TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Linda Ulane
The main aim of the training course was to rise environmental awareness and improve and actually use Green competences in the field of youth through exploring diverse nature based methods.
The more specifics objectives:
1) Re-establish the connection with nature and explore its impact on physical and mental well-being;
2) Explore the Green Competence framework*;
3) Equip youth workers with nature- connection and climate action educational tools they can use in their daily work with youth.
The group of participants consisted of 26 participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Turkey, North Macedonia, Italy, Greece, Spain, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia. Their profile were: youth workers, teachers, youth project managers, activists and volunteers.
The group of trainers consisted to Linda Ulane, Stanislavs Babins and junior trainer Elias Campos Waisberg.
The methods used in this training course were nature connection activities from eco-centric approach, such as 4 Windows of Knowing by Steve Gallegos, storytelling in the forest, wandering. Besides that the program also contained creative writing and visual art activities. We also used Climate Fresk game for climate awareness and interactive presentation of Green Competence Framework. The whole program was based on non-formal education approach.
As a result the participants became more aware of the climate and environmental issues and also of the nature's impact on mental health. Or more likely - the impact of the lack of nature connection. Because of this awareness, the participants are more equipped with tools on how to help young people rebuild their connection with nature through creative tasks, actually being outdoors and storytelling.
Moreover, youth workers got introduced with the Green Competence Framework which can be used for them to lobby the sustainability related needs in their work.
I was a full time participant of the trainers team. Besides that I was also responsible of the practicalities during this mobility, including communication with the participants and partner organizations. My tasks, besides facilitating sessions, were also related to holding the overall flow of the learning experience. Moreover, my duties included involvement and the support of the junior trainer.
I was part of this training course as part of my long-term volunteering placement at Radi Vidi Pats. Thanks to my own initiative, I was able to collaborate with the two senior trainers and contribute by helping with logistics and by planning and leading several activities and workshops