TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Ilias Giannopoulos
Aim
To equip youth workers with practical, adaptable tools that enhance group engagement, integrate digital solutions, and inspire the creation of meaningful initiatives. The hands-on programme will strengthen facilitation skills, introduce new approaches to teamwork and reflection, and build confidence in using creative and digital methods.
Objectives:
• Strengthen participants’ understanding of group dynamics and non-formal education methodology to improve team building.
• Explore approaches for effective reflection processes that enhance learning and personal growth in youth work activities and understand their importance.
• Develop participants’ competences in using digital tools to support teamwork, communication, and youth engagement.
• Introduce co-design approaches that empower young people to take an active role in creating and leading initiatives.
• Facilitate study visits to schools and youth centres to exchange good practices and inspire collaboration.
• Enhance youth workers’ ability to increase visibility and outreach of youth work within their communities.
Youth workers working locally (youth centers), regionally, nationally or internationally
The Training Course is built on the foundation of non-formal educational principles. The program is experiential and based on a holistic approach, putting emphasis on hands-on approach and practice in the field.
• Strengthened Understanding of Group Dynamics: Participants strengthened their understanding of non-formal education (NFE) methodologies and the stages of group development. They analyzed group behavior through Tuckman’s model (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning) and FIRO-B interpersonal needs (Inclusion, Control, Affection) to improve team-building strategies.
• Applied Reflection Processes: The training explored and applied effective reflection processes, specifically the Kolb learning cycle. Participants transformed concrete experiences into meaningful learning and personal growth by moving through reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
• Developed Digital and AI Competencies: Participants developed practical skills in using digital tools and AI to support teamwork and communication. This included hands-on practice with design tools like Canva and multimedia platforms for voice cloning and AI avatars.
• Empowered through Co-Design Approaches: The program introduced co-design methods that empowered youth workers to involve young people as active leaders in creating and leading their own initiatives.
• Exchanged Best Practices via Study Visits: Through the "School Jam" workshop and visits to local youth centers, participants exchanged professional practices and gained inspiration for future international collaborations.
• Acquired Communication and Conflict Management Tools: Participants acquired practical techniques for navigating various communication styles and non-verbal patterns. They also practiced conflict management using Non-Violent Communication (NVC) principles.
• Built Facilitation Confidence in Real-Life Settings: By participating in the practical "School Jam," participants built the confidence necessary to apply creative, pragmatic, and digital solutions in their daily work with young people.
I was one of the 3 trainers of the team, mostly worked with setting the context of the training, communication, non-verbal patterns, conflict management, mentoring of participants on the activities they designed as well as designing the follow-up.