TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Andre Ebouaney
The training was designed to allow youth workers active in E+/ESC and inclusion and diversity to reflect on their youth work activities, to find out what is already working and where change is needed. The program was specifically tailored for youth workers who have implemented an Erasmus+ or ESC project focusing on inclusion and diversity within the past two years.
Taking the time to reflect is not part of the project-based European youth work, but it significantly enhances the sustainability and impact of inclusive and diversity-sensitive practices. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, participants learnt how to build more resilient programs that continue to empower young people. The training specifically addressed:
- Exploration of Achievements and Gaps: Assessing how inclusion and diversity were reached or where they fell short.
- Examining the Project Process: Reviewing the entire lifecycle of one specific project—from preparation and implementation to follow-up.
- Aligning Intentions with Reality: Reality Check: Were the goals achievable?
- Developing Sustainable Peer Support Systems: Creating networks that foster ongoing collaboration and support.
- Learning in a Safer Space: Cultivating an environment for youth work that encourages multiple perspectives and inclusivity.
The team of trainers was composed of Andre Ebouaney (Italy) and Manina Ott (Germany). The participants came from 10 program countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece) and Turkey. Many of the participants had a lived experience of migration.
The training used a variety of creative and reflective non-formal methods, which especially focused on being inclusive.
The network of similarities was used to bring the group together and build connections. Automatic writing, storyboarding and body checks were used to find out more about the general understanding of inclusive projects. Open space methodology was used to share experiences and peer learning. Intervision and reflection walks were used to try to find new perspectives for unsolved problems. Many more could be added here.
The participants reflected successfully on their own projects. The general feedback in a formal evaluation form and in group discussions were positive. Participants especially highlighted that they tried out methods they never used before, they appreciated the use of reflective practices and the peer learning approach as well as the graphic facilitation throughout. The group worked well together and stayed in touch after the activity.
Development and facilitation of the training, preparing the call, selection of participants, and reporting.