This is the summary of the educational impact from DBYN’s training course "Youth Guardians: Integrating Mental Health and Safeguarding in Youth Work". This training course took place 23-29/03/2024 at the CRH Farnières, Grand-Halleux (Belgium) with the support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. This summary shows the self-assessment of the educational impact by the participants after attending the study session, based on an online survey.

During the study session "Advocacy in Action: Safeguarding a sustainable and peaceful future", the participants have been working on their own advocacy initiatives. These can be found below.

Rise: Design for emergent futures was a study session organised in cooperation with the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg and the Council of Europe and its Youth Department. It took place in November 2023 and a few participants took the mic' to tell us more.
Thank you Beatrice, Lina, Immanuel, Víctor, Pablo, Marieke, Marica, Keith, Simon and Gal for your words and Rafael for filming and editing.

Auberie, staff member of DBYN, has also participated in this training course. Here's her testimony.
I have had the pleasure to participate in this training course organised by Friends of Don Bosco in Malta with participants from various different paths, all interested in the topic of mentoring and wanting to improve their skills for a better accompaniment of young people.
I liked how the training was organised: we have been given a lot of theoritical background but also space to reflect on both the learning and past experiences in our work or volunteering. The diversity of the participants was also something that was enriching. We could build on all of our collective experiences and learn from each other. Some had already some mentoring experience, we had participants active in youth work, others in teaching, some in policy and we were all there to improve and know more for the benefit of the young people we are with.
The trainers and experts gave us a lot of input on trauma, attachment theory but also the position of the mentor. We reflected a lot on the qualities of a good mentor. We also got tools to reflect on our personal life that we can also use with our mentees.
I was very happy to be there and am grateful for the knowledge this gives me.

The year 2023 is drawing to a close and it can certainly be said that it has been a year full of exciting international events for our members and volunteers from all over Europe. Highly formative experiences that represent important opportunities for reflection and intercultural exchange for all our young people!
 
And it is just in the last few days, from 26 November to 2 December 2023, that the last international activity of this year took place: the training course "Rise: Design for emerging futures", organised by Don Bosco Youth-Net, in cooperation with the Council of Europe's Youth Department, and hosted at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg (France).
We will know have the testimonies of three Italian participants, who represented our member TGS Nazionale:Beatrice from the local TGS group Macerata (Macerata), Nancy from the FMA Institute "Maria Ausiliatrice" (Catania) and Gabriele from the TGS Don Bosco group Salerno (Salerno) took part in it.

"When I was given the opportunity to participate in this study session in Strasbourg I thought what many people would think: 'I"ll try, if they won't accept/pick me, at least I will have tried'.
This choice to try was made on the basis of personal curiosity: having studied pedagogy and having read the general programme, I thought it would be an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Indeed it was.
The topics we covered, the way they were presented, the interactions with the trainers and the other volunteers was something that left me with so much.
On a professional level, I assimilated new methodologies for tackling problems and finding solutions, I internalised new methods that can be used in training and beyond, I delved into human rights and the contexts in which they must be applied.
On a human level, I made friends with truly wonderful people with whom I shared unique moments, "High Level" moments, to borrow one of the most used aphorisms of this beautiful week. "
Nancy, Catania

Yout(h)echnology was a very interesting and nice experience. It was full of networking as well as sharing experiences on different paths of Technology.
Compared to previous DBYN activities such as school of animators the difference was that many people here were not animators but yet still had a different way of helping their youth organisations whether it comes to technical or technological stuff and were active volunteers for their organisations, together with everyone I have managed to share experiences, and learn new apps to use for our youth projects.
​Nua, Montenegro

