The first phase of the Training Program for Young Facilitators in Non-Formal Education is over! See in the article what’s next!

Chisinau City Hall together with Chisinau Youth Centers invest in young people and develop programs dedicated to their personal and professional development!

How were the 4 days of the Training Program for Youth Facilitators in Non-Formal Education!

During this program, participants acquired essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to facilitate learning processes in a non-formal setting. Topics covered included:

• Non-Formal Education and its Principles: participants explored the fundamental concepts of non-formal education, understanding how it differs from formal and informal education. The principles underlying this form of education and the crucial role of facilitation in this context were discussed.
• Development of Facilitator Competencies: The program placed particular emphasis on developing the skills needed to become a successful facilitator, such as effective communication, empathy, the ability to motivate and guide diverse groups, and adaptability to the needs of participants.
• Importance of Feedback: Another central theme was the role of constructive feedback in the educational process. Participants learned how to give and receive feedback in a way that supports continuous development and improves the effectiveness of educational activities.
• Planning and Delivery of Educational Activities: Young people were trained in the use of different types of educational activities, learning how to plan and deliver them effectively, according to the educational objectives and the specificity of the group of participants. Practical exercises included designing educational programs and applying facilitation strategies.
• Teamwork and Group Dynamics: The program also included team building activities and exercises that strengthened group collaboration and cohesion, which are essential to a facilitator’s success. Intercultural competencies and how they can influence group dynamics were also explored.

The key role of the program was to train young people to be able to facilitate non-formal educational processes, thus contributing to improving the quality of youth activities and projects. Through a practical and interactive approach, participants were equipped with essential skills such as effective communication, empathy, the ability to motivate and coordinate diverse groups, as well as skills in planning and delivering educational activities.

What’s next?

• In September 2024, the young facilitators will go through a mentoring session.
• From October 2024 to March 2025, the young facilitators will deliver 10 sessions each in the Municipal Youth Centers in Chisinau!