TOSCA - European Solidarity Corps' course with the attendance of Gordius Learning

In July, a colleague of Gordius Learning Plc. participated in the 2-week-long online international course, Training and Support for Organizations in European Solidarity Corps Activities (hereinafter: TOSCA), which was supported by the European Solidarity Corps (hereinafter: ESC) and organised by the Croatian National Office. The programme has focused on training regarding the operational steps of volunteering and on how to host volunteers. The knowledge gained was transferred by our project coordinator to other colleagues of our organisation through internal trainings.


Source: https://goalive.eu/european-solidarity-corps/

TOSCA is an international training which aims to support and develop organisations involved in the actions of the European Solidarity Corps. The programme emphasises the need of volunteering by providing a space for international professional dialogue with a strong emphasis on demonstrating that the impact and benefits of volunteer work on global society. The ESC activities and associated trainings are designed to build a network of professionals across Europe who can work together to promote equal opportunities for marginalised groups by raising awareness on values such as the mutual understanding, active citizenship, social inclusion, as well as methodology of inclusive approach and equal treatment.

TOSCA organisers selected one candidate from each EU member state, bringing the training to an international level, providing a strong legitimacy of European perspectives. It was a great pleasure and honour for Gordius Learning to have one of our colleagues representing Hungary. In the 6 sessions of the 2-week-long work plan, both closed and open lectures were held. During the closed sessions only selected participants could attend, while the open sessions were open to other colleagues from the participating organisations.

This year, the programme was delivered in an unconventional, online format, which, due to the practical nature of the training requiring continuous attendance and an open attitude throughout supplemented with the active usage of online meeting tools meant no difficulty for the attendees. Our colleague participated in several paired and small group exercises working with others to learn about international good practices in the field of volunteering. Moreover, participants worked with delegates from different organisations on each course, making valuable contacts at international level:

"One of the best parts of the programme was the chance of working on creative assignments requiring analytical and critical thinking with people who not only have a huge professional experience, but who believe passionately in what their organisation is doing. Therefore, in addition to good practices and organisational perspectives that I had not known before, I have got a lot of inspiration and motivation to achieve my goals for the future. I am honoured to be able to support our team at Gordius Learning by learning from such professionals!"
(Marianna Szabó, Erasmus project coordinator)

Completing the training required engaging in the sessions, as well as solving tests at a highest possible level. Those who successfully completed all of these requirements were awarded a YOUTHPASS certificate, recognising their participation and their persistent individual and teamwork during the course.

In Gordius Learning Plc. we pay particular attention to the promotion of volunteering, EU projects and programmes, as well as raising awareness on EU and Erasmus values. Our aim is to become an active participant in the network of the organisations of the European Solidarity Corps in the close future.