TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Domagoj Morić
General aim of the training course was:
• to prepare volunteers for the service period, EVS experience and to facilitate adaptation to new cultural environment
Specific objectives were the follwoing:
• to meet and network with other EVS volunteers;
• to exchange first experiences from RO, clarify questions related to volunteers’ projects and clarify rights and responsibilities of all persons involved;
• to enhance the communication and problem solving skills;
• to provide guidance on conflict prevention and dealing with challenges;
• to raise awareness of cultural differences and to stimulate cultural adaptation and intercultural learning among volunteers;
• to stimulate learning during the service period.
Team of trainers consisted of two trainers. Participants were 21 EVS volunteers coming from different countries.
On-arrival training was based upon non-formal education approach. A combination of different creative and interactive methods were used: Ice-breaking and Getting to know each other activities, Workshops, Discussion, Community project, Individual work and counselling, Theoretical Input, Presentations, Personal, group, and meta reflections and evaluations.
Participants:
• are aware of and had the chance to discuss questions about visas, residence permits, her/his legal status as a volunteer, insurance, the EVS Agreement and 'What to expect from EVS';
• know what support is available from the National Agency, SALTO and the Youth Helpdesk of the Executive Agency;
• are aware of how to deal with cultural differences and with conflicts;
• are familiar with the role of each partner (SO, RO, CO, volunteer) in the project and knows her/his own rights and responsibilities;
• had a chance to meet and network with other EVS volunteers;
• learned about the objectives and principles of EVS and the Erasmus+ Programme;
• know the meaning of being an EVS volunteer;
• reflected on personal goals and ideas for his/her voluntary service (and future achievements which could be included in the Youthpass)
• know where to find information about insurance and crisis management systems (AXA documentation and procedures);
• had a chance to explore own and other cultures and is aware of cultural influence on EVS service.
My responsibilities include:
• design of the program,
• delivery of the sessions,
• writing final trainer report.