The whole week was built around one simple idea: learn by doing. There were no long lectures, just games, simulations, role plays, and plenty of conversations in pairs and groups. Participants from thirteen countries explored together what motivates them, what holds them back, what values guide them, and how they communicate with others. The week kicked off with icebreakers and a group agreement on shared values and expectations, creating a safe and trusting space where everyone felt comfortable being open from the very beginning.
The highlight of the course? Putting coaching into practice for real. Participants took turns coaching one another, learning how to listen without interrupting, ask questions instead of giving advice, and offer feedback that supports rather than discourages. At the end of each day, everyone gathered in a reflection circle to share what had gone well, what had surprised them, and what they were taking away from the experience. There was also plenty of time outdoors, giving participants the chance to slow down, reflect, and let everything sink in.
Before long, the group of participants from thirteen different countries had become a genuine community. They exchanged experiences from their work with young people, shared how youth work and education look in their home countries, and even started planning future collaborations together.
By the end of the training, participants were taking home much more than pages of notes. They left with greater confidence in understanding and managing their own emotions and challenges, as well as the ability to support young people in doing the same. They developed stronger listening skills, learned to ask better questions, and became more comfortable giving meaningful feedback without feeling they always needed to have the right answer. Most importantly, they returned home with practical ideas and fresh inspiration for how to apply what they had learned in their own work.
