TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Kata Dietrich
The aim of our project was to break into parts of the topic of sustainability - to give information about theme, the environmental and social aspects of it and to create awareness on how one can care more about their surroundings - to youngsters and to those who work with them.
We approach the topic in a very practical way - we wanted to show that managing a more sustainable lifestyle can be enjoyable by introducing different creative recycling techniques to our participants who in the meantime could also develop some crucial skills they can use in their everyday lives and to act upon environmental challenges.
The program had two parts - one Training Course 'ReMark IT!' where we welcomed youth workers, trainers and educators who wanted to learn about the topic of sustainability and learn the techniques of creative recycling while also developing new, innovative educational activities; and one youth exchange 'GreenNation" where we tested these new activities and further educated youngsters on the topic.
The Training Course took place with the participation of 26 youth workers from 6 countries: Hungary, Latvia, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria and Greece
The main method that was used during the program was creative recycling which was combined with a number of different non formal educational methods such as gamification, interactive workshops, design thinking processes etc. All program elements took place within the framework and idea of learning by doing and participants got the chance to put into practice what they have already learned during the program by developing innovative educational materials using their newly aquired skills and knowledge.
Participants of the Training Course gained deeper knowledge on the topic of sustainability and learned new methods and techniques that they can implement in their work with youngsters. They also had the chance to put into practice what they have learned during the program while developing new, innovative educational workshops and materials on the last days of the training course.
The educational programs that they prepared were later tested during the second phase of the project - a youth exchange that took place a few month after the training.
There are two online magazines that summarize the two phases of the program:
Sustinability Plan - ReMark It! TC: https://view.joomag.com/sustainability-plan-sustainability-plan-training-course/0484812001574072817?short
Sustainability Plan - GreenNation Youth Exchange: https://view.joomag.com/sustainability-plan-greennation-newsletter/0059326001589979556?short
During the Training Course, I was part of the team as a co-facilitator, where I took an active part in planning, preparing and implementing the activities. I held workshops, led reflection groups and was supporting the whole program with my best knowledge. Since the project was organised by ReCreativity - an organisation that I work with on a regular basis - I was part of the project from the very beginning to the end - from writing the project, through planning and implementing to disseminating the results.
I was also the main facilitator of the Youth Exchange that followed up on the Training Course (GreenNation) which was the second phase of the overall project.