Differences Challenge Assumptions

Aims & objectives

The project wanted to address the lack of advanced intercultural working competencies and sensitivity in the youth work field and especially of the ones active and working in international,diverse or multicultural settings.
The main goal of this project was to increase the level of intercultural competence, sensitivity and quality in the youth work field.
More specific objectives that will contribute to achieving the main aim:
-To increase/upgrade the competencies of youth workers for understanding on a deeper level and navigating topics such as worldviews, identity, privilege, assumptions, norms, power relations, relativism, diversity clashes, intercultural sensitivity, etc.;
- To contribute to a deep understanding of the global settings and influences on the diversity awareness of young people;
-To develop highly sensitive attitudes in the youth work field towards diversity;
-To empower youth workers to act as responsible intercultural sensitive actors in the international field and projects;

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

The participants were active members in organizations that have missions and objectives related to diversity aspects, international activities, intercultural learning, etc.
The participants were residents from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Serbia.

Training methods used & main activities

The training program was comprised of a series of exercises and tasks which aimed to provide a space for participants to explore and reflect critically on their views, understanding and positioning in the world and, to challenge some of the assumptions and current frames used for decoding the world in its whole diversity.
Most of the training activities used where from the Manual for Facilitators in Diversity and Sensitivity Learning (https://goo.gl/yLCca6 or https://toolbox.salto-youth.net/2421), produced in a previous edition of the project.

Outcomes of the activity

As the project was designed to be highly challenging in terms of provoking the participants outside of their comfort zone, the participants were stimulated to rethink and shift some of their views on the world and their position in the highly complex diverse and intercultural world we live in. They increased their levels of intercultural sensitivity and increased their competences in working with difficult topics in diverse groups and culturally challenged communities.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Full time co-trainer.

I worked on this training for 9 days as a full time trainer.