From 20 to 27 September 2026, 28 participants came together in Portugal for the Holistic Trainer Lab, a week dedicated to learning, experimentation and professional development in the field of youth work.
Organised as part of the Holistic Trainer 2.0 project, the Lab was designed differently from a classical training course. It created space for trainers to exchange experiences, test ideas, reflect on their own practice and contribute to the development of tools and materials for the wider trainer community.
Throughout the week, participants explored six key areas of trainer life: Holistic Strategies, Creativity, Community, Values & Activism, Recognition and Continuous Learning & Personal Growth. Sessions addressed topics such as boundary setting, energy management, personal and professional growth, trainer recognition, values in practice and creative approaches to facilitation. The programme combined structured sessions with mentoring, peer exchange and community-based activities. Participants also shared their trainer pathways, reflected on mistakes and lessons learned, exchanged practical tools and contributed feedback to the Survival Guide, MOOC development and mentoring guidelines being developed within the project.
More than anything, the Lab highlighted the importance of community in youth work. It offered participants time to connect, slow down, reflect and think about how trainers can remain creative, sustainable and supported in their work.
The week concluded with evaluation, shared reflections and a final “harvest” of ideas, experiences and learning, leaving participants with new tools, new perspectives and stronger professional connections to carry into their future youth work practice.
🇪🇺 Co-funded by the European Union through JUGEND für Europa, the German National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
