Causeland Ambassadors was a two-month innovative gamified training program,
based on the successful experience of the
New Media Ambassadors, program created by
GEYC in 2013, making it the 10th edition. From 69 enrolled, 23 passed the
mid-program check with 18 successfully graduating it and 5 receiving the Magna
cum laude distinction.
During this program, participants joined a learning networking and learning
private digital space, where they could access various resources and solve
various individual and team tasks. The training team provided constructive
feedback to each of them and encouraged peer-to-peer learning, so a continuous
development process was fostered. The 8 modules covered various topics such as
Establishing an NGO, Social Entrepreneurship, Strategy and planning, Budget
& Reporting, Team leadership & Management, Communication and Public
Relations, Digital competencies, and Human Resources. Thus, through this
practical training for youth, we promoted, developed and enriched the NGO
sector among young people.
Testimonials
It was a great learning experience which has enriched my perspective on how
NGOs work. Team cohesion is very important, as the team is only as strong as
its weakest team member… that's why it is important that all team members'
opinions are taken into consideration and that the team shares a common
goal. I have been reminded once again that communication is key to both
personal and professional life. (Daniela, Romania, NMA10)
I have always struggled with time management, but I believe that this
project has continuously pushed me to do my work and submit it within the
given deadline. I also appreciate that we were provided with digital
competence tests, because it is truly important to know what your strengths
and weaknesses are and what to work on. (Cristina, Bulgaria, NMA10)
I’m normally behind the camera, not in front of it. But I appreciated an
opportunity to leave my comfort zone, so pitching our ideas in a short video
was mostly about that for me—leaving one’s comfort zone—which otherwise
could have been accomplished in writing. Watching other people’s videos was
so cool! (A.M, Iceland, NMA10)
Attending this online camp was very important both to have a better
understanding on where I am in my NGO learning journey, learning new tools
and concepts and setting my next steps in this world. I have now quite a
long list of digital tools to master and to spread with the people I am
working with. I have refreshed the importance of both soft and hard skills
and tools in the life of an organisation and a person. Most of all, I have
received input that will help me and my future team to better manage time,
resources and have a deeper insight on the different levels that compose a
NGO, especially on the legal level, which I did not know and I am even more
interested in digging into. (E.I, Italy)
The program was created under the framework of the KA2 Erasmus+ project –
Get to know the NGO sector - Lead the Change - Causeland. The project
is run by a consortium with four participating countries, namely Romania
(GEYC), Italy (Tu First), Iceland (North Consulting) and Bulgaria (Bfree and
Concepti) and aims to develop training materials and guidelines that can be
used by organizations in Europe and worldwide to provide their target audience
with knowledge about the NGO sector, focusing on soft skills (teamwork,
interpersonal and communication skills, time management, etc.) and practical
knowledge. This way the employability of the youth will be fostered, and the
NGO sector will get more prepared professionals.