TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS
The activity aimed to empower young people to reconnect with nature, embrace sustainable and healthy living practices, and preserve traditional ecological knowledge as a pathway toward holistic well-being and active citizenship. By combining non-formal education, experiential learning, and intercultural collaboration, the activity sought to promote both personal growth and collective responsibility toward environmental and social sustainability.
The youth exchange gathered young people aged 18-30 from five countries: Egypt, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, and Greece. The target group consisted of active youth interested in sustainability, nature connection, and well-being. Throughout cross-cultural exchange, participants developed environmental awareness, practical skills, and intercultural understanding.
The sessions based entirely on non-formal and experiential learning methods, encouraging active participation, peer learning, and self-reflection. We used traditional games for team building and the participants had the chance to implement energizers in order to create group cohesion and a sense of belonging. Through the workshops, participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions, learning to create natural cosmetic and wellness products using local ingredients from their countries.
Learning by doing was central to the process. Participants experimented with natural recipes, exchanged traditional knowledge, and recreated each other’s formulas as a collaborative cultural learning exercise as they facilitate their workshop to the others.
Field visits to Pavliani Park, local museums, and hot springs applied the experiential learning approach, allowing participants to connect theory with real life practice. Guided by local experts, they explored biodiversity, forest resources, and eco therapy practices. Finally, reflection drinks and the ''blob trees'' helped participants link their experiences to broader themes of well being, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
Theyouth exchange achieved its aim of empowering young people to reconnect with nature, embrace sustainable living, and preserve traditional knowledge related to health and well being. Participants developed practical competences in creating natural cosmetic and wellness products, enhanced their teamwork, leadership, and intercultural communication skills, and deepened their environmental awareness through experiential learning.
The results and materials were documented through the online recipe book on natural products, as well as through social media publications on Youthwavers’ channels highlighting the activities, outcomes, and testimonials of participants.
My role was multifaceted, as I served as the main organizer, host, and facilitator of the training activity.
I was responsible for the entire project cycle, from writing and submitting the application to implementing the training, managing logistics, and handling financial administration.
During the activity, I acted as a full time trainer, designing and delivering non-formal educational sessions, guiding reflections, and ensuring active participation and inclusion. I also coordinated communication among partner organisations, supported participants’ learning processes, and oversaw the final reporting and dissemination of the project’s results.