Being part of such a wide and active network like YEU means opportunities for personal and professional growth are just around the corner for those eager to dive into the adventure! And then somewhere in the middle perhaps you find yourself progressing from the role of the participant to the role of a trainer as well! My role in the "Eurogaming2010" project began with my participation during the first step of Eurogames in England, during which I collaborated as an expert to update the Eurogames booklet. After that, I participated in the relevant training course in Rome, Italy and I also took part in Palermo’s public action during the second training course and accompanied the participants as they paid a visit to my organization of Young Deaf People (CGSI) in Palermo.
My last step within the Eurogames project was the last training course during "The University on Youth and Development" that took place in Spain. This time I wasn’t a participant but my role was the one of a Junior Trainer. The training brought wonderful results, and for this reason the Institute Portuguêse da Juventude (Faro), YEU and the Forum Nazionale dei Giovani (Italy) proposed the implementation of the “Launching Seminar of Eurogames 2010: NFE in action-increasing inclusiveness in Youth work and Volunteering”. During the seminar, my role was to be an expert on inclusion and working with people with difabilities.
On the actual day of the seminar, we started introducing the participants: different managers from organizations in Faro and cities close to Faro, and other people interested in the topic or currently working with people with disabilities. The two trainers, Andreia Henriques and Rui Afonso, together with the EVS volunteers, were part of the team in charge of the event. All participants were very interested in inclusion matters and received new information and tools to utilize in their own organisations. At the end of the programme, we shared our contacts and agreed to continue collaboration.
Ylenia Settipani