TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Leilani van Rheenen
The aim of the on-arrival training was to give volunteers that have just arrived in Turkey the opportunity to:
- Understand their rights and responsibilities
- Get acquainted with other EVS volunteers and the projects they're involved with
- Get support, methods on tools on how to deal with potential crisis and conflicts
- Gain a basic understanding of Turkish culture and language, including cultural considerations to be aware of in different aspects of life in Turkey
- Gain a basic understanding of the philosophy of Youth in Action and EVS
- Gaining a basic understanding of the concepts of non-formal education and learning to learn, as well as understanding that EVS is a non-formal educational experience
- Outlining learning objectives they would like to achieve during their time as EVS volunteers
- Understanding the purpose of the Youthpass and how to use it throughout their time as EVS volunteers
- Meet with the NA officer as needed to discuss any questions or concerns
The training included 52 participants from YIA program countries and the team included 3 Turkish trainers and one Dutch/Brazilian trainer.
The training aimed to provide a balance between providing content and input as needed balanced with active participation and experiential learning. Therefore it included a variety of methods such as simulations, ice-breakers, discussions in large and small groups, reflection, theoretical input, case studies and outdoor activities.
The success of the training could be seen based on the feedback received from the participants, such as:
"Gave me energy, hope, inspiration and motivation", "Will help me to keep my future goals", "Encouraged me to deal with and prevent problems", "A lot of answers, also provoking new questions", "I found my way with this training"
The participants were divided into 2 groups with 2 trainers taking responsibility for each group, and all the trainers worked together at every stage of the planning and implementation of the training.