6. May 2022

While previously only the Coordinators and Peer Educators of our network were part of transnational events, 20 Trainers from 11 countries now travelled to Armenia to learn more about digital participation. The event had members of our organisations in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Türkiye, Spain, Ukraine and of course our hosts from Understanding Europe Armenia attending.

After arriving in Yerevan, we went on to Tsaghkadzor, a place in the mountains about 50 kilometres north of the capital. Once there, our three-day programme began with getting-to-know each other and team-building activities. Afterwards, Levon Tadevosyan, Peer Educator from Armenia, introduced the participants to their role as Trainers, to didactic principles and democratic competences.

On the second day, we took a lift up to the mountains surrounding us. There were beautiful views, cultural sites and even some snow to discover. The focus topic of the training was then introduced in the afternoon: two of our fellows from last year, Kansu and Davit, presented their workshops on digital participation, and on rights & responsibilities online. The trainers were able to familiarise themselves with the new topics and methods and learn how to implement the workshops with young students in their countries. The evening had an absolute highlight in store with getting to know and practicing Turkish, Polish and Armenian dances.

On day three, with the aim of preparing the future implementation of the new workshops, the Trainers thought about how the materials could be adapted to specific needs and framework conditions in their countries. Afterwards, Nancy Mkrtchyan from the Erasmus Student Network Yerevan came to give an input on active youth participation. After a feedback session, it was time to head back to Yerevan and say goodbye.

We are very happy with how things went at the first of three transnational Trainings for Trainers and want to thank all participants and especially our great hosts. See you next time, somewhere in Europe!