TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Aneta Tomeckova
The training activity aimed to build participants’ capacities to design, organise, and facilitate intercultural youth projects, particularly workcamps, using non-formal learning methods. It addressed the need to identify participants’ needs, adapt facilitation styles, diversify educational tools, and manage group dynamics in an intercultural context.
Participants developed skills in planning and delivering educational activities, managing daily life and logistics, and understanding the social impact of intercultural stays on local communities. They also strengthened their capacity to manage conflicts, foster inclusion, and co-create meaningful learning experiences.
The activity fully aligned with the organisations’ goals by empowering youth workers and volunteers to implement high-quality, inclusive, and educationally relevant intercultural projects, enhancing both personal and professional development.
The target group of the activity consisted of international volunteers who needed preparation to lead and facilitate international workcamps. Participants came from a diverse range of countries, including Thailand, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Germany, and Ireland. This diversity created a rich intercultural environment, allowing participants to exchange experiences, perspectives, and good practices in youth work.
The training used a wide range of non-formal learning methods, combining participatory, experiential, and interactive approaches. Participants engaged in icebreakers and energisers to build group cohesion, create a safe learning environment, and encourage interaction. Various interactive methods were used, including moving debates, snowball discussions, Abigail exercises, practical case studies, real-life simulations, and rally activities.
The training also incorporated small- and large-group discussions, peer learning, and reflection sessions to encourage exchange of experiences and good practices. Tools inspired by popular education were used, and participants applied their learning in practical situations such as organising international meals and collaborative activities. These methods fostered active participation, critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and hands-on experience in group facilitation and youth work.
The training activity strengthened participants’ skills in leading and facilitating international workcamps, using non-formal learning methods and inclusive approaches. Participants gained practical tools, new ideas, and a deeper understanding of intercultural youth work, group management, and the challenges faced by diverse groups.
The success of the training was evident through high participant engagement, active involvement in discussions and practical exercises, and positive feedback collected during evaluation sessions. Participants reported increased confidence in applying what they had learned and shared intentions to implement new practices in their own organisations.
The activity was documented through internal reports.
I worked as a full-time co-trainer for eight days. My role included preparing, coordinating, and facilitating training sessions, implementing non-formal learning activities, and actively contributing to the design and delivery of the programme.