Are you a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) and do you operate in Europe in the field of youth work?

We invite you to complete the questionnaire for the European youth strategy 2019-2027.

What is the EU Youth Strategy?

The EU Youth Strategy focuses on three core areas of action:

• Engage, encourage and promote inclusive democratic participation of all young people in society and democratic processes
• Connect and actively engage young people and youth organisations in the design, implementation and evaluation of relevant EU funding programmes
• Empower young people and develop easily accessible youth contact points that deliver a wide range of services and/or provide youth information.

These goals identify areas that affect young people’s lives and point out challenges. The EU Youth Strategy should contribute to realising this vision of young people.

The survey

The European Parliament is evaluating the European Youth Strategy 2019-2027. The opinion of all organisations involved in youth work is crucial for improving future strategies.

The survey is online and consists of general questions, including the type of organisation to which you belong, the area of work in which you work and if you are aware of the tools made available through the EU Youth strategy.

The organisations don’t need to register to complete the survey and they can complete it anonymously.

Conclusion

If you have the requirements, we strongly recommend that you complete the questionnaire.

It is a useful tool to give your opinion on the tools made available by the European Union regarding youth work and to improve them in the future.

Organisations can complete the questionnaire on the official website by the 4 of August.

You can find more information about this project in the European Youth Portal.

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L'articolo European Youth Strategy | Give your Opinion with this Survey proviene da Youth Networks.

The Gomarduli Adventure Education Seminar is an upcoming event that offers a unique platform for professionals in the European Solidarity Corps sector to engage in discussions, share methodologies, and build networks. This seminar, taking place from 2nd to 7th October 2023, will be held in the beautiful Gomarduli village, located in the scenic Adjara region of Georgia.

The Seminar Overview

At this seminar, participants will have the opportunity to explore adventure education as an approach within non-formal learning. The focus will be on sharing methods and experiences in adventure, outdoor, and experiential learning. The event will also serve as a platform for networking and fostering collaborations for future European Solidarity Corps projects.

The seminar will adopt an open format, encouraging active participation from all participants. It will be a community of practice laboratory, where participants are invited to contribute their own approaches and methodologies in adventure, experiential, and outdoor education. This collaborative learning environment will be further enriched by networking and partnership building, facilitating the emergence of innovative youth project ideas.

Participants and Team

All participants attending the seminar will form the team, with some individuals being invited to facilitate specific sessions throughout the event. The seminar is designed for approximately 24-28 persons, representing various stakeholders of the European Solidarity Corps program, including trainers, mentors, coordinators, and National Agencies officers, among others.

Potential participants should meet the following criteria:

– Interest in Adventure Education and a desire to share approaches and methods.

– Involvement in any capacity within the European Solidarity Corps program.

– Working knowledge of English, the working language of the seminar.

– Availability to actively participate for the entire duration of the event.

– Openness to unexpected and surprising learning situations.

It’s important to note that this seminar is centered around Adventure Education and will require full participation from morning till evening. Unlike traditional sessions divided into fixed time slots, this seminar embraces a flexible approach. However, breaks will be provided during the process.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your knowledge of adventure education, share best practices, and connect with professionals in the European Solidarity Corps sector. Apply by 4th June 2023!

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L'articolo Gomarduli Adventure Education: Methodological and Networking Seminar for ESC Professionals proviene da Youth Networks.

SALTO SEE has launched a new buddy-support system to help organisations from the Western Balkans (WB) to participate in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). This measure is designed to support the quality and quantity of volunteering projects and matches two organisations to collaborate on peer support and activate accredited organisations in the WB.

Enhancing quality and enhancing partnership creation are the two main aspects of this measure. It addresses the needs of both experienced and less experienced organisations from the WB and ESC participating countries. Read on to find out more about this exciting support measure from SALTO SEE.

SALTO SEE’s ESC Buddy-Support System

The buddy-support system includes a series of online meetings and physical visits between organisations. The process begins with match-making to establish each Buddy Support Team, which then works individually during July and August. The timeframe for the implementation of the measure is June – September 2023.

