Training seminar “For successful group-EVS: how to support a good start”

Aims & objectives

This training course aimed to:
• support organizations in their activities with short-term EVS projects
• help to improve the quality of the on arrival trainings for group-EVS projects
• offer participants new tools for their everyday work
• offer a space for exchange of ideas and good practices

Objectives
Set a sound basing for running an OAT with young people with fewer opportunities, use methods that can be applied in partners’ starting events (OAT) and reflect methods and transferability throughout the training.

1. Deliver contents and methods in an “authentic mode” , focussing on the transferability of the used methods and tools
2. Identify (and practice) the important elements of an EVS-starter activity
3. Give an exhaustive overview over the EVS-framework: actors, roles, frame, concept, learning philosophy, …
4. Reflect together … on content methods, work with young people with fewer opportunities.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Participants were practitioners from the youth field, involved in EVS activities of their organisations (sending and hosting), interested in or already running group EVS projects with young people with fewer opportunities. 18 participants from 7 countries (Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey) took part in the activity.

Training methods used & main activities

The topic was approached through trainers’ inputs, exchange of experience of participants, practical workshops and discussions in the group. Reflection and feedback was done in feedback rounds, reflection groups and so called “spirit spots”. Also participants were asked to volunteers to report on (small) parts of the training, in terms of reflection.
Towards the end of the training, participants applied the newly gathered knowledge to develop possible programme drafts for an On-Arrival-Training together.

Outcomes of the activity

Outcomes for the participants (evaluation):
"know the different steps how to prepare an OAT for EVS short term, being able to design an OAT programme, being aware of the importance of organizing an OAT even if you have a small number of volunteers (1-2); knowing new methods, new tools and ideas, new ways of organizing, being aware of obstacles"

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

co-trainer - inputs and activities on intercultural learning, youth pass, methods.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.