Training for Trainers in European Solidarity Corps

BACKGROUND

This online course is based on the course material from the “Training for Trainers in the context of the European Solidarity Corps” which took place in April - November 2024.

The aim of the training was to develop professional competences of new/beginning trainers active within the Training and Evaluation Cycle (TEC) of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).

The objectives included:

• to develop quality knowledge of the European Solidarity Corps (especially the focus on solidarity and priorities of the programme);

• to develop trainer competencies to work in context of European Solidarity Corps;

• to practise trainer competencies in the youth work field;

• to network for future collaborations.

The training intended to provide the European youth work field with non-formal learning trainers equipped and competent to work within the context of priorities of the European Solidarity Corps Programme as well as with a wide range of the Programme’s stakeholders, increasing the quality of the Programme. In particular, the focus was on the Training and Evaluation Cycle of the Programme (TEC), including the volunteers' pre-departure training, on-arrival trainings, mid-term evaluation meetings, and annual events, but also trainings for ESC mentors and organisations. 

The training course was organised by SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre, in cooperation with the German and Polish National Agencies of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. It was coordinated by Tomasz Szopa and  Anna Hryshkevich from SALTO EECA.

The team of trainers consisted of:

• Anna Yeghoyan, Armenia

• Konstantinos Spatiotis, Greece

• Vitalie Cirhana, Moldova

THE CONCEPT

The training for trainers in the context of the European Solidarity Corps was developed to address both the needs of the TEC providers who are lacking quality youth field trainers aware of ESC activities, structures and objectives of TEC activities; and the needs of ESC programme beneficiaries - both volunteer and organisations, communicated during TEC activities. Hence, the Training for Trainers was designed to positively impact the quality of TEC trainers and ultimately the implementation of ESC projects. 

The training programme was structured in a way that both basic and more advanced elements would be addressed, offering participants the opportunity to get into a deeper understanding of ESC and TEC, get equipped with the necessary competences and tools, and get familiar with practices. The process was broken down into different stages including online (synchronous and asynchronous) and in-person training activities, practice trainings, and community support.

The timeline of the different elements of the training of trainers are outlined below:

• 29th April: 1st online meet-up with participants.

The first online meeting with the aim to welcome and onboard participants in the training, get to know each other and the different elements of the whole project.

• 29th April - 20th May: online asynchronous learning at the SALTO HOP platform

A HOP course was developed used as a library of resources for participants to get updated with latest developments and information regarding ESC and TEC.

• 10th May: 2nd online meet-up with participants.

The second online meeting aimed at following up the HOP online learning process and prepare participants for the first residential event.

• 20th May - 25th May: 1st residential training in Georgia.

The focus was on reflection and practical exercises regarding principles of non-formal and experiential learning,intercultural learning, facilitating learning of individuals and groups, designing and evaluating educational programmes and addressing the European Training Strategy as the basis of trainers’ development.

• June-November: Continuation of online asynchronous learning on HOP.

New resources were added regarding content we addressed in the residential training of Georgia.

• June-November: Participants’ practice

Participants had the opportunity to practice their learning within previously agreed TEC activity organised by a National Agency/regional SALTO or an active ESC organisation.

• 28th June: 3rd online meet-up with participants.

A follow up of the HOP online learning and reflection of practice activities.

• July-October: Participants’ online workshops (optional)

Participants had the opportunity to implement an online workshop with the support of the trainers. We had 3 workshops implemented.

• 25th October: 4th online meet-up with participants.

This meeting aimed at regrouping the community of the participants and preparing them for the final event,

• 16th November - 19th November: 2nd residential meeting in Poland.

The final event allowed us to summarize experiences of the practice activities, reflect on working within trainer teams as well as in various environments, share trainers' inspirations, and network for future collaboration.

TAKE PART IN THE TRAINING

Own Pace

The training course has been transferred to the HOP platform in a form that can be followed at your own pace, following the structure proposed and completing the different activities, some of which contain content to study while others are interactive, taking you through a process of reflection and/or testing your understanding.

Next Residential Training

If you are interersted  to take part in the next edition of this Training for Trainers, then Follow the link to leave us your contact details and we will give you a heads-up when the next call is open!

ORGANISERS

• SALTO EECA (Eastern Europe and Caucasus).
• Polish National Agency of Erasmus + & European Solidarity Corps, FRSE - Foundation for the Development of the Education System.
• German National Agency of Erasmus + Youth & European Solidarity Corps, JUGEND für Europa - Nationale Agentur Erasmus+ Jugend, Erasmus+ Sport und Europäisches Solidaritätskorps.