On your marks, Get set, Go A training course held from the 27th Aug till the 4th Sept Audrey and Heather - Malta
For this training course, around 25 professionals from different European countries gathered to discuss their current practices and explore new ideas how to increase social inclusion in their respective countries. Besides Malta, the participating countries were; (Poland, Romania, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus). Through non-formal learning the aim was to challenge our current cultural barriers and competences and explore ways how to implement a more inclusive service. Hence, all the non-formal activities and discussions aimed to evaluate our way of thinking and acting in different situations that most of the time exclude certain sub groups in society.
The list of topics and items covered throughout the training course were: • The first day focused more on getting to know each other and use energizers to start overcoming the initial barriers. Team building games were also applied to help participants get out of their comfort zone. • The second and third day focused on self-awareness, learning our own limits and intercultural competences. Theory was also applied to practice through various simulation exercises • During the following days, various group activities were done. Most of the tasks had also to be carried out amongst the locals to practice inclusion vs integration. Through these non-formal activities we had the opportunity to work on our personality and also on our team player skills. • A speaker from a local school academy in Formia also presented the work being done to enhance active participation through sports. Through sports a small community like Formia managed to get included even on a European level. • Non formal learning was used throughout the training course. Participants were able to explore how the professional can be the tool to challenge and motivate social inclusion in our community and institutions. • The link between practice, policy and theory was explored and critically discussed. Moreover best practices across Europe were shared and new project ideas were listed during a brain storm session.
The Maltese participants explaining Maltese traditions and food during the intercultural night.
Dissemination As participants we promised to disseminate the good practices that we learnt, which we will be using with our students during social work sessions and youth work activities. For data protection reasons we will not be able to show pictures of the students as they are still under 16 years of age.