Insights from the Erasmus+ Coaching Training in Lithuania

From January 11-17, 2024, our partner Musninkai Rural Community hosted participants from nine European countries in the charming town of Širvintos, Lithuania, for an empowering event that left a lasting impact on youth leadership development. The Erasmus+ training course, "Coaching as a Tool for Improving Leadership Skills," brought together 27 enthusiastic youth workers eager to elevate their leadership capabilities through innovative coaching techniques.

A Transformative Experience

This immersive training course focused on the transformative power of coaching to enhance youth leadership. Unlike traditional leadership methods that often focus on instructing, coaching empowers individuals to discover and develop their strengths, fostering a more supportive and dynamic leadership style. This shift from directive leadership to a more nurturing approach was a central theme of the training.

Educational leadership specialist Raukaitė Rita highlighted the importance of integrating coaching methods into leadership, emphasizing that skills such as active listening, giving feedback, and collaborative task implementation are crucial. The course provided a rich environment for participants to develop these competencies, vital for guiding young leaders in both rural and urban settings.

Participants and Objectives

Representing ONDE were three dedicated Italian youth workers and leaders—Barbara, Fabrizio and Matteo—who joined peers from across Europe to delve into the world of coaching. The training course was structured around several key objectives:

Develop Transformational Leadership Skills through Coaching:

• Participants learned how to inspire and motivate others, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
  

Deepen Knowledge of Coaching Techniques for Youth Leadership:

• The course offered a comprehensive exploration of various coaching methods, tailored to enhance youth leadership.

Utilize Digital Tools for Efficient Group and Individual Coaching:

• Attendees mastered digital coaching techniques, leveraging technology to connect and support youth effectively.

Improve Cultural Communication and Leadership Skills through Art Coaching:

• The training incorporated creative arts to enhance cultural competence and leadership capabilities.

Outcomes and Reflections

The training course was a resounding success, providing youth workers and leaders with the tools and insights needed to apply coaching techniques in their work. Participants left Širvintos not only with enhanced leadership skills but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies to empower the youth they serve.

Studies have shown the significant need for developing coaching skills among youth workers to foster effective youth leadership. This training course addressed this need head-on, equipping participants with the expertise to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Continued Enhanced Learning

To extend the benefits of this training to a broader audience, our partners have developed a comprehensive Toolkit. This resource is packed with sample non-formal education activities designed to provide practical applications of the coaching techniques covered during the training. Whether you are a youth worker, leader, or volunteer, the Toolkit is an invaluable resource for enhancing your leadership skills and empowering the youth you work with.

Download the Toolkit Now!

Continue the Journey

Although this training in Širvintos has concluded, the journey of learning and development continues with ONDE. Visit our Open Projects page for the most current available opportunities through us or our trusted partners.

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"Coaching as a Tool for Improving Leadership Skills" was coordinated by Musninkai Rural Community and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.