As an international individual who left everything in her country and came to Italy to embark on an adventure, it was one of the most significant experiences I have had. It provided a comprehensive experience from various perspectives, particularly for young people.
Professionally, the Yout(h)echnology course was intriguing to me as it clarified the methods and models of technology, including the essential risk elements associated with using the internet in today's world. The course covered various topics such as social media, tools and skills for promoting and establishing personal organisations on mobile phones and computers, GDPR guidelines, photo and video editing, among others. This knowledge served as an excellent foundation for entering the modern market through the right channels. Additionally, the materials and activities we shared among ourselves enhanced our understanding and knowledge.
On the social side, we were fortunate to have encountered exceptional trainers and participants who were all part of the productive youth in the Salesian community. There was a sense of equality and respect among us and the trainers, which facilitated productive communication and provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about different cultures. Despite the language differences, we approached one another with respect, affection, and understanding, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The coordinators further encouraged and motivated us.
On a personal level, I cherish the beautiful memories and laughter we shared. I gained new vocabulary and knowledge that expanded my understanding. Moreover, I formed new friendships and found a sense of belonging within the DBYN community. The activities I engaged in during my time may even become part of my future career. I hope to have the opportunity to relive this experience again. Overall, this opportunity was a productive experience in all respects to build professional and social life.
​​Mireaf, Italy

We had a fantastic experience with Don Bosco Youth Network in their Yout(h)enology seminar in Benediktbeuern, Germany. We met amazing people from Europe, learning about their cultures and Salesian organisations. We got to learn what DBYN is, what they do and all the opportunities that they provide. The training itself was very informative and covered several subjects such as understanding what GDPR is, the advantages and risks that technology brings to the youth, and introduced to several new tools and skills to help us within our respective organisations. The Salesian spirit was radiant throughout the seminar which created amazing new friendships, a sense of belonging and everlasting memories. We cannot wait for the next opportunity!
​Owen, Joseph and Kyle, Malta

Let's have some participants of the European Summer School of Animators share about their experience.

Hi, I’m Sabrina and I wanted to tell you what this week meant for me. I would like to say that I promised myself that I would be amazed without too many demands. As soon as I arrived I immediately felt welcomed and I do not deny that I had a lot of anxiety about my level of English. I immediately noticed that both the team and the other animators have always tried to help me without ever putting me in difficulty. I can definitely define this experience as one of the best in my life, in addition to growing as an animator I got to know great people with stories and experiences that leave more than you can think. I would recommend to anyone an experience like this even to the most shy because it is an environment where at least I have never felt judged. In addition, we also had the opportunity to compare, dance, sing, play and have fun together creating relationships and ties even at a distance of km and hours.
(Sabrina, Italy)

I had lots of expectations regarding this week and all of the activities that we were going to do as I had the timetable, those expectations wasn't only fulfilled but surpassed. I had a great time in every activity and that was amazing, but what surprised me the most and made this week as enjoyable as it has been was all of us working together and sharing lots of moments, it almost felt like a family and I won't forget all of the things that we created
(Oisik, Spain)

I wouldn't give up this experience for anything in the world. I adore that anyone can find a place for themselves there, no matter their background or previous experiences in youth work. During my time there, I met many people who are animators just like me, and I had the opportunity to exchange ideas and listen to different points of view on various topics. It was a great learning experience, and I had so much fun!
(Rok, Slovenia)

Thank you for invaluable experience. At the school of animators we shared our traditions, ideas and projects. It was so nice to know more about teambuilding, TEAM PACO and to discovered new methods of non-formal education. We became a real friendly team, knew more about the games of different countries. Thank you for an amazing intercultural evening with food, singing and dancing ❤️And also for visiting Don Bosco Church and the museum. It was really great to be in the same place, where he [Don Bosco] was. I collected all memories about beautiful Rome and its places of interest. Thank you for the programme, for your care and kindness. Remember all what we do and will leave it in my heart forever. With love from Ukraine.
(Irina, Ukraine)

I felt so proud that I am a part of Salesian-animator community. This project reminded me of why I became an animator and what it means to truly be one while also following the path of Don Bosco. It was a nice experience meeting everyone and being able to share our positive animator energy and experiences. Looking forward to more experiences like this one ☺
(Nua, Montenegro)

During the study session 'Advocates for Education' trainers, experts and participants used flip charts as a tool to explain certain topics and ideas to each other. This document is a collection of these posters, organized per subject.