TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Nelly Paytyan
The project pursues the following objectives:
A) Exchanging experiences, best practices and knowledge between youth workers and youth
organizations on gender mainstreaming and women
empowerment;
B) Developing participants knowledge and understanding of various concepts related to gender and emphasizing the
importance of gender equality in youth work;
C) Providing space for learning about gender issues by sharing and comparing the realities in the European Union and the Neighboring Partner countries;
D) Promoting gender sensitivity in youth work and gender-sensitive approach in the participating organizations;
E) Facilitating networking among participants and promoting development of joint projects under Erasmus+ promoting gender equality;
F) Developing quality support systems for youth activities and capacities of youth organizations to develop partnerships.
The "STRIVE - Striving for Gender Equality Through Youth Work" training course involved 35 youth workers from a diverse range of countries. The participants included youth workers and youth leaders based in both European Union countries—such as the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain—and neighboring countries, including Armenia, Albania, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.
For the "STRIVE - Striving for Gender Equality Through Youth Work" project, several methods were employed to achieve its goals:
Workshops and Training Sessions: Youth workers participated in interactive workshops focusing on gender-related topics such as stereotypes, roles, identity, and equality. These sessions included group discussions, role-playing, case studies, and problem-solving activities, encouraging participants to reflect on and challenge their own biases and assumptions.
Cross-Cultural Dialogue: Participants from various European countries engaged in dialogue, sharing experiences and perspectives on gender issues. This exchange allowed for a deeper understanding of how gender is perceived and treated across different societies.
Peer Learning and Best Practices Sharing: Youth workers shared their existing practices, challenges, and successful strategies for addressing gender issues in their communities. This helped them adapt solutions that were culturally sensitive and effective.
Role-Playing and Simulation: Through role-playing activities, youth workers were able to step into different situations and practice addressing gender-related challenges, finding practical solutions in a supportive environment.
Research and Surveys: Research activities, including surveys and interviews, were conducted to gather insights on gender norms and challenges in different societies. The data collected guided the development of targeted strategies for addressing gender inequality.
Creative Methods: Creative methods like theater, storytelling, art, and multimedia were used to express and discuss gender equality. These activities fostered an open space for reflection and deeper engagement with the topic.
Action Planning: At the end of the project, participants developed action plans tailored to their own organizations and societies, enabling them to implement the knowledge and strategies gained during the project in real-life settings.
The outcomes of the "STRIVE - Striving for Gender Equality Through Youth Work" project were significant, both for the youth workers involved and for the communities they serve. Some of the key outcomes included:
Increased Awareness and Knowledge of Gender Issues: Participants gained a deeper understanding of gender-related concepts, including stereotypes, roles, and identity. This new knowledge equipped them with the tools to address gender inequality more effectively in their work.
Improved Skills in Gender-Sensitive Youth Work: Youth workers developed practical skills in implementing gender-sensitive approaches within their organizations. They learned how to create inclusive environments that promote gender equality and how to engage young people in conversations about gender issues.
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Exchange: Through the exchange of experiences and perspectives, youth workers from different European countries increased their awareness of the cultural variations in the perception of gender. This helped build a stronger sense of solidarity among the participants and encouraged them to find common ground in addressing gender inequality.
Actionable Strategies and Best Practices: The project led to the creation of actionable strategies and best practices that participants could apply within their own organizations. These strategies were tailored to their local contexts and designed to be easily adapted to different societies and communities.
Enhanced Collaboration and Networking: The project fostered stronger networks and collaboration among youth workers from different countries. This created a platform for future partnerships and joint initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in Europe.
Empowerment of Youth Workers and Young People: Youth workers felt more empowered to advocate for gender equality in their organizations and communities. This empowerment, in turn, had a positive impact on the young people they work with, who benefited from the increased awareness and more inclusive practices.
Creation of Gender Equality Action Plans: Each participant developed a gender equality action plan for their organization, which included concrete steps for addressing gender issues within their work. These plans served as a foundation for long-term, sustainable change in their respective communities.
Increased Visibility of Gender Equality Initiatives: The project helped raise awareness about the importance of gender equality in youth work, showcasing the role that youth workers can play in challenging gender norms and advocating for equal rights.
Designing and Preparing Training Materials:
Developing and preparing training content, such as presentations, activities, handouts, and other learning materials.
Ensuring that the content is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the learning objectives of the program.
Facilitating Sessions:
Leading the training sessions, guiding participants through activities, discussions, and exercises that enhance their understanding of gender-related topics.
Using a variety of training methods (e.g., workshops, group discussions, case studies, role-playing) to ensure engagement and active participation.
Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment:
Fostering an atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and experiences.
Ensuring that all voices are heard and that the training is inclusive, accessible, and respectful of different perspectives.
Providing Support and Guidance:
Offering support to participants as they work through the training content, answering questions, and providing clarifications when needed.
Offering guidance on how to apply the knowledge and skills learned in their own contexts, especially in their work with youth.
Encouraging Reflection and Critical Thinking:
Prompting participants to reflect on their own experiences and the impact of gender equality in their daily lives.
Encouraging participants to think critically about gender-related issues and the various factors that influence them.
Monitoring Participant Progress:
Observing participants' engagement, understanding, and skill development throughout the training.
Providing feedback and constructive advice to help participants improve their learning and performance.
Facilitating Group Work and Collaboration:
Encouraging teamwork through group activities, such as designing follow-up workshops or creating action plans.
Helping groups collaborate effectively and apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
Evaluating the Training:
Conducting assessments or evaluations (e.g., quizzes, surveys, group reflections) to gauge the effectiveness of the training and the participants' learning.
Gathering feedback from participants to improve future training sessions.
Adapting to Participants’ Needs:
Being flexible and adapting the training based on the participants' learning styles, needs, and feedback.
Adjusting the pace or approach if necessary to ensure that all participants are keeping up and absorbing the material effectively.
Providing Follow-up Support:
Offering post-training guidance, answering questions, and helping participants implement their newly acquired skills and knowledge.
Assisting in the development of follow-up activities, such as workshops or gender equality projects, to ensure participants apply what they've learned in their organizations and communities.