TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Inese Minsi
Training program ''Thinkertoys for Educators'' was designed for non-formal education facilitators and youth workers to explore creativity of individuals and groups. The participants of the training course learnt to use different creative writing tools, creative problem solving and idea generation techniques. Main aim of this course was to foster innovative approaches in non-formal education and youth work and develop participants' competences of life-long learning.
Training course gathered 26 non-formal education facilitators, youth workers, trainers and teachers from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, Serbia, Croatia, Albania and Kosovo, Slovakia and Portugal.
With help of brief modified lectures, case studies and discussions participants gained theoretic knowledge about creative people and factors that determine creative orientation of these personalities. Simulations and drama exercises helped to learn attitudes that foster creative thinking. Intercultural learning activities with emphasis on dance, music and visual arts engaged participants in intense practice of their creative abilities.
Work of the participants brought two new international projects and innovations supporting environment in their organizations. Learning program helped participants to open, explore and develop their own creativity, increase awareness about importance of the creativity in the non-formal and formal education and build understanding about harnessing creativity of groups.
"I am working both in the field of formal and non-formal education so presented tools and methods will come very handy. Also I am hoping that new contacts made here will result in future cooperation. Finally the creativity development is very important for my personal growth and the experience from this training is valuable for me personally.'' - Durdica, participant from Croatia.
"In fact different games, energizers, active participants made me feel good and to change my concepts of thinking. I learned how to use all the potential that I have and to find creativity everywhere. I never thought about these creativity exercises that we did here. I know now - when you go deeply in things you can find something that is a value.'' - Anonymous evaluation.
"This course opened new windows for me too see the things in a positive way and to really believe that I can do more if just I start with small things." - Klaudia, participant from Albania.
Needs assessment of partners and participants, designing learning program, preparing grant application, facilitating learning activities in collaboration with two other trainers, evaluation of the project and overall project management.