TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Giovanni Marino
In the digital era, we often tend to disconnect from reality, losing touch with our bodies, their needs, others, and even our own intuition. To make the digital transformation sustainable, young people need to develop the skills to stay connected to themselves.
During this training, participants explored their true selves through mindfulness and body movement practices. They became more aware of their needs and discovered ways to express themselves authentically in both personal and professional life. They also learned how to apply these techniques in youth work to support the mental and physical well-being of young people.
This is how the training supported the goals of the organization:
- Promoting Personal Development: The course provided tools for self-awareness and emotional regulation, fostering personal growth among participants.
- Enhancing Well-being: By integrating mindfulness and physical movement, the training contributed to the psycho-physical well-being of the participants.
- Encouraging Active Citizenship: The skills acquired empowered participants to engage more effectively in their communities, embodying the principles of active citizenship.
- Supporting Social Inclusion: The inclusive nature of the training, accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoted social inclusion and cohesion.
Target group:
- youth workers, educators, and volunteers involved in youth work in NGOs.
- 18+ years old
- interested in learning to calm their mind, tune more into their body and getting new insights about themselves
Countries:
Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria.
Mindfulness Practices – Short guided sessions where participants focused on body awareness, breathing, and present-moment perception to develop self-awareness.
Movement Exploration Exercises – Participants engaged in structured improvisation or body movement activities to explore physical expression, creativity, and personal boundaries.
Group Reflection Circles – After exercises, participants shared experiences, insights, and challenges in small groups, promoting peer learning and emotional processing.
Experiential Workshops – Hands-on sessions where participants learned techniques and immediately applied them in practical exercises, integrating theory with personal experience.
Enhanced Self-Awareness – Participants became more attuned to their bodies, emotions, and personal needs through mindfulness and movement exercises.
Improved Psycho-Physical Well-Being – Regular engagement with body-based practices helped participants reduce stress, increase focus, and feel more energized.
Applied Non-Formal Learning Techniques – Participants learned practical tools to integrate mindfulness and body-awareness exercises into youth work, supporting mental and physical health in others.
Enhanced Teamwork and Social Inclusion – Group activities and reflection circles promoted collaboration, empathy, and respect among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Empowered Active Citizenship – Participants gained confidence and skills to engage proactively in their communities and support peers’ well-being.
I was one of the 3 main trainers. My responsibilities were the following:
Designing the Program – I planned and structured the training sessions, especially the ones connected with movement-based learning.
Facilitating Non-Formal Learning Activities – I guided participants through body movement practices, group reflections and experiential workshops.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space – I fostered an environment where participants felt comfortable exploring themselves, sharing experiences, and collaborating.
Supporting Personal and Professional Development – I helped participants recognize their needs, build self-awareness, and practice skills applicable in youth work and daily life.
Monitoring Progress and Engagement – I observed participants, provided feedback, and adapted activities to ensure effective learning for individuals and the group.
Resource Preparation and Sharing – I prepared materials, guided exercises, and co-created practical tools that participants could use beyond the training.