TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Meriç Tahan
The project aims to equip youth workers, trainers and interested educators with resilience, to explore and practice new tools in stress management through meditation, connecting with nature, and mindfulness. We aim to practice these tools for increasing the quality of their youth work after the Coronavirus impact. The training is compatible with the goals of EU Youth Strategy 21-27: Mental Health and Well-being, promoting mental and health, sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
The Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant effect on all dimensions of youth workers, it requires specific attention and tailored measures from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The main target group was youth workers from organizations who needs to develop new tools and methods to use in post-covid youth work for recovery. During the partnership creation we have observed our partner organizations have faced the risk of psychological negative effects during a pandemic. The most important criteria for choosing participants for this training course will be to choose youth workers, mentors, and youth leaders based on their motivation in improving their knowledge, skills, and competences with tools and methods of resilience, how to minimize the negative effects of Covid-19 to use on youth as well as to maximize the positive ones and to implement the gained knowledge in their local communities. The main target group of youth workers who are currently experiencing below negative effects of COVID-19 in their youth work
This project had a main activity to be implemented for 8 days. It gathered 24 participants from 8 program countries in Antwerp, Belgium. The activities were based on nonformal learning methods which support the active involvement of participants in creating their learning opportunities, non-hierarchical approach as well as enhancing participants’ educational competencies. There are ice-breaking activities, team-building games, intercultural evenings, reflection sessions, thematic workshops, simulations, gamification activities, experimental learning, outdoor activities, and digital youth work activities. The main topic of the project is related to building resilience and strengthening youth work towards Covid-19 challenges
Toolbox developed by the project was beneficial to implement practices on the target groups and other relevant stakeholders. The Toolbox included practical activities and techniques to help youth workers be mindful and stronger towards the pandemic and crises. It has promoted and made an impact on the networking of participating organizations, expanding new partnerships, inspiring the local community, and developing new ideas through new competencies. The project's learning outcomes and competencies gave participating organizations a chance to face the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic and improve their staff competencies accordingly to turn this crisis into an opportunity.
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During the 8 days of the international mobility activity, my role in the trainers' team was that of a full-time trainer with a focus on designing thematic workshops and coordinating youth workers. As a trainer, I took charge of creating the content for the activities, ensuring they were designed with a strong foundation in non-formal education principles.
Throughout the mobility program, my responsibilities included implementing the workshops and activities, fostering a conducive learning atmosphere where experiences could be shared openly. I took the lead in guiding the participants through the educational activities, with a specific focus on mental health and recovery topics from a youth work perspective.
In this capacity, I played a crucial role in shaping the overall learning experience of the participants. By incorporating interactive and engaging methodologies, I aimed to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encouraged active participation and enriched the learning journey for all involved.
As a full-time trainer, I collaborated with the rest of the trainers' team to ensure seamless coordination and delivery of the program. Together, we worked to empower the youth workers, equipping them with valuable insights and practical tools to effectively address mental health issues and recovery in their work with young people.
The experience of being a full-time trainer allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of non-formal education in empowering youth workers and promoting positive change in the lives of young individuals. It was truly fulfilling to contribute to the personal and professional development of the participants and foster a sense of purpose and commitment to their important work in the field of youth empowerment and mental health advocacy.