Financial stimulation is also available in the form of a 400 EUR support for the experienced organisation. Once the measure is fully implemented, the experienced organisation is required to send a final report consolidated by both partners to claim the fee.

Interested organisations can apply by filling out an application form by May 12, 2023. For more information, you can contact andrej.troha@movit.si.

L'articolo ESC Buddy-Support System: SALTO SEE’s Measure for Western Balkans proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you looking for a unique learning experience that promotes non-formal education and provides an international and multicultural context? Join Connector 8.0, an international training course organised by the Romanian National Agency. The event will take place from 3-8 July 2023 in Romania, and aims to create a space and context where participants become familiar with different non-formal learning methods that can be used in various learning contexts.

Overview of the Training Course Connector 8.0

Connector 8.0 is open to practitioners from all educational sectors, including representatives from schools, higher education, adult education, and vocational training. Other enthusiasts interested in non-formal learning are also welcome to apply.

Reasons to apply are many, for example the following:

– Expand Your Skills: connector 8.0 is a chance to become familiar with non-formal learning methods that can be used in your projects or daily learning contexts. The event will offer 8 practical workshops that promote non-formal learning with an emphasis on inclusion & diversity, green, and digital transformation.

– Experience International and Multicultural Learning: participants will have the opportunity to experience learning in an international and multicultural context. Connect with practitioners from all educational sectors, including youth workers, adult education practitioners, trainers, learning facilitators, teachers, educators, and support staff.

– Learning by Doing: the key element of Connector 8.0 is learning by doing. Participants will have the opportunity to practice different non-formal learning methods, such as debate, nonviolent communication, photovoice, forum theater, improvisation theater, storytelling, graphic facilitation, and living library.

Conclusion 

Connector 8.0 focuses on creating a collaborative space for sharing methods, instruments, practices, and efficient ideas for learning. Participants will learn how to create a proper framework to gain competencies and abilities in 2023 – the European Year of Skills. The event aims to create connections between non-formal learning and formal education, as well as a learning space with a focus on European values.

Join Connector 8.0 and expand your skills through non-formal learning. The application deadline is 14 May 2023. Don’t miss out on this unique learning opportunity!

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L'articolo Connector 8.0: Non-Formal Learning for Professional Development proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a youth leader looking to make a positive impact in your local community and beyond? The Training Course “New Power in Youth” offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and skills to initiate projects focused on youth participation. This partnership-building activity will take place from 19-24 June 2023 in Bucharest, Romania, and consists of online sessions and a residential event. The application deadline for applications is 28 April. If you want to know more about the project, keep reading!

Objectives and Programme

The Training Course “New Power in Youth” aims to support the quality development of Erasmus+ (E+) and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) projects focused on youth participation. Participants will learn about the possibilities within E+, namely Youth Exchanges and Youth Participation Activities, as well as ESC local projects. They will also explore citizenship in the European context and strengthen their understanding of participatory approaches.

The programme of activities includes:

• Two online sessions (2 hours each) organised between May and June 2023;
• Participation in the residential event (Bucharest);
• Participation in one online follow-up session, after the residential event;
• Three hours of mentoring for developing the project idea, after the residential event;
• Thematic inputs and nonformal learning activities on the topic of youth participation, citizenship in the European context, participatory activities, and the possibilities within the E+ & ESC Programmes;
• Spaces to share and exchange about the themes and topics identified at the local level and find commonalities between them;
• Spaces for partner-finding and project development within E+/ESC;

Who Should Participate?

The project lab is ideal for youth leaders and youth workers aged 18-35 who are interested in developing Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps projects focused on youth participation. They should have experience in managing projects and be able to communicate effectively in English. Priority is given to participants from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and SALTO SEE countries, but others are welcome to apply. Only one participant from the same organisation or informal group can attend. Don’t miss this opportunity, visit SALTO official website and apply by 28th of April.

