Youth Volunteering for Community Support

Aims & objectives

The aim of the training activity was to prepare university students and young volunteers to engage in structured volunteering activities addressing local community needs, with a focus on solidarity and social responsibility.
The objectives of the training were:
To introduce participants to the concept of youth volunteering and active citizenship
To develop basic skills in project planning and teamwork
To raise awareness about social issues affecting vulnerable groups in the local community
To strengthen the organisational capacity of the students’ association
The training supported the organisation’s mission to promote youth participation and community engagement through volunteer-based initiatives.

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

The activity involved 20 participants aged 19–26, mainly local students, together with 3 international students participating in exchange programmes from Germany and Poland.
The training team consisted of 2 youth workers, including myself, working in an intercultural learning environment.

Training methods used & main activities

The training was implemented using non-formal education methods, such as:
Energizers and ice-breakers
Small-group work and brainstorming sessions
Role plays related to volunteering situations
Case studies based on real community needs
Learning-by-doing activities
Group reflection and feedback circles
These methods encouraged active involvement and peer-to-peer learning.

Outcomes of the activity

The training resulted in:
Increased motivation among participants to engage in volunteering activities
Development of a concrete volunteering action plan to support a local charity
Improved teamwork and communication skills among participants
Strengthened cooperation between local and international students
The success of the training was assessed through observation, participant feedback, and final evaluation sessions.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

My role as a trainer included:
Preparing the training agenda and learning objectives
Facilitating workshops and interactive sessions
Supporting participants in developing volunteering action plans
Coordinating group processes and ensuring inclusive participation
Monitoring learning outcomes and facilitating evaluation
I worked as a full-time trainer during the entire training activity.

I worked on this training for 3 days days as a full time trainer.