TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Denise De Stena
The PBA aimed to explore how ESC projects can actively contribute to building peace in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
It addressed the need for youth organizations to better support volunteers in developing peace-related skills, such as conflict management, non-violent communication, and intercultural understanding. It fitted perfectly with the goals of participating organizations by strengthening their capacity to act as sending and hosting ESC organizations while integrating peace education into their activities and local contexts.
The target group consisted of youth workers, NGO leaders, mentors, trainers, and project coordinators directly involved in ESC programs.
All participants were over 18 and proficient in English. The activity involved participants from a variety of Euro-Mediterranean countries, including:
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Lebanon, ensuring a diverse international context.
The training was rooted in non-formal education, with a focus on experiential learning, personal reflection, and peer exchange. We aimed to create a participatory and inclusive environment where learning was shaped by the group itself.
We used a variety of interactive and creative methods, including:
- Group discussions and collaborative tasks to explore peacebuilding within the ESC context
- Role-plays and real-life scenarios to experiment with tools like non-violent communication and conflict resolution
- Creative expression (visuals, storytelling, movement) to explore identity, empathy, and cooperation
- Outdoor activities that encouraged connection, openness, and grounding
- Daily reflection spaces, both individually and in small groups, to help participants process and take ownership of their learning
A key element was giving space for participants to share their own methods, tools, and experiences as youth workers and ESC actors. This not only validated their knowledge, but also sparked new ideas, inspired future collaborations, and strengthened the learning community within the group.
The PBA successfully:
- Strengthened cooperation between ESC organizations
- Raised awareness of how ESC projects can serve as platforms for peacebuilding
- Produced a list of peace-related competences for volunteers
- Initiated new bilateral and multilateral partnerships
- Collected educational tools for ESC coordinators, mentors, and volunteers
Its success was evident in the active involvement of all partners, the collaborative atmosphere, and the follow-up interest in implementing long-term ESC projects for peace. Documentation and updates can be found through the organizer's website:
www.catalunyavoluntaria.cat
I was involved as a full-time trainer during the activity. I co-facilitated sessions, contributed to the program development based on my expertise in ESC coordination and non-formal education, and supported participants in connecting the content to their local and international realities.
I also helped ensure the smooth integration of reflective tools and contributed to fostering a safe and inclusive group dynamic throughout the activity
It was a nice experience working with Denise, a very supportive and professional trainer.