TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Nelly Paytyan
The Training Course has taken place in Dilijan, Armenia from 3-11 August, 2024.
This is a comprehensive training course with the overarching goal of raising awareness about gender perspectives and challenges in Europe among youth workers, youth leaders, and young people. It is aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills to develop high-quality projects and non-formal activities within the framework of Erasmus+.
The project seeks to address gender-related issues and explore adaptable solutions within organizations and daily life in various European societies.
The project pursues the following objectives:
-Facilitating the exchange of experiences, best practices, and knowledge among youth workers and organizations on gender mainstreaming and women's empowerment.
-Enhancing participants' knowledge and understanding of gender-related concepts while emphasizing the significance of gender equality in youth work.
-Creating a space for learning about gender issues by comparing realities in the European Union and neighboring partner countries.
-Promoting gender sensitivity in youth work and fostering gender-sensitive approaches within participating organizations.
-Encouraging networking among participants and supporting the development of joint projects under Erasmus+ to advance gender equality.
-Strengthening the support systems for youth activities and building the capacities of youth organizations to establish partnerships.
32 youth workers from Italy, Armenia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Romania, Spain, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the training. These diverse backgrounds must have brought a rich variety of perspectives on gender equality and youth work.
Here’s a list of the training methods that were employed, based on the activities mentioned:
Interactive Workshops: Activities like "Gender & Related Concepts" and "Take a Step Forward" involved participants in hands-on, interactive exercises to explore and discuss key gender topics. These workshops encouraged active engagement and critical thinking.
Experiential Learning: Through activities like "Learning About Country Realities" and "The Theatre of the Oppressed," participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world gender scenarios, fostering deeper empathy and understanding by experiencing different perspectives.
Peer-Led Learning: Participants were divided into groups to design and conduct their own sessions, allowing them to practice leadership and facilitation skills. This method encouraged collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, where participants could share their insights and knowledge.
Group Discussions: Collaborative discussions facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, helping participants reflect on the gender-related issues relevant to their local contexts and those across Europe.
Case Studies: Using country-specific examples and real-life case studies, participants examined how gender policies are applied and the challenges involved in promoting gender equality within different European settings.
Role-Playing: "The Theatre of the Oppressed" likely involved role-playing techniques that allowed participants to step into the shoes of different individuals facing gender-based challenges, helping to build empathy and develop problem-solving skills.
Resource Sharing: Throughout the training, participants were provided with resources and handbooks, which served as tools to reinforce their learning and offer tangible materials to refer back to in their own work.
Throughout the training, participants not only deepened their understanding of key gender concepts but also strengthened their ability to address gender-related issues. Engaging in activities such as "Gender & Related Concepts," "Take a Step Forward," "Learning About Country Realities," and "The Theatre of the Oppressed," they explored gender dynamics in depth. This experience provided them with a broader perspective on gender issues across Europe, along with a solid grasp of European policies aimed at advancing gender equality in participating countries.
As they return to their respective organizations, participants bring with them valuable resources, handbooks, and practical skills to integrate gender equality into their daily work with young people. Their organizations will benefit from having team members who are now better equipped to lead initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, ensuring that the impact of this training extends far beyond its duration.
Additionally, the participants honed their skills in facilitating workshops. Guided by trainers, they worked in groups to design and deliver their own sessions before developing follow-up activities. These peer-led workshops provided them with hands-on experience, boosting their confidence and ensuring they are well-prepared to share their newfound knowledge on gender equality within their organizations and communities.
Designing and Preparing Training Materials:
Developing and preparing training content, such as presentations, activities, handouts, and other learning materials.
Ensuring that the content is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the learning objectives of the program.
Facilitating Sessions:
Leading the training sessions, guiding participants through activities, discussions, and exercises that enhance their understanding of gender-related topics.
Using a variety of training methods (e.g., workshops, group discussions, case studies, role-playing) to ensure engagement and active participation.
Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment:
Fostering an atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and experiences.
Ensuring that all voices are heard and that the training is inclusive, accessible, and respectful of different perspectives.
Providing Support and Guidance:
Offering support to participants as they work through the training content, answering questions, and providing clarifications when needed.
Offering guidance on how to apply the knowledge and skills learned in their own contexts, especially in their work with youth.
Encouraging Reflection and Critical Thinking:
Prompting participants to reflect on their own experiences and the impact of gender equality in their daily lives.
Encouraging participants to think critically about gender-related issues and the various factors that influence them.
Monitoring Participant Progress:
Observing participants' engagement, understanding, and skill development throughout the training.
Providing feedback and constructive advice to help participants improve their learning and performance.
Facilitating Group Work and Collaboration:
Encouraging teamwork through group activities, such as designing follow-up workshops or creating action plans.
Helping groups collaborate effectively and apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
Evaluating the Training:
Conducting assessments or evaluations (e.g., quizzes, surveys, group reflections) to gauge the effectiveness of the training and the participants' learning.
Gathering feedback from participants to improve future training sessions.
Adapting to Participants’ Needs:
Being flexible and adapting the training based on the participants' learning styles, needs, and feedback.
Adjusting the pace or approach if necessary to ensure that all participants are keeping up and absorbing the material effectively.
Providing Follow-up Support:
Offering post-training guidance, answering questions, and helping participants implement their newly acquired skills and knowledge.
Assisting in the development of follow-up activities, such as workshops or gender equality projects, to ensure participants apply what they've learned in their organizations and communities.