TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Muhammed Refik Tekeli
What did the training activity aim to achieve?
The YASP 2022 training aimed to empower young people from Germany and Türkiye with skills in project design, intercultural communication, and youth participation. It sought to build the participants’ capacity to create and implement their own initiatives, while fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Which needs did the training address?
The training responded to the need for strengthening youth involvement in civil society, equipping participants with practical tools for project management, and addressing the lack of inclusive spaces for intercultural exchange. It also tackled pressing issues identified by youth themselves, such as social cohesion, democratic participation, and equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
How did the training activity fit to the goals of the organisations?
The training directly aligned with the organisations’ goals of fostering active citizenship, strengthening German–Turkish youth exchange, and building sustainable networks of young changemakers. By combining non-formal learning with concrete project development, YASP 2022 advanced the organisations’ mission to support youth empowerment, intercultural dialogue, and long-term collaboration at both local and international levels.
Target group of the activity
The training targeted young people and youth workers who were active in NGOs, youth initiatives, and civil society networks. The participants were motivated to develop their skills in project management, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation, and were selected based on their interest in contributing to social change and international cooperation.
Countries or nationalities involved
The activity brought together participants from Türkiye and Germany, creating a diverse group of young people with different cultural, educational, and social backgrounds. The international setting was essential to foster exchange, mutual understanding, and long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Methods used in the training
The training was based on non-formal education methods, ensuring active participation and peer-to-peer learning. We used team-building activities, intercultural simulations, and creative workshops to foster dialogue and trust. Through world café discussions and open space sessions, participants could exchange experiences and generate project ideas. In addition, role plays, storytelling exercises, and group reflections were applied to develop practical skills in project management, communication, and cooperation.
What did the training activity achieve?
The training empowered participants to design and implement their own youth projects, strengthened German–Turkish cooperation, and built long-lasting networks among young changemakers. It enhanced participants’ competencies in project management, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation. Several project ideas developed during the training were later implemented at local and international levels.
How can you tell the training was a success?
The success was visible in the active engagement of participants, the quality of project proposals created during the training, and the continuation of collaboration beyond the event. Participant feedback confirmed that the training increased their skills, confidence, and motivation to engage in youth work. The sustained partnerships and follow-up initiatives between Germany and Türkiye also demonstrated its long-term impact.
Publications or websites documenting the training
Jugendbotschafter e.V. official website: https://jugendbotschafter.de
Social media coverage via Jugendbotschafter Instagram & Facebook pages
Internal project reports shared with funders and partners
My role in the trainers’ team
I was a full-time trainer throughout the entire activity. I co-designed the training program, prepared session outlines, and facilitated workshops on project management, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation. I also guided small group work, supported participants in developing their own project ideas, and took part in daily reflection meetings with the trainers’ team to adjust methods and respond to group needs.