Networking Activities ESC Programme: INTERNATIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR COACHES IN ESC PROGRAMME

The Italian National Agency organises a transnational training course focused on a better understanding of how coaching can be applied in supporting groups of young people within the ESC projects.

The TC aims to improve the quality of coaching practice within the ESC framework according to what is now required within this Programme.

Coaching in the European Solidarity Corps is not always coaching in its pure form, especially when we work with very young people and young people from different backgrounds; however, to know, to respect and to apply a coaching process while working with youth, can always be an enrichment for all actors.

Therefore IT NA has designed this international training course for people who are active in the ESC Programme, who work with youth and who want to support their creativity, independency and learning process through coaching.

The main objectives are:

• To understand the coaching process and the basic principles of coaching according to the ESC Programme and to work towards developing a common understanding of the term and actions of coaching;
• To be able to identify and improve knowledge, skills and attitudes of coaching and become familiar with the different methods, tools, materials, practices and potential for using coaching within ESC projects;
• To reflect and share coaching understanding and experiences and to understand the relevance of the coaching process in supporting solidarity, active engagement, active inclusion and sense of belonging to the community, personal and professional development of young people;
• To introduce and share good coaching practices in the ESC, and to help participants to transfer their learning experiences with other coaches in their countries (multiplier effect) and apply in their work with young people.

The course will be based on the principles and practice of non-formal education taking into account the needs, motivations and experiences of the participants. Communication between participants and mutual understanding will be encouraged in order to allow for the exchange of knowledge, skills and attitudes and to reflect on them. The group will act as a resource for the learning process, taking into account individual and group learning. A variety of working methods will be used to highlight the role of the ‘coach’ and the approaches to support youth group projects. To ensure a balance between theory and practice, a series of workshops, inputs, simulation exercises, presentations, discussions, debates and sharing will be included. Previous experience in coaching youth group projects will be the starting point of the programme and  learning process. Space will be given for regular feedback and reflections and revisions.

The course will offer place to 30 participants with the following profile:

• Youth workers, social workers, youth leaders, trainers, educators, working directly with youth groups in the ESC projects as a coach/support person during the creation and development of the projects.
• Willingness to work as coaches (multipliers) to support the learning of young people involved in the ESC projects.
• Able to communicate and work in English.
• Coming from the ESC Programme Countries.