Training with Alexandra Kurišová

This training focused on developing facilitation skills in the field of non-formal education. We explored different learning styles and how to adapt our teaching approaches to them. The goal was to increase interactivity and effectiveness through active and experiential methods. We discussed the importance of informality, interaction, and practical application of knowledge when working with diverse participant groups. The training highlighted the need for conscious group dynamics management and adapting to individual learning needs. In the end, we reflected on what we had learned and drew inspiration for our own facilitation practice.

Training with Michal Kuciak and Mariana Manojlović

This session was focused on developing project management and leadership skills in practice. Participants gained insight into effective problem-solving in teams, communication, and motivation. Emphasis was placed on understanding project dynamics, planning, milestone setting, and change management across different project environments (agile vs. waterfall). The importance of stakeholder engagement and risk management was also discussed. The training emphasized transparency, self-reflection, and an adaptive approach in team leadership. Participants left with concrete tips for preventing burnout and enhancing personal responsibility in project work.

Training on Self-Awareness and Communication

This session focused on self-awareness, communication skills, and deeper understanding of emotions and values. Through experiential activities, participants learned to build trust, practice active listening, and communicate effectively. The program encouraged personal reflection, self-knowledge, and awareness of one’s own and others’ emotions in interpersonal interaction. It also emphasized understanding individual values and how they influence relationships and decision-making. The training provided a safe space for sharing experiences, feedback, and jointly formulating key communication principles. Participants concluded by reflecting on their learning and left with practical takeaways for personal and professional growth.

Training on Design Thinking

The training was aimed at developing innovative thinking and design thinking problem-solving skills. Participants learned to identify real user needs through active listening and working with emotions. Emphasis was placed on idea generation, solution testing, and improvement based on feedback. Through practical activities, they practiced the process from problem discovery to prototype creation and presentation. The training supported teamwork, creativity, and adaptability in changing conditions. Participants left equipped with tools and approaches for applying innovation in their own practice.

This session focused on developing skills in stress management, negotiation strategies, and effective communication. Participants learned techniques to recognize stressors and manage them using practical methods. Simulated negotiation scenarios helped train key skills and receive feedback. In the communication segment, focus was placed on active listening, building trust, and clear expression. The training encouraged personal growth and self-awareness in high-pressure and negotiation situations. Participants left with stronger skills in stress management, negotiation, and communication. Feedback was collected to further improve the methodology.

This session focused on practical strategies for stress management and strengthening mental resilience. Through creative and experiential activities, participants learned techniques for identifying and processing stress. Mindfulness exercises helped support inner balance and awareness of personal reactions. The training also included cultural integration activities between Slovak and Polish participants, fostering mutual understanding. The program emphasized the combination of personal development and intercultural learning. Participants left with tools for more effective stress management and improving their quality of life.

The bootcamp focused on conscious use of social media and its impact on mental health. Topics included stress management, safe online communication, and building healthy self-esteem beyond the digital space. Practical workshops showed how to recognize and respond to hate speech and disinformation. The program combined expert knowledge with experiential activities, creative reflection, and cultural exchange. Emphasis was placed on critical thinking, emotional resilience, and mindful social media behavior. Participants left with practical tools for healthier digital and personal lives.

The Practice Trials 2 event was focused on developing critical thinking, mental well-being, and effective social media use. Participants learned how to create impactful content, set goals using the SMART method, and manage personal branding. Discussions included the role of algorithms in shaping mental health and how to resist them consciously. Workshops enhanced stress management and burnout prevention skills. A practical output was the creation of social media videos applying the acquired knowledge. Participants left with new tools for responsible media use and personal resilience.

Outputs from activities presented to general and expert public.

The final event, “M2 – Final Project Meeting,” focused on evaluating acquired skills and formally closing the project. Participants systematically reviewed knowledge gained in youth work and mental resilience. The facilitator used various evaluation techniques to deepen understanding and application. The session also addressed finances, outputs, and documentation required for final reporting. Younger participants were also involved in the project evaluation, gaining valuable project management experience. The meeting supported reflection on achievements and better preparation for future projects.

The training took place within the Beyond Future Skills project and focused on non-formal education in youth work. Participants were introduced to the psychological concepts behind non-formal learning and received practical tips for applying them. In groups, they planned and prepared their own educational activities, including facilitation and evaluation. The training concluded with a reflection and feedback session on the content and structure of the educational methods.

This online training focused on the topic of digital citizenship. Participants worked in groups on concepts such as citizenship, digitalization, and empathy, later linking them to the DigComp digital competence framework. They discussed behavior in online spaces, respect, and critical thinking. The training concluded with participants sharing their own interpretations of digital citizenship through images and providing feedback.

Held simultaneously in Slovakia and Italy, this training covered two main topics: digital security and critical thinking. Participants learned about phishing, password leaks, personal data protection, and recognizing fake emails. The second part focused on identifying hoaxes—how to verify sources, recognize manipulative language, and critically engage with information. Practical advice and safety tips for the online environment were emphasized.

This training targeted high school students and focused on digital competencies, online marketing, digital safety, and critical thinking. Participants practiced writing CVs and motivation letters, identifying online threats, and verifying information through interactive activities and games. Outputs included posters summarizing their learnings and a feedback survey via QR code. The session was shared between Slovakia and Italy, testing the acquired skills.

Held in both countries, this session focused on managing overthinking, anger, and stress. Participants explored emotional intelligence, how to recognize and process emotions, understand the roots of anger, and apply techniques such as reframing and forgiveness. The trainer also introduced stress management strategies based on what we can control: love it, change it, or leave it. Group feedback at the end reflected high satisfaction.

This session focused on work-life balance, habit formation, and dealing with procrastination. Through practical exercises, participants explored their values, learned techniques for establishing and maintaining habits, and identified internal motivation. They also discussed personality types and their needs in planning and task execution. The final section covered concrete strategies for overcoming procrastination and managing time effectively.

Aimed at female university students, this training addressed mental health, stress, anger, work-life balance, and procrastination. Participants practiced breathing and visualization techniques for stress, differentiated between stress and anxiety, and worked through anger using transactional analysis. The second part included assertiveness training and procrastination strategies. The final activity involved creating bulletin-style outputs summarizing what they had learned. The training reinforced the knowledge gained by both organizations.

This training focused on skills for the 21st century and conflict resolution. Participants discussed changes in the labor market, the impact of technology, globalization, and the development of future competencies. The second part explored conflict types, behavior styles in dispute resolution, effective communication, and transactional analysis. Practical activities and role-play helped participants understand how conflicts arise and how to handle them constructively.

This training centered on career counseling and personal growth. Participants explored four key techniques: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, SWOT analysis, the OCEAN personality model, and Holland’s career typologies. A guest speaker shared their career development journey, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, responsibility, and motivation. The session concluded with steps for designing a successful project from goal setting to evaluation. The session reinforced the final thematic block on 21st-century skills and labor market opportunities.

The training served to consolidate final knowledge from the last thematic block on 21st-century skills and labor market opportunities.

The final conference took place in Terchová and focused on deepening cooperation between the Slovak and Italian teams within the Beyond Future Skills project. The program included informal activities, a LinkedIn training, hiking in the Malá Fatra National Park, and discussions on project outcomes. Participants evaluated both strengths and weaknesses of each activity and confirmed that a non-formal approach works better for volunteers and target groups. Future cooperation and final administrative processing were also discussed.