FACEASY V

The first day of the training course officially began in Portugal, bringing together participants from Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Romania, Spain and Portugal for a shared journey of learning, intercultural exchange, and personal development taking place from the 25th of May to the 2nd of June 2026. The day started with a series of interactive activities focused on getting to know each other and strengthening team cooperation. Through energizers, group dynamics, and collaborative exercises, participants had the opportunity to build trust, create connections, and establish a positive and inclusive group atmosphere. These first interactions helped participants feel more comfortable within the international environment while encouraging communication, openness, and active participation. In the afternoon, participants took part in the session “Facilitation is a Learner,” which introduced important reflections on the role of facilitation within non-formal education. Through discussions and experiential activities, participants explored the idea of facilitators as continuous learners, emphasizing the importance of empathy, adaptability, active listening, and shared learning processes within youth work. Overall, the first day created a strong foundation for the training course, setting the tone for an enriching experience based on cooperation, reflection, intercultural dialogue, and collaborative learning.

The third day of the training course focused on strengthening communication competences and exploring creative facilitation methodologies within non-formal education. Through practical exercises, discussions, and interactive activities, participants developed a deeper understanding of how communication can positively influence group dynamics and learning processes. During the morning sessions, participants explored the art of public speaking. The activities focused on improving verbal and non-verbal communication, self-confidence, body language, voice projection, and audience engagement. Participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones while practicing effective communication techniques in a supportive and inclusive environment. The afternoon was dedicated to “storytelling” as a facilitation tool. Through experiential learning activities, participants discovered how “storytelling” can be used to create emotional connections, stimulate reflection, encourage participation, and make educational processes more engaging and memorable. By sharing personal experiences and creating narratives together, participants strengthened their creativity, empathy, and active listening skills while reflecting on the importance of meaningful communication in youth work and facilitation contexts. The day provided participants with practical tools and new perspectives for effective facilitation, reinforcing the value of communication, creativity, and authentic human connection within non-formal education.

The fifth day of the training course focused on developing participants’ facilitation skills through the exploration of debriefing methodologies and the practical design of educational workshops. The day began with a session dedicated to debriefing, one of the most important components of non-formal education. Participants explored the role of reflection in the learning process and analyzed how facilitators can effectively guide participants in making sense of their experiences. Through practical exercises, discussions, and simulations, they learned different techniques for conducting meaningful debriefing sessions, encouraging critical thinking, self-reflection, and the transfer of learning outcomes to everyday life and professional contexts. Special attention was given to the structure of effective debriefing processes, the formulation of reflective questions, and the creation of safe spaces where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, emotions, and learning experiences. Building upon the competences developed throughout the training course, participants then moved into the practical phase of designing their own educational workshops. Working in international teams, they collaborated to develop activity concepts, learning objectives, facilitation methods, and session structures that would be implemented on the following day. This hands-on experience provided participants with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and tools acquired during the previous sessions, while strengthening teamwork, creativity, communication, and planning skills. The workshop preparation process also encouraged participants to reflect on their own facilitation styles and educational approaches.

The seventh and final day of the training course was dedicated to evaluating the overall learning experience and reflecting on the personal and professional development achieved throughout the project. After a week of intensive learning, practical facilitation exercises, intercultural exchange, and collaborative work, participants had the opportunity to assess the impact of the training course and celebrate the journey they had shared together. Through a combination of evaluation activities, group discussions, and reflective exercises, participants analyzed the knowledge, competences, and insights gained during the project. Particular attention was given to the development of facilitation skills, communication competences, self-confidence, teamwork, and the ability to design and implement educational activities using non-formal learning methodologies. The day also focused on dissemination and follow-up actions. Participants explored different ways of sharing the project’s results, methodologies, and learning outcomes within their local communities, organizations, and professional networks. This session reinforced the importance of multiplying the impact of Erasmus+ projects and ensuring that the knowledge acquired continues to benefit other young people and youth workers beyond the duration of the training course. The final evaluation highlighted not only the educational value of the project but also its contribution to personal growth, intercultural understanding, and professional development. Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to learn from one another, exchange experiences, challenge themselves, and strengthen their competences in an international and supportive environment. As the project came to an end, participants, trainers, and partner organizations celebrated the achievements of the group and the meaningful connections created during the training course. The experience served as a valuable opportunity for learning, inspiration, and collaboration, leaving participants motivated to apply their new knowledge and skills in future youth work activities. A sincere thank you goes to all participants, trainers, and partner organizations whose commitment, enthusiasm, and active involvement made “Faceasy V (2026)” a successful and impactful learning experience.