As the last day of our training came to an end, with the sun setting over the beautiful Pyrenean Mountains, slowly glistening over the horizon, we gathered together around a warm, crackling campfire and shared our experiences during this wonderful week. We pondered over what we have learned thus far, and shared experiences from the different activities that took place during this TC.

The 22 participants on this training were from Albania, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

The name of this training course was Tasting Menu – the Best of Non-Formal Education, an apt name, considering the intricate and creative model we followed. First day was dedicated to the group building – we were sent for a hike in the hills surrounding the Naturefriends House. During this time, we learned how to manage our way in the wilds, how to use a compass and how to convert steps into meters. Afterwards we were ready to start tasting some of the best bits of Non-Formal Education methods, a set of energizers, educational workshops, games, group building, trust building exercises and outdoor methods, and we got to know the facilitator’s perspectives on each and every one of these activities. Then there was the brewing, the cooking of ideas mingled together by all of the participants, to help co create and spread new initiatives and activities and further fill the pool of knowledge from which we are inspired. Throughout these days there was also a handy debriefing activity as well as feedback giving groups. Every day`s activities were closed in cozy reflection groups. After several intensive days well deserved free time arrived – some participants went for a hike to the highest parts of the mountains, bringing with them a whole new array of impressions from the mountain peaks, as well as taking some amazing pictures.

Soon after, there came the time to serve the ideas and activities we have prepared, in a long practice day, where the participants got to jump into the shoes of the facilitators, facing challenges unknown to them before. They had to engage, entertain and educate, on subjects such as sustainability, social engagement, intercultural learning and personal development, all in the wondrous surroundings of the Naturefriends House Larribère.

The Cooking day was a success. All of the participants had a unique way to go about their workshops, and managed very well. After the long day, after a good night’s rest, came the day of reflection and feedback, where participants reflected on their workshops and gave feedback to one another about what was good and what can be improved, they reflected on them as facilitators and their place in the world of the non-formal education.

As the training came to an end, with the sun setting over the beautiful Pyrenean mountains, slowly glistening over the horizon, we gathered together around a warm, crackling campfire with newfound knowledge and plans for the future.

This activity was kindly supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe.

Written and published by our EVS Volunteer, Dushko Janakiev.