On Arrival Seminar for EVS

Aims & objectives

Aim
To introduce the hosting country and the projects’ environment to incoming volunteers and to empower them with networking and tools, so that they cope with the challenges that they will face during their stay.

Objectives
1) To get to know each other but also to get acquainted with other actors related to the EVS programme in Cyprus (National Agency, trainers).
2) To bring volunteers in a primary contact with local cultural characteristics.
3) To create an «informal» volunteers’ network that will constitute a means for mutual support and exchange of experience during their project.
4) To foster communication skills so that integration of the volunteers in the local community is accelerated and the odds of success of the project are increased. These skills are related to the topics: language training, interculturality and conflict resolution.
5) To provide participants with space and support for reflection on their future as volunteers (but also, in general) and, as well, to support them in the creation and implementation of an "Action Plan" for their Projects
6) To exchange «first» experiences about the volunteers’ hosting projects.

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

The participants were 21 EVS volunteers from Programme Countries and Neighboring countries that are doing their EVS in Cyprus.

Training methods used & main activities

1) Work in small groups (e.g. for exploring the local reality).
2) Self-reflection time (e.g. for creating one's personal action and learning plan during the EVS period).
3) Creation of short movies (for a primary contact with Greek language).
4) Simulation exercise on ICL.
5) Group Building activities

Outcomes of the activity

It was a very successful Training Course, according to the evaluations of the participants and the opinion of all the trainers.
The participants created a facebook group which is still very active for networking and exchanging information.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

- Trainer of the seminar
- Organising the rhythm of the Training Course in cooperation with my colleague trainer
- Planning and running sessions
- Writing the final report

I worked on this training for 5 days days as a full time trainer.