TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Juraj Ištvánffy
The Disconnect & Reconnect training aimed to help youth workers and educators develop healthier relationships with digital technology while promoting mindfulness and well-being. It addressed the growing need for balance in an increasingly screen-saturated world, where constant connectivity often leads to burnout, distraction, and decreased productivity. Through a blend of yoga, mindfulness, and experiential learning, participants explored how to manage their digital habits consciously and introduce similar practices in their local communities. The training responded to participants’ needs for tools to combat digital fatigue and restore presence in both personal and professional life. It also provided a supportive environment for self-reflection, peer learning, and connection beyond the digital sphere. The program aligned with the hosting organization’s mission to promote holistic education, self-awareness, and sustainable living. For partner organizations, it supported their goals of enhancing the mental health and resilience of young people. Moreover, it contributed to the Erasmus+ objectives of fostering intercultural exchange, lifelong learning, and personal development. By the end of the course, participants had created concrete action plans to transfer the knowledge to their work with youth. Overall, the training successfully bridged personal well-being with professional growth, reinforcing the value of conscious digital use in modern youth work.
The target group of the Disconnect & Reconnect training activity consisted primarily of youth workers, trainers, educators, and NGO volunteers who work directly with young people and were motivated to explore tools for promoting digital well-being, mindfulness, and healthy screen habits. Participants were selected based on their interest in personal development and their commitment to applying the learning outcomes in their local contexts. The training brought together 32 participants from six countries — Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Czechia, and Estonia — creating a vibrant intercultural environment that encouraged exchange and cooperation. The group represented a mix of genders, professional experiences, and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning atmosphere. English was used as the working language, allowing effective communication and intercultural dialogue. The diversity of national perspectives enriched discussions about digital habits and cultural attitudes toward technology. This international setup reflected the spirit of Erasmus+, strengthening European collaboration and solidarity among youth professionals. Participants learned from one another’s experiences, developing both personal insights and practical tools for their organizations. The training also helped establish long-lasting cross-border partnerships and friendships. Overall, the course successfully united an international network of youth workers dedicated to promoting mindful living and responsible digital engagement.
The Disconnect & Reconnect training was based entirely on non-formal education methods, ensuring an engaging, experiential, and participatory learning process. We combined mindfulness practices, yoga sessions, and experiential workshops to encourage participants to connect with themselves and others beyond digital interactions. Each day began with guided yoga and breathing exercises, helping participants ground themselves and reflect on their physical and mental state. We used group discussions, reflection circles, and storytelling to share personal experiences around digital use and promote peer learning. Experiential activities, such as a full digital detox challenge and nature-based exercises, allowed participants to directly experience the benefits of disconnecting. Creative methods like art therapy, journaling, and body movement sessions encouraged self-expression and emotional awareness. Role-plays and simulations were used to explore real-life situations related to digital boundaries and mindful communication. We also applied non-verbal communication games to deepen connection and presence without screens. Each evening included reflection groups using the non-formal “learning to learn” approach, helping participants identify personal takeaways and professional applications. Overall, the training’s methodology blended holistic self-development with practical tools, creating a safe and empowering learning space fully aligned with non-formal education principles.
The Disconnect & Reconnect training achieved its main goal of helping youth workers and educators develop healthier relationships with digital technology while improving their overall well-being and focus. Participants reported significant personal and professional transformations, including reduced screen time, increased mindfulness, and better productivity after returning home. Many shared that they implemented daily yoga or digital-free routines in their personal lives and local communities. The lasting activity in the project’s WhatsApp group—still active a year later—is a strong indicator of the program’s long-term impact and the sense of community it created. Feedback forms and final evaluations showed exceptionally high satisfaction rates, with participants emphasizing the practicality of the tools learned and the emotional depth of the experience. Several partner organizations expressed their wish to replicate similar projects, with the Greek partner calling it “the best project we have ever sent participants to.” The training also strengthened partnerships between the involved NGOs, leading to new Erasmus+ collaborations focused on well-being and youth empowerment. Participants developed concrete action plans to transfer the learning to their organizations, ensuring sustainability beyond the mobility. The project outcomes were documented through a summary report and shared visuals on partner organizations’ social media channels. Overall, the success of the training is reflected both in measurable behavioral changes and in the ongoing enthusiasm and connection among participants.
In the Disconnect & Reconnect training, I worked as a full-time main trainer and facilitator, responsible for the overall design, implementation, and evaluation of the learning process. I developed the educational concept and daily program, ensuring that all sessions were aligned with the project’s goals of digital well-being, mindfulness, and personal development. Throughout the course, I facilitated group processes, experiential learning activities, and reflection spaces, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. I also led the yoga and mindfulness sessions, integrating body awareness and breathing techniques into the learning flow. In addition, I coordinated the team of co-trainers and support staff, ensuring smooth communication, shared responsibilities, and consistent methodology. I was in charge of the monitoring and evaluation process, collecting feedback and adapting sessions based on participants’ needs. Before the training, I supported participant selection and preparatory communication with partner organizations. After the course, I compiled the final evaluation report and helped document the project’s results for dissemination. My role required both educational and logistical coordination, combining facilitation skills with strategic oversight. Overall, I was responsible for guiding the entire non-formal learning journey and ensuring the project’s educational and organizational success.
I hereby confirm the above. The event was organised and led by Juraj and he was responsible for all the tasks mentioned in the above text.
He is a very skilled organiser with great interpersonal skills - it was very easy and pleasurable to work with him!