TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Bruno Pizzini
The training course aimed to promote gender equality and increase gender awareness among youth workers, youth leaders, educators, and social actors across Europe and partner countries. It responded to a clear need to equip professionals working with young people with the competences to identify and challenge gender stereotypes, reflect on societal and psychological dimensions of gender, and apply inclusive educational practices. The training aligned with the goals of the participating organisations to foster social inclusion, equity, and empowerment through non-formal education. The objectives included fostering critical reflection on gender issues, sharing local and European realities, developing inclusive educational tools, and enabling participants to design gender-focused Erasmus+ activities in their communities.
The training brought together 28 participants from 7 countries: Albania, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and the State of Palestine. The group was composed of youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, social workers, psychologists, volunteers, and activists. The international trainers’ team included two facilitators with diverse experience in non-formal education and gender issues, ensuring an intercultural and inclusive learning environment. The hosting organisation was based in Hungary, and all partner organisations contributed to participant selection and follow-up.
We used a wide range of non-formal education methods tailored to explore gender awareness from personal, social, and institutional perspectives. Methods included group discussions, personal storytelling, participatory theatre, visual mapping, case study analysis, simulation games, individual reflection, world cafés, and action planning. Participants were actively engaged through experiential learning, emotional exploration, and peer exchange. The training also included practical sessions on designing gender-sensitive activities and local dissemination strategies.
The training course significantly increased the participants' awareness of gender equality, enhanced their facilitation skills, and provided them with tools to act as multipliers in their local communities. As a direct result, 182 people were reached through local follow-up activities conducted by the participants. The project also strengthened partnerships among the involved organisations, supporting future cooperation. The project's impact was visible online as well: its Facebook page reached over 2,400 users, with regular engagement and visibility. Documentation and dissemination materials were shared via social media and the project’s dedicated communication channels.
Facebook page (public): https://www.facebook.com/iogga.project
worked as a full-time trainer throughout the entire process—from preparation to implementation and follow-up. I co-designed the educational flow and methods, developed session outlines, facilitated key activities during the training week, and supported group processes. I was also responsible for integrating reflective practice, adapting methods to the group’s needs, and guiding participants in planning local dissemination actions. I collaborated closely with the hosting organisation and the second trainer to ensure educational coherence, inclusion, and quality delivery.