From the 11th to 18th of October 2015, in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, took place a training of trainers as part of the project ‘Understanding and Working with Conflict 2015’.
The course, which was organised by Fundació Catalunya Voluntària (FCV) and UNOY Peacebuilders, saw the participation of 24 young people, trainers, multipliers and leaders representatives of no-profit youth organisations from 14 countries.
2015 was the 4th year of the “Understanding and Working with Conflict” training series, with last year’s theme focusing on “Designing and Implementing Quality Trainings for Conflict Transformation”.
The main aim of the training was to provide trainers, multipliers and potential trainers with training and facilitation skills, with a specific focus on ensuring the quality of the learning process from educational activities. In the training, we looked at diverse ways of organising a training, by examining appropriate methodologies, and when and how to use them best to maximise learning and the creation of high-quality learning processes.
The training used experimental learning methods to facilitate learning focused on communication, inter and intra-personal skills. Key skills and competences of a facilitator and trainer were presented and put into practice. The training included an overview of communication and conflict theories and tools, constructive responses to conflict, principles and practice of non-formal learning methodologies, including training concepts related to comfort zones and conflict sensitivity. During the training, the participants acquired hands-on experience in conducting a training session. This practice session were followed by well-structured self-reflection, debriefing and feedback sessions from the trainers and other participants.
This training of trainers aimedat building competences in the knowledge, skills, attitude of learners related to two very specific areas. Namely, the creation of conflict transformation tools and a quality learning process. A co-learning environment was ensured during the whole process. In doing so, we hoped to increase the capabilities of a large number of young people and non-profit organisations that have an interest in taking a decisive role in the transformation of conflicts in their communities and countries.
The participants in the course were from Russia, Germany, Kenya, Italy, Ukraine, Belgium, Georgia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Catalonia and Cyprus.
The course was made possible by the fundings of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.
For more information about this Training of Trainers please feel free to contact the FCV at: projectes@catalunyavoluntaria.cat