TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Nelly Paytyan
The project pursues the following objectives:
A. Facilitate the exchange of experiences, best practices, and knowledge among youth workers and youth organizations on combating discrimination, promoting social inclusion, and utilizing Living Library methodology effectively.
B. Enhance youth workers' knowledge and understanding of discrimination, stereotypes, and social exclusion, with a specific emphasis on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance in youth work.
C. Create a platform for learning about discrimination and social inclusion issues by sharing and comparing
experiences and realities in both European Union countries and neighboring partner countries.
D. Foster networking among participants, encouraging the development of partnerships and joint projects under the Erasmus+ program aimed at combating discrimination, promoting social inclusion, and advancing gender equality.
E. Strengthen the capacity of youth organizations to develop and implement high-quality support systems for youth activities, including the organization of Living Library events, and to establish effective partnerships with other stakeholders working towards common goals of social inclusion and diversity.
The training involves 36 youth workers from:
European Union countries: Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, and Romania
Neighboring countries: Armenia, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Palestine
Project Program & Methodologies
The project follows an engaging and interactive approach, utilizing various methodologies to foster inclusion, break down prejudices, and equip participants with the tools to implement Living Library events in their communities.
Getting to Know Each Other
The first session focuses on introductions, icebreakers, and team-building activities to create a welcoming environment. Participants explore their expectations, get introduced to the program and Youth Pass, and take part in “Take a Step Forward”, a powerful activity highlighting unconscious biases and privilege.
Understanding Prejudices & Inclusion
Everyone Has Prejudices / Take a Step Forward A reflective exercise emphasizing social barriers and privilege.
Understanding Key Terms – A discussion-based session defining key concepts related to inclusion and diversity.
No Offence? – A session exploring microaggressions and how to communicate inclusively.
Country Realities – A comparative discussion about discrimination, diversity, and inclusion in different national contexts.
How Can an Organization Be Inclusive? – A practical session examining strategies for fostering inclusive environments.
Methodologies to Reduce Prejudices
Theatre of the Oppressed: How to Be an Ally – A participatory drama-based approach to understanding discrimination and active allyship.
World Café – Structured small-group discussions to exchange ideas on tackling biases.
River of My Life – A personal storytelling exercise where participants reflect on their journeys and experiences with prejudice.
Being a Book or a Volunteer: Could It Work in Your Environment?– A session preparing participants to engage with the Living Library concept.
Project Planning & Implementation
Effective Methodologies to Reduce Prejudices – A deep dive into approaches that challenge stereotypes and promote tolerance.
Goals, History & Preparation for a Living Library – Understanding the four-step process of organizing a Living Library event, including logistics and financial aspects.
Developing Follow-Up Local or National Living Library Events – A strategic session to help participants design future initiatives in their communities.
Presentations of Plans – Participants showcase their ideas for follow-up projects.
Reflection & Evaluation
Midterm Evaluation – A checkpoint for assessing progress and feedback.
Open Space to Recover & Exchange Ideas – A flexible session for reflection, idea sharing, and self-care.
Practicing: Have You Experienced Prejudices? – A guided reflection on personal encounters with discrimination.
Who Has the Most Cards? / Code Language – Interactive exercises to explore hidden biases and communication challenges.
Who Am I? - A self-reflective activity on identity and perception.
Final Evaluation– A closing session to assess outcomes and gather feedback.
Through this program, 36 youth workers have developed knowledge, skills, and attitudes that empower them to promote inclusion, challenge prejudices, and implement Living Library events in their communities.
Knowledge:
✔️ Understanding key concepts of discrimination, prejudice, privilege, and inclusion.
✔️ Familiarity with effective methodologies such as Theatre of the Oppressed, World Café, and Living Library.
✔️ Awareness of different country realities regarding diversity and social issues.
✔️ Knowledge of how to plan, organize, and implement a Living Library event.
Skills:
✔️ Facilitation and public speaking through presentations and interactive exercises.
✔️ Active listening and storytelling to foster empathy and create safe spaces.
✔️ Critical thinking to analyze social issues and challenge biases.
✔️ Event management and teamwork in organizing Living Library initiatives.
✔️ Communication and conflict resolution in diverse and intercultural settings.
Attitudes:
✔️ Increased empathy and openness toward different perspectives and experiences.
✔️ Strengthened commitment to inclusion and social change.
✔️ Greater self-awareness and confidence in addressing biases.
✔️ Motivation to take action in local and national contexts by organizing Living Library events.
✔️ A sense of solidarity and connection with peers from diverse backgrounds.
By the end of the program, participants have been well-equipped to apply these learnings in their communities, fostering a culture of respect, dialogue, and understanding.
As a Senior Trainer, my key responsibilities included:
✔ Program Design – Developing the structure, methodology, and content of the training, ensuring alignment with the project’s goals together with the other senior trainer and the junior trainer.
✔ Facilitation & Delivery – Leading interactive sessions, implementing methodologies such as Theatre of the Oppressed, World Café, and team discussions, and engaging participants in meaningful discussions and activities.
✔ Evaluation & Reporting – Conducting midterm and final evaluations to assess learning outcomes, collecting feedback, and compiling reports on the impact of the training.
✔ Team Coordination – Collaborating with fellow trainers to ensure a smooth learning process and maintaining an inclusive and dynamic training environment.