TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Richárd Kiss
The aim of the activity was to support youth workers and trainers in understanding burnout as a personal and systemic process, and to strengthen competencies related to burnout prevention, mental wellbeing and sustainable engagement in youth work. The objectives included increasing self-awareness, supporting reflective practice, strengthening boundary-setting and self-regulation skills, and creating a safe and supportive learning environment where participants could explore their roles, identities and limits in their professional and personal lives.
The training brought together participants from various European countries. The target group consisted of youth workers, educators, and community leaders, actively engaged in supporting young people.
The training was based on non-formal, experiential and reflective learning methods. We used interactive workshops, guided self-reflection, art-based and visual tools, group discussions, World Café, sociometric methods, role-based reflection, outdoor and site-based learning, and structured debriefings. The process combined individual reflection, small-group work and plenary discussions, with strong attention to emotional safety, participation and learning from lived experience.
Participants developed a deeper understanding of burnout, its phases and prevention strategies, and increased awareness of their own needs, resources and limits. They strengthened key competencies such as self-awareness, emotional insight, boundary-setting, collaboration and reflective thinking. The activity supported participants in creating concrete action plans for their own wellbeing and professional sustainability, and increased their confidence in supporting young people and colleagues in a more conscious and empathetic way.
As the lead trainer, I was responsible for designing the program, facilitating sessions, and evaluating outcomes. My tasks included creating a safe and engaging learning environment, delivering workshops, and providing personalized support to participants, if needed.