DOCC Training of Trainers in Wrocław, Poland

On 8 May 2023, we held a DOCC (Don’t Call it Change) in Wrocław, Poland. This intensive one-day training session, facilitated by a YouNet trainer, brought together participants from the project’s partner organisations, including DFOP (Poland), Organisation EARTH (Greece), Mare Nostrum (Romania), YouNet (Italy), and World – Our Home (Latvia). The training provided a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange, enabling participants to effectively address the climate crisis through non-formal education methodologies.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) programme covered a wide range of topics, equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to engage young people on the urgent issue of the climate crisis. During the training, the following key areas were explored:

• Principles of non-formal education. The training delved into the core principles of non-formal education, highlighting its role in facilitating transformative learning experiences. Participants explored interactive and participatory teaching methods to promote engagement and the active participation of students.

• Non-formal methodologies for discussions on the climate emergency. To effectively communicate the seriousness of the climate crisis, participants explored non-formal methodologies suitable for engaging diverse target groups. Through innovative approaches, trainers learned how to initiate meaningful conversations, raise awareness, and facilitate debate on climate-related issues.

• Principles and methods of gamification. Recognising the power of gamification in education, the ToT programme introduced participants to the principles and methods of gamification. Gamification techniques not only make learning enjoyable but also encourage active participation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

• Workshop structure and organisation. Guidelines were provided on how to structure and organise effective workshops. Participants learned how to design cohesive workshop cycles, ensuring a logical progression of topics and activities. This programme will enable trainers to create impactful learning experiences that inspire and empower workshop participants.

• Structuring and facilitating debates. The training also emphasised the importance of structured and meaningful debates as a tool to promote critical thinking and the exploration of different perspectives. Trainers gained insights into facilitating engaging discussions on climate-related topics, encouraging active participation and respectful dialogue.

The ToT programme represented a valuable opportunity for the partners to connect and strengthen their collaborative relationships. Face-to-face interactions enabled the exchange of ideas, experiences, and good practices among participants. Building personal connections further reinforced the collective commitment to addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable practices.

Armed with new skills and knowledge, we are now equipped to deliver local workshops and engage communities in our respective regions as well as transnationally online.