Let's coordinate! - Training course for EVS organisations

Aims & objectives

General aim: to develop capacities of accredited EVS organisations and enhance the quality of coordination of EVS projects.

Objectives:
- to ensure a thorough understanding of the project cycle in EVS
- to explore the role of coordination organisation in EVS projects and possibilities for new forms of partnerships
- to empower for strategic approach in EVS (selection of volunteers, division of task/roles between SO/RO, articulation of the learning outcomes)
- to provide space for sharing experiences and good practice examples
- to provide space for networking between participating organisations and planning of further cooperation.

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

Training course was intended for EVS project managers and EVS project coordinators from accredited S/H/CO organisations. In total, 24 participants from Slovenia, Kosovo, Italy, Romania, Finland, Cyprus,France, Hungary, Turkey, Croatia, Moldova and Poland participated.
Training course was implemented by two trainers from Croatia - Lidija Đukes and Domagoj Morić.

Training methods used & main activities

Training course was based on non-formal education and experiential learning approach. A combination of different creative and interactive methods were used: Ice-breaking and Getting to know each other activities, Workshops, Discussion, Guest Lectures, Experience sharing, Individual work and counselling, Theoretical Input, Presentations, Personal, group, and meta reflections and evaluations. Important part of the training was consisted of EVS project cycle and ensuring the quality of the whole process.

Outcomes of the activity

On completion of this course participants are able to:
- enhance strategic approach to preparation, implementation and evaluation of their EVS;
- define and explain the steps and activities in EVS project cycle;
- reflect on their tailor made EVS project;
- conceptualize the deeper meaning of EVS (its benefit to local community, volunteers and organizations);
- map minimum quality standards in EVS projects;
- to enhance the quality of EVS projects, especially with attention to selection of volunteers;
- understand the support mechanisms for EVS volunteers;
- map the support mechanisms their organization is providing to the volunteers and identify weak spots in the support structure;
- use different tools and methods to help volunteers translate their experience to employers;
- define and explain the roles of Coordinating organization in EVS project;
- understand the challenges Coordinating organisations are faced with;
- critically analyze own potential to become Coordinating organisation in our local community;
- identify potential partners for future EVS projects.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

My responsibilities include:
• design and creation of the program with other team member,
• delivery of the sessions through the whole training course,
• writing final trainer report.

I worked on this training for 6 days as a full time trainer.