YOCOMO - the 3rd ETS learning experience for youth workers: a systemic approach to competence development

YOCOMO is a pilot 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 ask you 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 ‘systemic’ and ‘approach to competence development’ in your work and the potential impact,
• 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 3 might be 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 ‘systems’ 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
• The interdependence between competence areas within the ETS model
• Who owns the competences? A systemic approach to competence development
• Competence development and the impact on our systems
• The reflective practice: from self-awareness to system awareness
• Developing our own competence development and transformation plan

TARGET GROUP

Should you be intersted 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 English is necessary since it is the working language.

Note: because YOCOMO courses are still part of a pilot experience, we hope to have participants who are able to provide conductive feedback and recommendation after the course.

The team of trainers for YOCOMO 3 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 include online learning as well.

METHODOLOGY

YOCOMO 3 is based on a long-term format and blended learning, meaning that they include:

• One residential course of 5 days (arrivals on the 2nd of March 2020, working days on 3-7, departures on the 8th);
• 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 :)

Because of its experimental nature, YOCOMO 3 includes a final consolidation meeting of about 2 days, between 3rd to 5th of June 2020 (probably arrivals on the 3rd evening, work on 4-5 and departures 5th evening or at the very latest, 6th morning). As much as possible, you should commit to 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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Please find here further material for reading: the Competence Model for Youth Workers Working Internationally - www.salto-youth.net/rc/training-and-cooperation/tc-rc-nanetworktcs/youthworkers-competence-model/