TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Joakim Arnøy
This training, was the third edition of the same training concept. It aimed to equip youth workers with competences relevant for conflict management in a multicultural Europe. This was based on the observed tensions around the continent, some of which are contributing to hate speech and even violence. For the Narvik War & Peace Centre this is part of our core function.
The target group was youth workers from a selection of countries, from southern to northern Europe. We had participants from Norway, Portugal, Spain, Macedonia, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia.
The trainers team was from Norway, Portugal and Poland.
The training was largely built around the simulation exercise "Mission Z: One last chance", which is a game-based exercise developed as part of a KA2-project (and highlighted as a 'Success Story'). Leading up to the exercise, we ran a number of brainstorming activities to establish definitions, and provide some input relevant for the training. In subsequent sessions of the programme we had, among other things, more exercises to process the learning points of the simulation - some of which were gamified. We also visited Narvik War Museum for a tour of the exhibitions, followed by a session of remembrance education.
The written feedback we collected after the training provided very positive reviews. Participants highlighted the mix of methods and the content as their best experience.
All participants have formulated their own follow-up plans, which are due to be completed and reported on to the facilitating team by February 2018.
I was one of 3 trainers of this programme, working dynamically with the other 2 on all parts of the project cycle, from application writing, to planning and preparing, finalising all matters for the participants, and reporting. Being the host for this training, I had the responsibility for all logistics as well.