Faciliteasy

Facilitate with confidence, adapt with creativity, lead with empathy.

“Faciliteasy” was an Erasmus+ Training Course held in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, between 23 February – 3 March 2026, bringing together youth workers from Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, and Greece to develop their facilitation, leadership, and NGO management skills through non-formal education and learning by doing. The training began with team-building activities and creative exercises inspired by theatre and storytelling, setting a collaborative and open atmosphere for the entire week. Participants explored the city of Plovdiv, gaining inspiration from its history and cultural energy, which they later integrated into the development of their own workshop concepts. Throughout the project, participants engaged in deep reflection on real-life youth work challenges, sharing experiences and transforming them into theatrical characters that simulated common group dynamics such as uncooperative participants, language barriers, or lack of engagement. Working in mixed-nationality teams, they designed and facilitated innovative workshops, including creative documentary production, music-based collaboration sessions, communication exercises, and trust-building simulations. Activities such as “Wild Films”, “Junkyard Orchestra Battle”, “Verbal vs Non-Verbal Communication”, “Blind Conflict”, and “Quiz Show: Who Knows?” challenged facilitators to adapt in real time, manage conflicts, and maintain inclusive learning environments while participants actively played complex roles. A special cultural highlight was the celebration of Martenitsa / Martisor and participation in the Martenitsa Parade in Stara Zagora, alongside intercultural evenings that strengthened group cohesion. The project concluded with reflection sessions, evaluation, and the Youthpass ceremony, marking the end of an intensive learning experience. As a final outcome, participants co-created a practical facilitation book, gathering workshops, methods, and tips to be shared with the wider youth work community.

Throughout the training course, participants developed essential facilitation competences such as adaptability, problem-solving, communication, empathy, and group management. By working in simulated environments and facing real-life challenges, youth workers improved their ability to handle difficult group dynamics, adjust activities on the spot, and create inclusive and engaging learning spaces. The experience strengthened their confidence as facilitators and provided them with practical tools to deliver impactful non-formal education activities in their future work.