Training and lecturing

We provide tailor-made training in the topics of our program areas (i.e. conflict transformation, civic participation, and global education), in organizational development, and training focused on soft skills (i.e. strategy planning, leadership, facilitation, evaluation, and more).

We work with public officials, businesses, NGOs, and a mixed audience. Our approach is based on participatory learning. Participants in more than 50 countries worldwide have experienced our trainings and many of them have become our friends or partners over the years.

References:

• For the fourth year we continue to train PhD students and junior researchers of the SAV (Slovak Academy of Science) in presentation skills. Courses in both English and Slovak have become a regular part of their education. Courses have been conducted both online and live, and we have collaborated in the development of a curriculum for "Skills for Life" for young scientists. We trained them in the topics such as leadership and cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
• During the year 2022, in cooperation with the research institute VÚDPaP, we trained 80 school psychologists, special and social pedagogues from school support teams from dozens of primary schools, as well as more than 60 professional employees of psychological and counseling centres. The online training "Orientation and work online" was part of the projects Coordination of School Support Teams and Coordination in Methodological Guidance. In conjunction with the evaluated distance learning assignments, this training contributed to more effective inclusion of children with special educational needs, even at times when face-to-face teaching was not possible. We will continue our cooperation with VÚDPaP in 2023.
• In 2020 and 2021 we carried out series of online trainings for The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) which prepared online educational activities for thirty non-governmental organisations across 5 countries of the Eastern Partnership. We carried out the trainings on the topic of civic activism with the use of gamification, crowdfunding and crowdsourcing and other topics focused on the development of civic society.
• On the request of the Ministry of Interior SR and the Council of Europe we have conducted a series of online training sessions for mayors of Slovak municipalities. Training course named Good Local Government Academy consisted of 72 hours of online lessons on leadership, crisis management, public participation, and other topics related to good governance on the local level. In 2020 - during the most difficult pandemic time, 52 mayors or other local representatives took part in this training course.
• Místní akční skupiny - MAS (Local Action Groups) in the Czech Republic: We have conducted several training sessions for people working with local governments and civic initiatives, mostly in facilitation skills, participation, and community development. Altogether, more than 100 employees participated in our trainings conducted during the time period of 2016-2022.
• Via Foundation in the Czech Republic: We have trained people in facilitation, conflict approaches in communities, and civic participation within their projects in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
• Partners in Albania: Within several projects, we have trained local NGO leaders in advocacy and networking skills.
• Local governments in Ukraine: We have provided training in the principles of citizen participation and conflict transformation to representatives of municipalities from all over the country (e.g. Chernihiv, Uzhgorod, Odessa, Kherson, Bakhmut, Dobropilie, and Lviv).
• Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic: We have conducted several role-playing projects with the university’s students on the topic of international conflict resolution.
• Sharing Perspectives Foundation, the Netherlands: We have participated as authors of online learning modules in intercultural dialogue.
• European Federation of Neurological Associations: We have trained a group of patient organizations in corporate and online fundraising (Romania).