The participants included the EVS, member and staff of each partner organization. Hosted in Quito by FPEC, Ecuador, the training was mainly based on non-formal learning methods and peer to peer approach such as debates and role-play workshops, learning by doing, visual facilitation and participative evaluation. 

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These tools were combined with some more theoretical moments, in order to achieve the objectives of this training:

• Create a common vision of what is an international workcamp of volunteers and its educative outcomes

• Reflect on how to create a workshop based on non-formal learning and share a maximum of non-formal tools.

• Foster a team spirit between EVS and staff

• Understand and experience what are the main topics to tackle in a Workcamp leader’s training.

 

The training had two main parts: the first half was focused on what is a Workcamp and what are the main topics to tackle in a camp leader’s training. The second one was focused on non-formal learning: the participants were divided in groups and each group prepared and implemented a workshop based on non-formal learning methodology. 

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This phase provided both EVS and local staff with new skills and tools, which will be useful in order to implement non-formal education based trainings and workshops. One of the first tasks of the volunteers was to create a handbook of this training. The handbook was used as a guide during their project and has also been disseminated in our network.

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Visiting Chiriboga

During the training course in Ecuador, participants visited the natural reserve of Chiriboga. This activity allowed them to reflect on the touristic dimension of workcamps and the importance of the impact in local communities.

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Workcamp experience

During the training, participants did a mini workcamp in order to implement actions and reflect on the productivity dimension of a workcamp.