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TOSCA Training for European Solidarity Corps Organisations

L'articolo Apply for the Training Course “New Power in Youth” proviene da Youth Networks.

SALTO EuroMed is working towards building the capacity of organisations in the South-Med region by offering various learning opportunities. The activities are as follows: 

• training courses;
• partnership building activities;
• on-spot visits;
• online courses;

These activities aim to provide organisations with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their programs and activities, making them more effective and impactful.

Now, let’s dig more into these activities!

Training Courses

SALTO EuroMed offers various training courses, including an Info Day about the European Solidarity Corps, short sessions about the program’s basic possibilities and functioning, and a training course for youth workers new in the European Solidarity Corps. These activities allow participants to learn more about the program and its offered possibilities, as well as its technicalities and practicalities. These courses are organised country by country, providing participants with a more focused and personalised learning experience. 

Here’s the 2023 calendar of the next Training Courses:

• Jordan: 21 – 24 May 2023, apply here by the 2nd of April
• Lebanon: 3 – 6 July 2023, apply here by the 7th of May
• Egypt: 15 – 19 September 2023, apply here by the 9th of July

On-Spot Visits

SALTO EuroMed conducts on-spot visits to monitor and support organisations. These visits aim to assess the organisation’s performance and provide recommendations for future projects. After the visit, the organisation receives a letter outlining the findings and recommendations.

Partnership Building Activities

Partnerships are a crucial feature of the European Solidarity Corps, and SALTO EuroMed acts as a bridge between organisations from the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea. In this regard, SALTO EuroMed organises or takes part in Contact Making Seminars or Partnership Building Activities regularly.

Online Self-Paced Courses on HOP

SALTO EuroMed is developing a series of online courses on HOP to support organisations in the region. These courses will be developed for both new and experienced organisations/youth workers.

Conclusion

SALTO EuroMed is committed to building the capacity of organisations in the South-Med region. By participating in its activities, organisations can improve their performance, increase their impact, and strengthen their partnerships.

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L'articolo Capacity Building for South-Med Organisations by SALTO EuroMed proviene da Youth Networks.

The BiTriMulti Training Course is a comprehensive program designed to support newcomers in setting up and running quality Youth Exchange projects. The course is aimed at voluntary and professional youth workers, leaders, and project managers who work directly with young people. In this article, we will discuss the Training Course, its objectives, program, and eligibility requirements.

BiTriMulti Training Course Objectives

This Training Course provides an introduction to the Erasmus+ Youth Programme and focuses on the Youth Exchange project type. Through workshops, info sessions, and simulation exercises, participants will learn how to involve young people in planning and running such projects. Moreover, the course offers an individual and group learning experience, based on non-formal learning practices, principles, and quality standards of EU youth programs. Participants will gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to organise a Youth Exchange project and reflect on their learning using a Youthpass.

Program

The BiTriMulti Training Course is a three-day learning-by-doing experience that includes a simulation exercise, workshops, activities to improve group dynamics, and an evaluation. The Network of National Agencies for Erasmus+ is organising the course in Liechtenstein from 1-5 May 2023.

Conclusion

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L'articolo Introduction to Youth Exchange Projects with BiTriMulti Training proviene da Youth Networks.

The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a program that aims to promote solidarity and volunteering in Europe. It offers young people the opportunity to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities across the continent. To ensure the quality and impact of these projects, the ESC has launched TOSCA, a training course for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions. This article will provide an overview of TOSCA and its objectives and benefits.

Overview of the TOSCA Training Course

TOSCA is a training course designed for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions of the European Solidarity Corps. The course is recommended for: 

• youth workers; 
• trainers; 
• youth leaders; 
• youth project managers; 
• and volunteering mentors;

The training course aims to build the capacities of organisations involved in the European Solidarity Corps to design and implement projects with a view to quality. It fosters understanding, awareness, and commitment to the core quality criteria of the program. It provides clarity and support on how the program works formally and offers a space for participants to express their burning issues and needs.

