TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Sara Marzo
The training aimed to support youth workers in reconnecting with nature as a source of well-being, awareness and learning, and in integrating nature-based and mindfulness practices into youth work.
The objectives were to strengthen participants’ personal connection with nature, develop competences in non-formal, experiential and outdoor education, and explore eco-centric approaches to personal development, community building and sustainable lifestyles. The training responded to the needs of youth organisations seeking holistic and preventive approaches to well-being and environmental awareness in youth work.
The activity involved 24 youth workers from 6 European countries: Italy, Romania, Hungary, Lithuania, Spain and Greece.
Participants came from grassroots NGOs active in Erasmus+ projects and youth work at local and international level. The international composition supported intercultural learning, peer exchange and reflection on different relationships with nature across cultural contexts.
The training was fully based on non-formal, experiential and nature-based learning methods, including:
mindfulness practices in natural settings (body awareness, sensory walks, meditation)
experiential outdoor activities and ecological games
creative and expressive methods (movement, writing, art-based reflection)
group sharing circles and reflective dialogues
solo time in nature and guided self-reflection
peer learning and small-group work
Youthpass-based reflection on learning outcomes
As a result of the training, participants strengthened their awareness of the relationship between nature, well-being and youth work practice. They gained practical tools to facilitate nature-based and mindfulness activities with young people and developed concrete ideas for follow-up actions at local level.
The success of the activity was assessed through daily reflection, group evaluation, Youthpass learning outcomes and participants’ follow-up plans.
I worked as a coordinator, a full-time trainer, co-facilitating the programme with two other trainers. My responsibilities included co-designing the learning process, facilitating mindfulness and nature-based sessions, holding reflective spaces, supporting group processes and well-being, contributing to evaluation and follow-up planning, and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
I worked with Sara Marzo as part of the training team in an Erasmus+ course for youth workers focused on nature, mindfulness and well-being.
She facilitated nature-based and mindfulness sessions, supported group processes and helped create a safe and inclusive learning environment for an international group.
Sara worked in a clear and reliable way and contributed well to the overall learning design and Youthpass reflection.
Grazie Sara