Local Action in Patra

Summary

This local training activity was designed to enhance the career development opportunities of young people residing in a rural area of Greece. Its primary objective was to equip participants with practical coaching tools and to motivate them to integrate these tools into their daily and professional lifes.

This activity was implemented within the framework of the long-term training course project on social coaching for youth workers, entitled “21st Century.” The implementation of this local training in Nea Manolada ( Greece) was an initiative I undertook as a participant of the “21st Century” project. As an active citizen of this local community and a member and volunteer of the Cultural Association ̈Elpizo ̈, I aimed to bring the project’s values and methods closer to the local context.

The activity was organized in collaboration between Praxis and the local organization Elpizo, which kindly provided the venue for hosting the training. Moreover, the president of the association actively participated in the session, with the purpose of learning more about coaching tools and later sharing this knowledge with other volunteers of the organization.

Description of the Training

1. 1st Energizer – “If you were…”
2. 2nd Energizer – Introduction to SWOT
3. Main Activity – SWOT Analysis Tool
4. Reflection
5. Tool Presentation
6. Motivation Activity
7. Closing the Training

Methods:

• Interactive Exercises and Energizers: Activities such as ice-breaking games and introductory exercises to engage participants and create a positive learning environment.
• Experiential Learning: Hands-on application of the SWOT Analysis tool, allowing participants to reflect on their own professional experiences.
• Group Reflection: Circular discussion sessions where participants share insights, experiences, and feedback to promote peer learning.
• Visual Metaphors: Creative exercises (e.g., hand-drawn reflections) to support personal connection with the learning content.
• Facilitator-led Presentation: Detailed explanation of tools and concepts using flipcharts and visual aids to reinforce understanding.
• Motivational Techniques: Encouraging participants to recognize the potential of coaching tools for their professional growth and to adapt them to their individual contexts.

Learning Objectives:

1. To enhance the professional skills of young people and youth workers by introducing practical coaching tools.
2. To enable participants to understand and apply the SWOT Analysis tool in their personal and professional development.
3. To promote self-reflection, critical thinking, and awareness of personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
4. To encourage peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among participants.
5. To motivate participants to integrate coaching tools into their daily and professional activities.

Outcomes

As a result of the training, participants achieved the following outcomes:

• Participants recognized the value and potential of the tool, understanding the positive impact it can have on the quality of their work.
• They understood how to apply the tool and are ready to implement it in practice.
• They gained an understanding of the philosophy of non-formal education and Erasmus+ programmes, as this was their first exposure to such initiatives.
• Participants realized how they can contribute to the empowerment of young people.