EVS On Arrival Training

Aims & objectives

Aim
To introduce the hosting country and the projects’ environment to incoming volunteers and to empower them so that they cope with the challenges that will occur during their stay and activation.

Objectives
1) To get to know each other but also to get acquainted with other actors related to the EVS programme in Cyprus (National Agency, trainers).
2) To bring volunteers in a primary contact with Cypriot cultural characteristics.
3) To create an «informal» volunteers’ network that will constitute a means for mutual support and exchange of experience during their project.
4) To foster communication skills so that integration of the volunteers in the local community is accelerated and the odds of success of the project are increased. These skills are related to the topics: language training, interculturality and conflict resolution.
5) To provide participants with space and support for reflection on their future as volunteers (but also, in general) and, as well, for the setting up of an «action plan» as a «compass» for the results that are sought after by each individual.
6) To exchange «first» experiences with regards to the volunteers’ hosting projects.

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

This is a training, part of the EVS Training and Evaluation Cycle, for EVS Volunteers in Cyprus.

Training methods used & main activities

1) Work in small groups (e.g. for exploring the local reality).
2) Self-reflection time (e.g. for creating one's personal action and learning plan during the EVS period).
3) Creation of short movies (for a primary contact with Greek language).
4) Simulation exercise on ICL.

Outcomes of the activity

The evaluation of the meeting by the participants, especially in relation to its objectives, clearly states that is was a success.
For further info about the results, you may contact the Cyprus NA.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

1) Organising and running some of the sessions (e.g. the session on ICL).
2) Supporting the other trainer in running some of the sessions (e.g. exploring the local reality).
3) Supporting the participants in achieving their learning objectives.
4) Writing, together with the other trainer, the training report.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.