TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Leilani van Rheenen
The aim of this training course was:
- To involve more young people in the European Voluntary Service program especially those with fewer opportunities
- To provide a platform for experienced hosting organizations to share experiences and learn from each other
- To provide networking opportunities for organizations and for potential volunteers
- To discuss the topic of volunteers with fewer opportunities and to find more ways to support and reach them
The trainers were from Turkey and the Netherlands/Brazil and the participants were from Estonia, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Turkey, France and Germany.
The methods used in this training course were simulations, discussions in large and small groups, input and presentations, games, role play, individual and group reflection.
The outcomes of the activity were that the organizations and potential volunteers established a link and had the needed motivation to either be or host volunteers. They also had new tools and knowledge with which they could provide/carry out better quality projects and had the necessary support in doing so. Those who were experienced in the topic of EVS mentioned that it was important to get away from their everyday working environment in order to see the big picture and to regain motivation and perspective for the projects they were involved in.
Planning and implementation at every stage of the project particularly the sessions on non-formal education and learning, communication, motivation, EVS steps, defining and supporting young people with fewer opportunities and creative problem solving.