The "Do It Yourself!" training course, 11-19 March 2025, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, brought together youth workers from across Europe for an intensive and immersive learning experience focused on creative facilitation methods. Held at the Youtopia Center in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, the training provided participants with a dynamic space to deepen their understanding of group processes, gain confidence in leading activities, and explore a wide range of non-formal education tools. The program placed a strong emphasis on theatrical simulations and improvisational exercises, which allowed participants to actively test facilitation techniques, experiment with group dynamics, and receive constructive feedback in real time. Through interactive sessions and reflective practices, participants developed practical skills in managing group energy, promoting inclusion, and handling unexpected challenges.
The training was designed not simply as a skills course, but as a transformative experience rooted in participation and peer learning. The approach encouraged each youth worker to take initiative, co-create the flow of the sessions, and tap into their creativity when responding to the needs of a group. Improvisational theater was used not only as a method for energizing and engaging participants, but also as a powerful tool for understanding the fluid and responsive nature of effective facilitation. With a strong community-building component, the course fostered a safe environment where participants could take risks, learn from each other, and grow both personally and professionally.
- Practical experience with creative facilitation tools including improvisational theatre
- Skill-building in non-formal education, conflict navigation, and group management
- Safe, peer-led space to explore and reflect on facilitation roles and styles
