“Let’s mediate”

International Training Course
“LET’S MEDIATE – Training course on

Alternative Dispute Resolution in EVS”

02.12.2018 – 10.12.2018
Worcester, United Kingdom

 

Summary:

The training course is targeted for people actively involved in international volunteering projects (especially for EVS/ESC coordinators) who work with volunteers on a daily basis and who already have some experience in non-formal education and experiential learning. The programme is designed for people who are ready to learn, explore, discover and develop their skills, competences and know-how and will be able to use it later in their jobs and communities.

TC is a follow up of the project “First ADR Kit” (http://firstadrkit.org) and it aims at is implementing ADR with special focus on mediation as a conflict resolution tool in EVS/ESC. Mediation is a way of solving conflicts amicably with a support of third, neutral person, who facilitates the parties of the dispute through all stages of conflict, supporting them in dealing with emotions, identifying their interests, creating options and finally – reaching a common ground. So far known mostly in commercial disputes – mediation gains recognition as one of the most efficient and constructive way of solving conflicts.

The course is based on non-formal education methodology and will have a form of practical exercises and simulations. Participants will have a chance to understand: how active listening works, how to practice the loop of understanding, how to paraphrase, summarise and emphasise, how to be creative in conflict resolution process, what to do in order to find common grounds etc. The programme will be built on actual knowledge and experiences of the participants focused on international volunteering features. It will also allow for strong intercultural aspect in a form of simulation exercises. Simulations will be especially designed for the course and will allow the participants to experience the conflict “inside-out” both as mediators and the parties to the dispute.

Detailed programme will be sent in November. It will be adjusted to needs and expectations of participants.

Objectives of the training course:
• To explore the topic of multiculturalism and intercultural dialogue;
• To learn about origins of different types of conflicts and possible methods of solving them;
• To promote and explain Alternative Dispute Resolutions with special emphasis on mediation
• To teach in practice skills relevant to effective negotiation and mediation;
• To use mediation in solving conflicts during EVS projects in partner organisations;
• To increase the quality of EVS projects in partner organisations;
• To discuss about challenges and difficulties connected with EVS/ESC and future of international volunteering.
• To create a field for further cooperation and development of new volunteering projects;
• To share the results of First ADR Kit strategic partnership devoted to mediation in youth education.

Participant`s profile required:

Let’s mediate is a training course for EVS coordinators, mentors, trainers, youth workers and educators, who work in context of international volunteering and would like to develop skills connected with mediation as a method of Alternative Dispute Resolution. 3 participants from Bulgaria are going to join the project.

Venue:

The training course will take place in Poitiers, France. Further information about the venue will be shared with the selected participants.

Working methods:

All the training will be done through the methods of non-formal education. The activities will be for example brain storming’s, plenary discussions, simulations, role plays, team building, energizers, ice breakers and many others. Non formal education we remember you that is voluntary, no hierarchical and all its methods are based on the concept of learning by doing.

What to bring with me:

  • we will have an intercultural evening, so bring your national food and drink.
  • bring your national flag, magazines, postcards what will help you to introduce your country.
  • if you bring your laptop will be easier for working, but is not mandatory.
  • and your good mood. This is the most important ☺
  • ADAPTER – When coming to the UK make sure you buy a special adapter for all your electrical appliances e.g. Laptops, driers. The sockets here are different than in other parts of Europe and use standard 3-pin square plugs.

Intercultural night:

What we expect from you to present in these nights are: local or national dances, local music, games, little sweets, drinks, pictures, etc. from your countries.
Every country will prepare a short presentation of their culture, using all kinds of methods. It’s preferred a short and FUNNY presentation, such as showing pictures and commenting it, quiz, short video (either already existing or made by you), etc. (YES – use your creativity!). For the intercultural night, we ask you to prepare in advance a brief performance (singing, your traditional music, popular dances) to present your group (typical costumes are really welcomed!).

Travel Costs:

100% of the participants‘ travel costs will be reimbursed within the valid budget sums calculated according to the official rules of Erasmus+ programme. If a sum exceeds the limit, the excess will be paid by the participants themselves. The reimbursement limit is 360€ per participant from Bulgaria.

Reimbursement of the travel costs will only be done after submitting all original tickets, receipt/invoices, boarding passes and later sending of the return documents and boarding passes. Save the boarding passes from your airport check in as well. Please, be aware that in case you loose any invoices or tickets we will not be able to reimburse the cost. Reimbursement will be done in EURO, regardless of the currency indicated on your ticket and receipt/invoice according to the official currency exchange rate of European Commission.

! Note: in case of higher travel cost, you will need to cover excess yourself.

Please note that full completion and attending to the programme is mandatory to qualify for a refund. There can be no late arrivals or early departures. You are allowed to arrive max. 2 days before OR leave 2 days after the mobility. Extra stay will not be supported with food or accommodation, yet you can use this time to visit some places around. Should your stay be longer than 2 days (unless necessary!) we do reserve the right not to reimburse part of your travel costs.

Important: It will be send only one bank transfer per Country . The recipient of the reimbursement is the partner association, not the participants according to the funding National Agency rules. To receive reimbursement participants should attend all the planned progamme elements (before, during and after the project activities).

Financial support:

Project is supported by “Erasmus+” program. Accommodation, meals, program and travel cost (based on distance) are covered from grant. There is NO participation fee from our side! However, 15 BGN will be deducted from the guarantee of 100 BGN which every participant must send prior the departure, in order to be covered the different taxes, related to the participation of each representative from Bulgaria (bank transfer fees, post expenses, difference in the exchange rates, etc.). This guarantee will be reimbursed after completing all the dissemination activities, the participant is required to conduct after returning to Bulgaria. Also, due to some extra resources required for the course, participation fee has been set as 30 EUR/participant. This participation fee is from organisers  side and should be paid during the TC.

Insurance:

The travel insurance is not mandatory but it is highly reccommended. It costs 1 BGN/day and covers all the common injuries during projects up to 5000 Euro. Our organization is not covering insurance, it is individual, but we are going to support you to obtain a proper insurance for the duration of the project. For more information about the insurance, contact us.

YouthPass:

Every participant is individually entitled to receive a Youthpass Certificate, which confirms participation and validates the non-formal learning (NFL) experience of Training course project. Validating the learning experiences of participants is important in itself and the document can be of benefit in terms of the educational or employment future of the participant. Through Youthpass the European Commission ensures the Training course activity is recognized as a non-formal learning experience.
(*For more information on Youthpass you may click on this page to check it online)

Applicants MUST:

  1. Read carefully the Terms and Conditions you are agreeing with, when sending your application!
  2. Read carefully the Privacy Policy page.
  3. Have a valid ID/International passport.
  4. Possess valid European Health Card.
  5. Fill in the application form and send it to: stanimir.chukov@gmail.com – APPLICATION FORM
  6. Check the conditions your participation will be evaluated – Final evaluation form

IMPORTANT!!!
In the title of the e-mail, write down the name of the project.
Empty e-mails will be deleted automatically