Training

Training seminars are one of our main activities as a way to build up the skills of young peacebuilders and as a space for exchange of experiences, networking, dialogue and building bonds of friendship and solidarity among young people from different backgrounds.

Activities combine methodologies developed by non-formal education in youth work, peace education, community development and intercultural learning. They will also use the Earth Charter as an ethical framework and a vision for action.

West African Youth Face-to-Face Training Seminar, Sierra Leone, 2004

They have a participatory approach based on the experience and opinions of participants. The methods consist of a combination of presentations (using audio-visual materials), group work, on-line forums, simulation exercises and role plays (experiential learning), visits to organizations, specific actions and individual reflection.

We understand youth work as:

Non-formal and informal youth work operating outside formal education, a planned intervention that remains flexible and adaptable to individual and group needs, and local contexts. The informal approach includes a focus on equal, friendly, innovative, attractive, entertaining, personal and involved relationships, as opposed to authoritative, distant and detached relationships.
Participatory youth work carried out in partnership with young people; the young person is a full and equal partner in determining their own development and progress towards achieving their aspirations. Young people´s control over activities is generally promoted and reflects the empowerment aims.
Voluntary youth work where young people engage in activities on a voluntary basis.
Inclusive youth work, seeking to reflect cultural and gender diversity in the young people who join the activities, to ensure equality of opportunity to all young people in their transition to adulthood.

The programmes are guided by principles of peace education pedagogy:

To build a democratic and sustainable community.
We are all teachers and students of each other.
To develop moral sensitivity.
To promote critical thinking.
To enhance self-esteem.

The starting point is participants´ experiences and knowledge. The process aims to be:

Inclusive, equitable, and gender sensitive.
Holistic and integrated into the bigger picture, using specifically the holistic framework of the Earth Charter.
Grounded in experience that leads to best practice.
- become more aware and responsible;
- organise and plan together;
- develop healthy options;
- empower themselves;
- reduce ignorance, discrimination and prejudice;
- create non-formal education opportunities and achieve social, economic, cultural and environment goals in their communities.