When and Where TOSCA will take place

TOSCA will take place from 24-28 April 2023 in Kavala, Greece. Before the residential training course, there is a mandatory online preparatory phase from 03-17 April 2023, which includes an online meeting on 11th April (16:00-17:00 CET).

To make sure you’ll not miss this opportunity, apply by 12th of March 2023!

Conclusion

The TOSCA training course is a unique opportunity for organisations actively participating in volunteering actions of the European Solidarity Corps. It provides essential knowledge, skills, and tools to design and implement high-quality projects that make a real impact in the communities they serve. By participating in the course, you can increase your capacity and gain a better understanding of the core quality criteria of the program. So, if you’re an organisation that is committed to promoting solidarity and volunteering in Europe, sign up for TOSCA today and make a difference in your community!

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L'articolo TOSCA: Training and Support for Organisations in the European Solidarity Corps proviene da Youth Networks.

Are you a trainer in the youth field looking to improve your training programs? Join the online Youthpass workshop for trainers, which offer a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and competencies. The fourth and last workshop of the series will focus on “how to support writing self-assessment” and will take place on March 6th, 2023, on Zoom.

Now, let’s see closer what the workshop will be about!

Overview of the workshop

Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps use the Youthpass tool for recognition. It involves reflection and self-assessment of competencies. Despite that, its use in training can be improved. To address this issue, online Youthpass workshops have been developed for trainers. These workshops offer a breakdown of the Youthpass process, tools, and methods to implement it in training. Additionally, they provide inspiration and solutions to the challenges that trainers face. For more info on Youthpass, visit the official page.

Back to the workshop that will take place on March 6th, you will have the opportunity to be involved in several activities! Just to give an example:

• you will engage in reflections and discussions on the effectiveness of self-assessment and how to integrate it into your training programs; 
• You will have the chance to learn playful and hands-on tools and methods that you can apply to your own practice; 
• exchange ideas with other trainers; 
• receive tips and tricks on how to make the most of the learning journey in a training activity;

Trainers in the youth field can join the workshop regardless of their experience level, and will be held in English. To have more information, please visit the official website of the event. Moreover, the workshops will not be recorded, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to enhance your training programs. Join the workshop by registering here and get ready to improve your skills and competencies as a trainer. 

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Join the Online Panel on Digital Rights

L'articolo Join the Online Youthpass Workshop for Trainers proviene da Youth Networks.

Digital literacy promotion and disinformation tackling are increasingly important for educators in the digital age. The Guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education provide hands-on guidance for teachers and educators to achieve this goal. These guidelines provide practical tips, activity plans, insights, and cautionary notes based on effective digital literacy education and training.

Objectives of the Guidelines for Teachers and Educators

The guidelines aim to promote responsible and safe use of digital technologies, foster public awareness of disinformation, and enhance critical thinking skills in students. Moreover, they offer expertise on building trust, creating safe spaces for discussion, and enhancing students’ digital resilience.

The guidelines are designed for primary and secondary school teachers and educators in different subjects and with varying levels of experience and knowledge. They provide concrete guidance and practical support for teaching in classrooms and similar educational settings. 

Overall, the guidelines do not offer solutions to all the issues that may arise but focus on the following objectives:

1. Providing insight and knowledge about the dynamics of disinformation and credible information.
2. Fostering an understanding of how digital literacy can be achieved.
3. Sharing information on using digital technologies critically and responsibly.
4. Providing insight on how to assess students’ digital literacy competencies.

In conclusion, these guidelines support educators in preparing their students for the digital age, improving their ability to recognize disinformation and navigate the online world. By incorporating these guidelines into their teaching practices, educators can promote digital literacy and contribute to creating a more informed and engaged society. You can download the guideline for educators here, don’t miss this opportunity!

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L'articolo Guidelines for Educators: Promoting Digital Literacy in the Classroom proviene da Youth Networks.