Report by Darko Dimitrioski An interview by Antonio Boshkovski and Aleksandra Stevanoska How did this opportunity arise?
AB: I would say that the idea was mine because my NGO was always writing volunteer projects and, as you know, volunteers must have a proper mentor. So I was thinking about an idea to write a training course for Erasmus+ with the aim to train youth workers in order to gain the necessary skills a mentor should possess. AS: I have known Antonio from before and we were previously discussing that we want to write a project, so we were already planning it. Then one of the deadlines, Kyrro gave us a call and asked us if we had any ideas and would like to send an application, so we both said yes! And the rest is history, haha. How was the preparation? Did you feel prepared for this challenge? AB: During the month before the project started, I attended a couple of training courses. So I can say that I was preparing myself during the other training courses I attended. It was all like a blurry picture to me and and until the day before the session started and we were preparing ourselves in detail with the sessions It all came as a shock for me. A shock in a way that it got me nervous, it was something that required attention and devotion. AS: The preparation starts way before the project, especially now in these challenging times. I can say that it was not as easy as it seems. There is lots of prepping regarding workshops, choosing the right venue, communication between organizations and participants, but in the end it was all worth it. When it comes to me, I can say i was actually super scared and panicking because a few things before the project started didn’t go as planned. Also as it was my first project where I had to facilitate every day, but when the project started these feelings changed. Can you tell us a little about the sessions, the objectives... AB: The sessions were created and organized in a way that it all went from scratch. The 1st day was not so intense, we had name games and team building activities and icebreakers. It always helps to have a group that could fit in as one. And then the 2nd day we went more deeply into the project objectives and needs behind it. We talked about what is a mentor what is the difference between a mentor and a trainer; what are the qualities that each mentor needs to possess but also the skills that he needs to develop. AS: I can say that each session was different but yet connected and every session had a message to convey. The sessions were created way before the actual projects, but as anything they also needed some adaptation. Throughout the entire project you throw in an icebreaker or energizers to keep everyone energized and ready for the next sessions. After the “easy” or light part it comes the more serious workshops, that are tackling the topic of the project. After knowing the fears and expectations of the participants, we had workshops that were with a purpose to practise the use of non-verbal communication, enhancing problem solving skills and put an accent on the ‘asking questions’ part, which is important while mentoring, learning how to set boundaries regarding social behaviour,boosting creativity, working on conflict management and debate skills. What was the objective you tried to convey to the participants? AB: One of the main objectives of the training was to provide central support and develop professional experience to the participants of the program to enable them to effectively carry out mentoring and support work in their respective organizations in the future. The 6 days of training on mentoring provided an opportunity to develop different skills and attitude to learn and to enrich the methodological toolboxes of the young volunteers and their mentors present. Another objective was to train youth workers to become skilled mentors. AS: The main objectives of the training was to provide support, materials and skills as well as professional experience to the participants of the program, to enable them to effectively carry out mentoring and support work in their organizations. In the 6 days of activities we wanted to provide the participants and develop with different skills and toolboxes that they can use and share within their mentor network.The contribute to the promotion of personal initiative, creativity, language, and self-awareness. What feedback have you been able to get at the end of the project? On a personal and professional level. AB: As you know, this was the 1st project that I ever did in the framework of Erasmus+. And I would say it was pretty successful. In my personal opinion, I think we gave our best to satisfy the participant needs, proven by the reflection groups that were done at the end of each day where the participants had the ability to evaluate the whole day and what could be approved. As for the feedback I don't think there was any negative feedback from the participants side, they said that it was a high quality training. AS: We are still looking at the feedback. Initially the feedback was positive from the participants regarding the workshops and the organization team, with few changes suggested. On a professional level, it brought a new view on mentor tools and how some workshops can be changed and alternate and use it in more context. On a personal note, it brought me experience not only when it comes to facilitating, but organizing, writing, and soft skills development, for which I am really grateful. I can say that personally I was satisfied, but I also think I could do some things different and continue to learn and upgrade, or with one word, to do better. Can you describe the project in one word? AB: Favourite! AS: Beneficial or Important.
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