YOCOMO – an ETS learning experience for youth workers: a systemic approach to competence development

This edition of YOCOMO  - also called ‘YOCOMO Systemic’ - is a learning experience that explores the potential of looking at competence development not only from an individual perspective but also from a systemic perspective. In this case, the system is not a bureaucratic or institutional one; it is rather about having a ‘systemic view’ on the whole field of your practice as a youth worker.

This course will invite you to look at the role of the whole system of interconnected players in your field (for example your organisation, young people, parents, schools, local community, etc.) on the development of your competences as a youth worker.

So, if…

• you are a youth worker and you already have experience with international mobilities, but want to develop your competences further,
• you are interested to experience working with the ETS competence model for youth workers,
• you are motivated to explore the meanings of a ‘systemic approach to competence development’ in your work,
• you are curious, open and ready to look at your youth work practice from a different perspective,
• you are looking for a great opportunity to meet other colleagues and share, exchange, support and evolve.

Then YOCOMO Systemic is the right learning experience for you!

INTENTIONS

YOCOMO 3 intends to create a space for you, as a youth worker, to reflect and exchange on your practice using the ETS competence model for youth workers. You will also look at the potential impact the relation between a ‘systemic view’ and ‘competence development’ can have not only on yourself but also on the systems that you work with and belong to (your organisation, young people, local community, youth work in your country, etc.).

As participant, you will explore:

• The ETS competence model for youth workers - its content, origins and intentions.
• How to zoom out and see your youth work context as a living system?
• What is your role and function in your youth work system? 
• What does it mean to approach the competence development from a systemic point of view?
• What is the potential of the ETS competence model in your youth work context?
• How to do a systemic self-assessment and plan your development as a youth worker? 

TARGET GROUP

Should you be interested to join this learning experience, it is important that you are involved in designing, implementing and evaluating the pedagogical activities organised by your structure. You will be asked to direct your own learning and in particular, have the ability to self-assess your competences (attitudes, skills, knowledge and behaviours). All participants must have a structure that supports them (NGO, school, municipality, youth centre, etc.). A fairly good knowledge of English is necessary since it is the working language.

TEAM

The team of trainers for YOCOMO Systemic are Darko Marković, Natalja Gudakovska and Snežana Bačlija Knoch. Following the selection process, the training team will contact the selected participants with specific information and tasks regarding the further development of the programme, which includes online learning as well.

METHODOLOGY

YOCOMO systemic is based on a long-term format and blended learning, meaning that they include:

• One residential course of 5 days (arrivals on the 17th of October 2021, working days on 18-22, departures on the 23rd morning);
• Online learning before (to prepare) and after (to experiment, harvest and further learn) on the HOP Platform – number of hours to be defined (no worries - very manageable :)
• A final consolidation meeting of about 2 days on 11-12 January (arrivals on the 10th and departures on the 13th). Please make sure that you can participate in that meeting as well.

The general approach is based on the principles of non-formal learning and the course strongly supports reflection and self-directed learning.

COVID-19 RELATED INFORMATION

Please note that although the course is meant to be residential, it is still subject to the evolution of the situation connected to COVID-19. Should restrictions occur, the course will take place on the same dates but in an online format. Accommodation is planned in double rooms.