Exploring supervision in youth work Erasmus Project

Project Title

Exploring supervision in youth work

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for youth

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Open and distance learning; New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses

Project Summary

Project Exploring Supervision in Youth work brings together 2 organisations from Slovakia (YMCA na Slovensku – applicant and Mladez ulice) and 2 organisations from Czech republic (YMCA v Ceske republice and Trendum o.p.s.)

We have created innovative non formal learning platform and 3 initial learning courses based mainly on the practice and experience from YMCA in Czech republic but also previously gained knowledge from YMCA George Williams College, London. During the project expert teams worked on meetings and distantly on for 4 main outputs: Online learning platform and 3 non formal learning modules: Supervision of voluntary workers in youth work, Local coordinator of youth work, Leader of youth group. To this process we have invited Mladez ulice (SK) with their expertise in outreach youth work and supervision and Trendum (CZ) especially with experience in supervision and delivery of innovative learning programmes.

During the process we have adjusted the outcomes according to needs to spectrum of young people, youth workers, volunteers, local initiators, decision and policy makers on various level so the oucomes will serve them in the future to develop strong individuals through innovative learning, support and supervision but also to increase their potential in developing governance in local youth associations, community centres, open access clubs and other types of NGOs. With the expertise of our partners we have gained knowledge and designed new supportive system “Lighthouse keepers” and created ground for exploration of non-formal support and professional supervision which is still lacking in youthwork in Slovakia and partle also Czech republic.

PROCESS AND ACTIVITIES:
Initial inputs for the planned outcomes were collected on 2 larger plenary meetings in April 2018 with around 50 participants in Slovakia (Kralova Lehota) and 40 in Czech republic (Olomouc) which were run along our first transnational project meetings with our partners.

During 2018 – 2019 expert teams consisting of longterm youth workers, supervisors and community workers from each participating organisation were meeting in person and working distantly on content and methodology of 3 learning modules and on Online learning platforms:

ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM
Instead of one learning platform we have created two with different purposes and for more clarity:
1st is focused on general information on importance of support and systematic development of youtworkers through supervision, learning or newly created nonformal supporters “Lighthouse keepers” (www.youthworker.sk) with contacts to professional and non-formal supporters, supervisors, mentors and trainers
2nd is a Moodle e-learning platform inspired by the Czech YMCA model (moodle.ymca.cz) that serves directly to participants enroled on Online or Presence learning courses. They contain learning materials, videos and instructions from trainers, homework space, reading and activities to do between courses and testing of acquired skills.

Both of this platforms were initiated and will be further developed by YMCA na Slovensku to serve wider interested public of youthworkers and volunteers working mainly with children and youth.

3 NEW LEARNING MODULES (O2-O4)
We have created 3 new modules as planned but in 2 we have extended their learning duration as they required more content and deeper and longer learning and training to acquire desired skills by learners. In the end, we have tested them during training activities which were extended as needed:

O2 SUPERVISION OF VOLUNTARY YOUTH WORKERS
This is the most important outcome of the whole project. Together with partners we have created a new non-formal position “Lighthouse keeper” with first trained supporters from pilot training who learned the skill of Supportive dialogue and use of some supervision and couching techniques to help individual youth leaders and volunteers keep perspective, prevent burn-out and protect the worker and their clients/organisations.

Planned 3 day learning course – extended to 3+3 days with practice in between. Tested on group of 21 Slovak and Czech participants (May-October 2019). Learning programme was acredited in Slovakia (Strážca majáku – AKPSM/0025/2020/1/002) and Czech republic (acreditation submitted and approval expected in June 2020)

O3 LOCAL COORDINATOR OF YOUTHWORK
Changed to 3+3-day training course, tested on 20 Slovak and Czech participants (Oct 2018-March 2019)
Programme remains flexible for the future, it will consist of country specific part and common Czecho-slovak part.

O4 LEADER OF YOUTH GROUP
As planned 3-day training course for young leaders focused on their character/personality development and leadership skills.
Acredited in Slovakia (Rozvoj lídeských zručností – AKPSM/0025/2019/4/002)

We will build upon this project further by providing non-formal education and support to key persons in youth work, existing associations and support to starting new initiatives of young people.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 89394 Eur

Project Coordinator

YMCA na Slovensku & Country: SK

Project Partners

• YMCA v Ceske republice
• Mladez ulice
• Trendum, o.p.s.