TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Eleftherios BALTZIDIS
The training aimed to strengthen youth participation and civic engagement through participatory audiovisual production. It addressed the need for inclusive, innovative tools enabling marginalized young people to express their voices in digital spaces. The activity supported human rights education, intercultural dialogue, and digital literacy. It aligned with partner organisations’ goals to promote inclusion, non-formal education, and youth empowerment, while refining and transferring a participatory web-show methodology across international contexts.
The activity involved young people and youth workers from France (reZonance) and Greece (Entaxis). Each country engaged 6–8 young participants, including youth with fewer opportunities. The trainers’ team was bi-national, combining expertise in non-formal education, audiovisual facilitation, and youth work. The collaboration created an intercultural learning environment where participants co-produced a live web programme, strengthening cross-border cooperation and shared pedagogical practices.
The training used non-formal, experiential learning methods centred on “learning by doing.” Participants engaged in participatory video production, collaborative scriptwriting, peer facilitation, debate moderation, and reflective sessions. Methods included group dynamics exercises, intercultural dialogue, media literacy workshops, role allocation in production teams, and guided reflection circles. Digital tools supported remote collaboration. The methodology emphasized active participation, creativity, and critical thinking within an inclusive, youth-led framework.
The project resulted in the co-production of a live bi-national web programme, including pre-recorded video reports and moderated debates with invited stakeholders. Participants strengthened digital, communication, teamwork, and civic engagement skills. The methodology was refined for international adaptation and dissemination. The partnership created a sustainable exchange space between organisations and youth. Outputs and dissemination were supported through online broadcasts and local networks, increasing visibility of youth perspectives.
I worked as a trainer and methodological co-facilitator representing Entaxis. My responsibilities included co-designing training sessions, facilitating workshops on participation and digital engagement, mentoring youth during content creation, and ensuring inclusive and safe learning environments. I supported intercultural collaboration, contributed to evaluation processes, and coordinated the Greek youth group’s preparation and participation. I also contributed to dissemination and adaptation of the methodology within our local context.