TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Juraj Ištvánffy
The Echoes of Balance training aimed to support youth workers and educators in exploring the connection between body awareness, emotional expression, and personal well-being through creative and holistic methods. The project addressed the growing need among youth professionals for tools to manage stress, reconnect with their bodies, and foster balance in their personal and professional lives. By combining theatre, dance, yoga, journaling, and nature-based activities, the training provided a space for self-discovery and authentic expression. It responded to the participants’ need to step away from routine, reflect on their emotional health, and learn new experiential tools they could later apply in their youth work. The program was designed to nurture both personal growth and professional competence, supporting a holistic approach to non-formal education. It aligned with the hosting organization’s mission to promote well-being, mindfulness, and creativity as essential components of youth empowerment. For partner organizations, the project contributed to their goals of developing resilient, emotionally intelligent youth workers capable of fostering inclusive and supportive environments. The training also reflected the Erasmus+ values of intercultural learning, self-awareness, and lifelong learning. Participants not only gained personal insights but also created practical workshop ideas to implement locally. Overall, the activity successfully bridged personal balance and professional development, empowering youth workers to bring more mindfulness and creativity into their everyday practice.
The target group of the Echoes of Balance training activity consisted of youth workers, educators, trainers, and NGO volunteers who were motivated to explore holistic methods for supporting well-being and emotional awareness in their work with young people. Participants were selected for their openness to self-exploration and their interest in integrating creative, body-based approaches—such as theatre, movement, and mindfulness—into non-formal education. The group brought together 25 participants from five countries: Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, Croatia, and Italy, creating a rich intercultural setting that encouraged exchange, cooperation, and mutual inspiration. The diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives contributed to a dynamic learning environment rooted in trust and authenticity. English was used as the working language, promoting intercultural dialogue and inclusion. Participants represented both experienced youth professionals and newcomers to non-formal education, which fostered peer learning and mentorship within the group. This international mix allowed for a broad reflection on cultural attitudes toward balance, creativity, and self-care. The collaboration between partner organizations further strengthened the Erasmus+ mission of connecting European youth workers through shared values of growth and well-being. Beyond the sessions, participants built strong personal and professional ties that continued after the project ended. Overall, the training united an international community of practitioners committed to bringing mindfulness, creativity, and embodied learning into youth work across Europe.
The Echoes of Balance training was entirely based on non-formal learning methods, combining creative, experiential, and reflective approaches to foster personal and professional growth. We used theatre exercises and role-playing to help participants explore self-expression, communication, and group dynamics in a playful and safe environment. Dance and movement sessions encouraged participants to connect with their bodies, release tension, and experience embodiment as a form of learning. Yoga workshops introduced both physical practice and theoretical understanding, allowing participants to integrate mindfulness and self-awareness into daily life. Journaling and reflection exercises provided a space for introspection, helping participants process emotions and set intentions for personal and professional development. Nature hikes and outdoor activities were incorporated to foster presence, observation, and connection with the environment. Collaborative group discussions, storytelling, and peer coaching supported the sharing of experiences and peer-to-peer learning. Creative workshops, including improvisation and expressive arts, enabled participants to experiment with new ways of engaging young people in non-formal education. Evening reflection circles encouraged participants to consolidate learning, set goals, and share insights with the group. Overall, the methods combined body, mind, and creativity, creating a holistic and engaging non-formal learning experience.
The Echoes of Balance training achieved its goal of helping youth workers develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and creative approaches to well-being. Participants reported feeling more connected to their bodies, emotions, and peers, and many integrated yoga, journaling, and movement exercises into their daily routines. The training enhanced their professional competence, providing practical tools and workshop ideas they could implement with young people in their local communities. Feedback from participants showed high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the effectiveness of the non-formal learning methods and the supportive, engaging atmosphere. The international group formed strong intercultural bonds, with participants continuing to exchange experiences and support each other after the project ended. Partner organizations noted the training’s positive impact on participants’ motivation, creativity, and confidence in leading holistic workshops. The ongoing engagement on post-training communication platforms also reflects the lasting influence of the project. The combination of self-reflection, experiential learning, and creative practices ensured tangible personal and professional growth. The training was documented through a project report and photos shared on partner organizations’ websites and social media pages. Overall, the activity successfully empowered participants to bring mindfulness, creativity, and holistic approaches into their youth work.
In the Echoes of Balance training, I served as a full-time main trainer and facilitator, responsible for designing, implementing, and guiding the entire learning process. I developed the educational program, integrating theatre, dance, yoga, journaling, and outdoor activities into a coherent and engaging flow. I facilitated all practical sessions, including movement, creative workshops, and reflection exercises, ensuring participants felt supported and encouraged to explore. I also led yoga theory workshops, helping participants connect physical practice with mindfulness and personal growth. Throughout the training, I coordinated group processes, peer learning activities, and intercultural discussions, fostering a safe and inclusive environment. I managed evaluation and feedback sessions, adapting activities to participants’ needs in real time. Before the training, I assisted with participant selection and preparatory communication with partner organizations. I also contributed to post-training documentation and reporting, summarizing outcomes and best practices for dissemination. My role combined facilitation, educational design, and organizational coordination, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. Overall, I was responsible for guiding participants through the full non-formal learning journey and achieving the project’s educational and personal development objectives.