Coaching the learning process in EVS

Aims & objectives

How can we support the learning process of the volunteers that we host? Are we actually creating learning and reflecting spaces? What can we do as sending organizations in order to support the reflection process of the volunteers? Can the EVS experience actually helpc in finding a job?

Coaching the learning process in EVS was a non-formal education Training Course directed to people involved in the EVS learning process and the Youthpass process; mentors, former EVS volunteers, trainers and other EVS support people, who wanted to discover, get deeper, understand and experience a Training Course that will help them be able to support their future volunteers and be better mentors, coaches, supervisors, etc.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

This Training course was designed for participants who are:
- Mentors, former EVS volunteers, trainers and people supporting the EVS learning process
- Over 18 years old
- Able to communicate in English.

Altogether 23 participants from Finland, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Island, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Turkey, United Kingdom and Spain took part in this training course.

Composition of the team:
2 full time trainers
1 logistical support person

Training methods used & main activities

The course methodology in this training was based on experiential learning and non-formal education, in an atmosphere where participants could learn from each other (peer learning) and feel empowered to initiate their projects.

More specifically the activities involved:
-Group Dynamics to get to know each other but also to create a comfortable and supporting learning environment.
-Theoretical input to support participants in further understanding of the learning process, styles, competences, mentoring/coaching/support.
-Graphic facilitation tools to create a stimulating and inspiring environment around the framework of the training course.
-Creative dynamics for exchange of tools, experiences, knowledge and ideas.

Outcomes of the activity

The successful outcomes of the activity are available to the Spanish National Agency , as the participants completed a written evaluation form, especially designed to the specific activity.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was one of the two full-time trainers.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.