TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS
The training activity aimed to strengthen a rights-based approach in youth work with young refugees by equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to support their inclusion and active participation in host communities. It addressed the pressing need for more inclusive, structured, and rights-respecting practices at the grassroots level, particularly in supporting young refugees’ transition to adulthood. The training also responded to the lack of awareness and implementation of key policy instruments such as the Council of Europe Recommendations CM/Rec(2019)4 and CM/Rec(2015)3. By promoting youth work as a vehicle for social cohesion, career guidance, and advocacy, the activity aligned with the goals of the involved organisations, contributing to their broader mission of fostering human rights, inclusion, and democratic participation through non-formal education and international cooperation.
The target group of the activity consisted of youth workers, trainers, educators, and representatives of grassroots organisations actively engaged in supporting young refugees through non-formal education and inclusion initiatives. Participants were selected based on their experience in youth work and their involvement in refugee-related projects, with a strong focus on promoting human rights, social cohesion, and advocacy. The training brought together an international group of participants from various Council of Europe member states, including but not limited to Greece, Turkey, Italy, Germany, France, Armenia, and the Netherlands. This diverse representation ensured a rich exchange of perspectives, good practices, and challenges faced in different national contexts.
The training was based entirely on non-formal education methods, fostering active participation, experiential learning, and peer exchange. We used a variety of interactive and learner-centered approaches, such as group work, simulation exercises, and role-playing activities to explore key concepts like inclusion and the challenges young refugees face during their transition to adulthood. Participants engaged in case study analyses, thematic workshops, and peer-led discussions to reflect on real-life practices and apply rights-based approaches in their own contexts. Tools like the Council of Europe's COMPASS, Education Pack, and relevant Recommendations were integrated into hands-on sessions, allowing participants to translate policy into practical youth work activities. Daily reflections and debriefings supported personal learning, while open space sessions encouraged knowledge sharing and co-creation among participants.
The training activity successfully strengthened the capacity of youth workers to apply a rights-based approach in their work with young refugees, while fostering cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and advocacy skills. Participants reported increased confidence in using tools such as the Council of Europe’s COMPASS and Recommendations CM/Rec(2019)4 and CM/Rec(2015)3, and many developed concrete action plans or follow-up initiatives to implement in their local communities. The training also facilitated the creation of a strong peer network for future cooperation. The success of the activity was evident through positive participant evaluations, visible personal and professional growth during the sessions, and the quality of group outputs such as project proposals and advocacy campaigns. Documentation of the training can be found on the official website of the hosting organization and the Council of Europe Youth Department, including a summary report and photo gallery, as well as on social media platforms where outcomes and reflections were shared by both organizers and participants.
I was involved in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the entire training process. My responsibilities included co-designing the educational flow, developing and facilitating interactive sessions focused on inclusion, rights-based approaches, and advocacy for young refugees. I also led workshops using tools such as the COMPASS manual and Council of Europe recommendations, and supported participants in translating theory into actionable local initiatives. Additionally, I contributed to daily debriefings, provided individual mentoring, and played a key role in the final evaluation and reflection processes, ensuring a meaningful and empowering learning experience for all participants.
One of the best colleagues ever had. Highly recommended