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Reflecting on TOAST: Training of a Senior Trainers in Communication
In May 2024, Co.Wonders organized the Training of A Senior Trainer in Communication (TOAST) in rural Galicia, Spain. This five-day program brought together trainers, youth workers, and educators from across Europe to improve their communication skills and share practical tools for their work.
TOAST was created to address the challenges trainers face in communicating effectively, managing group dynamics, and presenting complex ideas in a way that resonates with their audiences. The training aimed to help participants strengthen their skills in storytelling, nonviolent communication, and group facilitation, with a focus on creating better understanding and collaboration.
Over five days, participants explored creative and practical approaches to communication. They worked on activities like understanding group dynamics, using art to express ideas, and presenting concepts in new and engaging ways. Participants also created tools from everyday objects and shared their experiences through collaborative cooking sessions.
The program wasn’t just about learning new techniques. It was also about building connections. Participants spent time discussing their challenges, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
TOAST gave participants communication tools and also a supportive community and fresh perspectives to bring back to their work. By the end of the training, participants felt more confident and equipped to address challenges in their roles as trainers, educators, and youth workers. They shared about the training:
“I am thankful for awakening my communication skills, my path began here.”
“I am leaving this training inspired and empowered with a bag of tools and techniques to use for my personal and professional communication.”
“I feel like I have a lot of homework to do, as I got to know more tools. It brought awareness in some aspects and reminded me of some things that I forgot.”
“It opened up my horizons for what communication can include and offer.”
What ’s next?
Scheduled for later this year, we are excited to announce the upcoming Nuraghi Training, focusing on communication, community, and storytelling. The program will provide youth workers with skills in strategic communication and social marketing, equipping them to amplify the impact of their projects. Stay tuned for more details and an opportunity to join this innovative training! educators, and youth workers. They shared about the training: