Objectives:

• To create a common understanding of the essential approaches and methodologies in non-formal education as applied in the European Youth Centres and by the European Youth Foundation, and to support the quality of activities and their connection to the mission of the Council of Europe
• To strengthen competences in using non-formal education with young people in international projects, including the key understanding, skills and attitudes required for running intercultural educational activities
• To get familiar with the relevant tools and manuals produced by the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and reflect on their practical use in upcoming activities
• To reflect on and plan how to ensure quality non-formal education in future youth activities, including how to ensure that they have a multiplying effect
• To share inspiring practices on implementation of study sessions and EYF supported international activities and annual work plans

Programme and methodology

The content and methodology of the course are designed to make participants reflect on and experience non-formal education. It will build on experiential learning, individual reflection, and exchange of practices among participants by using the participatory methods of learning, such as working groups and facilitated discussions.

The course will itself apply the quality standards in non-formal education produced by the Youth Department.

The programme of the course will focus on the following:

• Essentials of non-formal education: facilitation, programme design, evaluation, learning theories and styles.
• Youth Department tools and principles; the Manual for Facilitators, quality standards and the conditions applying to EYF activities and study sessions
• Multiplying and sharing lessons learnt and best practices on non-formal education in youth activities.