resourceful youth, contributing to sustainable social growth and healthy lifestyles.
Evidence of Success:
1. Mindfulness Day: A key milestone was the successful implementation of "Mindfulness Day," where local youngsters participated in workshops designed by training participants. Feedback from these workshops demonstrated the relevance and effectiveness of the methods learned.
2. Follow-Up Activities: Each participant committed to implementing at least two follow-up activities in their local communities, ensuring the dissemination and application of the training outcomes.
3. Visual Materials: Dissemination of visual materials created during the training increased awareness about mindfulness and Erasmus+ opportunities, reaching a broader audience across Europe.
Through these outcomes, the training demonstrated its success in empowering youth workers, strengthening organizations, and fostering growth in their target groups.
Within the trainers' team, my primary role was to serve as the main trainer and designer of the "Becoming the Witness" training course, leveraging my extensive experience in youth work, mindfulness facilitation, and community building. My tasks and responsibilities included:
1. Program Design and Delivery:
- Designed the overall structure and activities of the training course in collaboration with partner organizations, ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives and the needs of participants.
- Delivered theoretical and practical sessions, introducing mindfulness practices, self-awareness techniques, and community-building frameworks.
- Created and facilitated rituals, reflection exercises, and evaluation activities to ensure a cohesive and impactful learning experience.
2. Participant Support:
- Ensured a safe and inclusive learning environment by establishing common agreements and fostering a sense of trust and community among participants.
- Responded to the group’s evolving needs, tailoring activities and content dynamically to maximize learning outcomes.
3. Holistic and Experiential Methods:
- Incorporated diverse methodologies, such as outdoor education, storytelling, meditation, and ceremonies inspired by indigenous traditions, to provide a well-rounded and immersive learning experience.
- Connected the training activities to real-life applications, helping participants integrate their learning into their personal and professional contexts.
4. Team Collaboration:
- Worked closely with co-trainer Melania Forte Sureda, maintaining a continuous flow of feedback and support to ensure the smooth facilitation of the program.
- Alternated roles of leading and participating in activities to model teamwork and flexibility for participants.
In this role, I combined my expertise in mindfulness and experiential education to help participants navigate self-discovery, develop practical tools for youth work, and create a ripple effect of positive change in their communities. My focus was not only on delivering knowledge but also on empowering participants to implement and share their learning in meaningful ways.