TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS
The study session aimed to build the capacity of youth workers and professionals in the field of migration by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create and support storytelling initiatives that shift public narratives around refugees and migrants. Participants connected and shared experiences in a safe, inclusive space that fostered inspiration and motivation to take action. They explored dominant narratives in their national and regional contexts and developed a critical understanding of how these stories influence public perception and policy. Through a human rights-based lens, they examined key challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and host communities, deepening their awareness of issues such as exclusion, discrimination, and representation. The study session focused on practical learning empowering participants to co-create impactful stories across various formats (writing, audio, video) and to design realistic, context-specific storytelling projects that promote inclusion, empathy, and social cohesion. Additionally, participants gained insight into the Council of Europe’s role in supporting refugees and migrants, becoming familiar with its tools, policies, and approaches to rights-based advocacy through storytelling.
The target group consisted of youth workers, educators, activists, and professionals engaged in the fields of migration, human rights, and non-formal education. Participants came from a diverse range of Council of Europe member states and neighboring countries, representing various cultural, geographic, and professional backgrounds. This international composition enriched the learning environment, allowing participants to share unique perspectives on migration narratives, challenges, and local realities. The diversity of the group not only reflected the transnational nature of migration issues but also fostered meaningful intercultural dialogue and collaboration throughout the study session.
The Positive Storytellers study session made extensive use of non-formal education methods, supported by key tools and resources developed by the Council of Europe. Activities were inspired by the COMPASS manual for human rights education, using exercises to explore identity, discrimination, and migration through participatory methods. The We CAN manual on combating hate speech through counter and alternative narratives provided a foundation for building storytelling workshops that challenge dominant stereotypes. We also referred to the Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)10 – “Turning 18 with Confidence”, which guided discussions around the rights and protection of young refugees and migrants in transition to adulthood. These tools were combined with creative techniques such as story circles, role-playing, and multimedia storytelling exercises, allowing participants to reflect critically and construct impactful narratives rooted in human rights values and ethical representation.
The empowered participants to use storytelling as a tool for social change, particularly in reshaping public narratives around migrants and refugees. Participants gained practical skills in storytelling across various media, a deeper understanding of human rights issues impacting migrants, and the confidence to develop impactful, rights-based initiatives in their home contexts. They co-created stories that amplified marginalized voices, promoted empathy, and challenged stereotypes. The success of the activity was evident in the high levels of engagement, the creativity shown in the final storytelling outputs, and the positive feedback received through both formal evaluations and informal reflections. Many participants developed concrete project proposals, which they planned to implement locally. The session was documented through the European Youth Centre’s channels and the Youth Social Rights Network, with content shared on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and the Council of Europe Youth Department website. These materials highlight the outcomes, participant voices, and impact of the study session.
I worked as a full-time trainer in the study session, organized by the the Youth Social Rights Network with the support of CoE. I was involved from the preparation phase to the delivery and evaluation. My role included co-designing the educational flow, facilitating sessions on positive storytelling, migration, and human rights, and supporting participants in the development of their own storytelling projects. I also integrated tools from key Council of Europe resources such as COMPASS, We CAN, and the Turning 18 with Confidence recommendation to ensure a rights-based and inclusive learning process. Throughout the study session, I contributed to maintaining a safe and empowering learning environment that encouraged creativity, critical reflection, and intercultural dialogue.
Panagiotis is an excellent young trainer and co-worker. We have organized together three study sessions and i can say that i am more than happy and satisfied to have chosen him as a member of my team. He shows great empathy, he is always available and ready to support the team, he is always close to the participants and understands their needs while creating a safe invironment for them and he is always full of new ideas. I would reccomend him to anyone that would like to work with him.