Training Workshop for Volunteers of the "Elpis" Club

On May 23-26, 2013, volunteers of the "Elpis" club, as well as "newcomers" wishing to join our volunteer club, had the opportunity to participate in two training sessions within the project "Prevention of Human Trafficking with Consideration of Gender Aspects among Student Youth of Brest." Over four days, we were trained and shared experience by Irina Volkova, Deputy Chairperson of the NGO "Club of Business Women," who simultaneously formed a new team. The first training, held on May 23-24, was aimed at preparing volunteers to conduct educational events for forming gender culture among youth; the goal of the second training, held on May 25-26, was to prepare volunteers to conduct preventive measures against human trafficking with consideration of gender aspects based on the principle of "peer teaching peer."

The trainings were held at the dormitory of the UO "BrSU named after A.S. Pushkin." The opening took place with the direct participation of L.N. Istomova, Chairperson of the NGO "Club of Business Women," who provided information about the organization's activities, the goal of the training organized for us, detailed information about the upcoming joint work, and also reported on the implementation of the project as a whole by A.P. Dobrodey, Head of the "Elpis" volunteer club.

During the training, in addition to involving volunteers in a new topic, previously acquired knowledge and skills of coaching work among youth were systematized. Significant help was provided by guides developed by I.Yu. Volkova, as well as by "Elpis" club volunteers, which contain theoretical material necessary for volunteers' work, games, and exercises for reinforcing it. Undoubtedly useful were all the exercises, games, and tasks performed during the seminar by the volunteers themselves, since for many, not only the information but also the format of work "training" was previously unknown. Detailed modules for conducting trainings, aimed at specific age groups of youth and educational institutions, were also developed.

It is obvious that the training was successful, as all volunteers not only expanded their knowledge but also managed to become friends, thus enriching the ranks of the "Elpis" club volunteers.

More photos are available in the "photo gallery" section, as well as in the contact group http://vk.com/volunteer.club.elpis.