TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Karolina Kosowska
The aim of this international mobility was to network, facilitate and share common spaces and establish future collaborations that we will use in our youth work. One of the priorities was to promote youth participation.
The objectives of this project were:
To build a common network to address the main social issues facing youth in the participating countries: inclusion of people with fewer opportunities, promote the concept of holistic health, foster critical thinking, address the issue of rural isolation and youth precariousness, as well as raise awareness among all youth actors (young people, families and educators) about the benefits of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programs paying special attention to the inclusion of people in vulnerable situations.
In addition, the specific objectives can be divided as follows:
- To create facilitation spaces in which the group of participants can share their workshops.
- To collaborate in common projects within Erasmus+.
- To strengthen the cohesion of the group.
- Promote and make visible mental health among youth leaders.
- To bring a positive impact that contributes to innovation in our youth work.
- To defend and promote inclusive and sustainable development as the only means to achieve social cohesion and prosperous democracies.
- Fight against cultural barriers and negative stereotypes.
With all this process the organisers aimed to generate a strong network around the opportunities of the Erasmus+ program and develop new actions in the near future. This educational project was based on the needs, characteristics and interests of the participants and hosting organisation.
The group of participants consists of 20 people from different countries: Greece, Spain, France, Bulgaria, Italy, Armenia, Latvia, Germany, Turkey and Poland.
An intercultural group of youth workers, educators and psychologists involved in associations and in the world of non-formal education.
Non-normal education and outdoor education methods were used during the project: Tour de table - getting to know each other activities and team building, organisations fair, game-based learning and games playing (The Empathy Game and 17 SDG game), interactive presentation, drama, outdoor education methods, stress chair, research groups, living library, creation of the projects - Q! app.
The Project's Outcomes:
Competence Development: Participants acquired and developed key psychosocial skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, creative and critical thinking, communication, interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, and stress/emotion management.
Toolbox Creation and Exploration of Facilitation Practices: Participants learned and applied new educational methods, enriching their facilitation toolkit. They were able to bring these methods back to their organizations to enhance their professional practices.
Increased Active Participation: Participants enhanced their ability to engage actively in managing training courses and develop the skills needed to participate in and create their own mobility projects.
Creation of Accessible Spaces: Participants learned how to create inclusive and accessible environments for all, including those with fewer opportunities or disabilities, and integrate these practices into their youth work.
Advocacy and Dissemination Skills: Participants gained experience in creating promotional materials, learning essential skills in advocacy, message dissemination, outreach, and marketing.
Application of Learnings to Own Projects: Participants were encouraged and supported in applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the project to develop and implement their own projects.
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Through activities like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, participants gained a deeper understanding of their bodies and emotions, improving their self-awareness and facilitation competences.
Prevention of Mental Health Issues: By developing psychosocial skills and self-protection strategies, participants were better equipped to prevent mental health problems and conflicts in their professional lives.
Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Learning: Participants engaged in non-formal learning that emphasizes attitude, behavior, and multicultural understanding, enriching their ability to work in diverse settings.
Strengthened Youth Work Practices: Overall, participants return to their organizations with enhanced skills and methods that directly impact their effectiveness as youth workers in everyday situations.
Post about the project on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/madridoutdooreducation/posts/pfbid02hrcWv9MBNnvQeG6XLtUB15PqAXfiHvsDNSnfxLVYj9fC95PoFWE58C8biJZUwXdal
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=695868139428732&set=a.582158137466400
As a trainer, I was responsible for designing the activity programme and selecting the methods, as well as delivering the training and facilitating a space for participants to exchange good practices, skills and create new projects.
I had the pleasure of attending a training facilitated by Karo, and I must say, the experience was exceptional. Karo demonstrated a profound knowledge of EU institutions, European networks, and EU Youth Programmes. Their expertise in these areas was evident throughout the training, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of how these institutions and networks operate and how to navigate them effectively.
In addition to this, Karo showcased an impressive command of the EU processes, particularly in relation to the Youth Work Agenda and the European Training Strategy. They explained these complex topics with clarity and depth, ensuring that participants were not only informed but also empowered to engage with these processes in their professional contexts.
What stood out most was Karo’s ability to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. They provided relevant examples and case studies that made the content relatable and actionable. The training was interactive and engaging, encouraging active participation and critical thinking.
Overall, Karo is an outstanding trainer with a deep understanding of the European Union’s structures and youth-related policies. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in these areas.