Educational Toolkit 2022/23

From April till May a series of Interactive Educational Trainings were implemented with the support of the trainer and Expert Maria Mavronikola. The trainings took place all over Cyprus with a focus on rural areas (Pafos, Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Mountain Region).

The content of the workshop was developed by the trainer/expert Maria Mavronicola, a long-time youth worker and experienced trainer in non-formal education. The sessions which were developed were based on non-formal educational methodologies and experiential learning, which would engage the participants and provide an easier way of learning the topic in hand, which might have been complex and unknown to them. The workshop combined various methodologies throughout its duration, including formal, and non-formal methodologies. It began with an introduction of welcoming the participants and explaining the context, topic of the project and going through the programme of this specific workshop (Annex 4). Following a mind map activity, the trainer was able to encourage brainstorming on the topic of the workshop and opened a discussion on the interconnectedness of sustainable food production and the implications of CAP on the environment and the lives of individuals.

Getting to know each other

Name game / Energizer
Duration10’Objectives
Number of participantsN/AFor the group and the facilitator to introduce themselvesTo break the ice and create a relaxed and friendly atmosphereTo energize the group
Materials/ equipment/ settingSufficient clear space for the participants to stand in circle
Preparation
N/A
Instructions
All the participants stand in a circle.In the first round everyone shares their name and some fun fact about themselvesIn the second round everyone repeats the name and fun fact of the person standing on their right hand side. In the third round the participants need to point to a person while saying their name. The named person needs to dack down and the participants on their left and right need to say the name of each other. The slowest one or whoever makes a mistake, leaves the circle. The game continues until there are only two people left in the circle
Debriefing
N/A
Tips for Facilitators
Instead of a fun fact, the participants may share anything else they want, something that caught their attention on that day, how they are feeling, what their favorite dish etc.
Further resourcesN/AReferenceN/A
Human bingo
Duration10’ – 15’Objectives
Number of participantsN/AFor the group to get to know each other better, share more about themselves and elements they have in commonTo foster a friendly atmosphere
Materials/ equipment/ setting1 bingo grid per participant (see below) Pens
Preparation
Print the bingo grid.
Instructions
The participants are given the bingo grid.The facilitator explains that they will have 10’ (more or less depending on the size of the group) to go around and ask their peers if the statements on the grid are true for them. If the statement is true for the other, they should write their name in the box and move on to the next personThe winner is the one who completes the grid with names first or the one who has the most when the time is up.
Debriefing
How was this activity?Were you surprised by any of the answers you got?What was one thing that stayed with you?
Tips for Facilitators
The facilitator may modify the grid according to the profile of the participants
Further resourcesN/AReferenceΥURI Handbook

Human bingo grid

A close family member owns an orchard or yard with fruits/vegetablesI have particular eating preferences (vegetarian, vegan, pescaterian, intolerances, or allergies)
I grew up in a rural area
I own or used to own a farm animalI know how to collect edible mushrooms



I can see stars from my window where I live currently
I like spicy foodI have access to free range fresh eggs




I am good at gardening

2. Introduction to the topic

Mind map
Duration30’Objectives
Number of participantsΝ/ΑFor the group to explore the suggested topic according to their knowledge To encourage the creation of associations between different concepts To visualize the complexity of a topic and elicit themes that are related to itTo start a discussion on the given topicFor the facilitator to map the knowledge and experience of the group
Materials/ equipment/ settingCardboards one for each team (can be pieces of boxes) string / chord/thread (should be visible) Pieces of paper (post it size) Pins
Preparation
N/A
Instructions
The participants are split into smaller groups (not more than 5 people per group)They are given a piece of paper with the main topic, in this case,“Sustainable Food Production”. They are instructed to pin it in the centre of their cardboard with a pin and tie the edge of their string there. The facilitator explains that they have 15’ to discuss in their teams how they understand the topic, noting down the various concepts, questions, problems, initiatives etc that they consider relevant. They should write them on their pieces of paper and move the string from the one to the other creating the visual connections between their notes. (see the photo below).The facilitator observes the discussions and guides only when necessary. When the time is up, the teams present in the plenary their train of thought while the facilitator monitors the conversation and poses questions if the group is stuck or quiet.
Debriefing
N/A
Tips for Facilitators
Do not dismiss any idea as irrelevant during the brainstorming of the teams. If necessary, explain again the main topic which is the starting point. You may guide the group to focus on the most relevant aspects of the topic during the presentation. You may change the main topic according to the context and/or level of the group. An easier version could be “Food Production” while a more advanced would be “Common Agricultural Policy”
Further resourcesN/AReferenceN/A

Photo: Maria Mavronicola

3. Main Activities

Presentation of CAP
Duration30’Objectives
Number of participantsΝ/ΑTo provide the participants with the necessary information on the policy and other relevant strategiesTo explain how this policy reflects in the Cypriot context
Materials/ equipment/ settingPresentation Laptop Projector Flipchart Markers
Preparation
Set up the laptop and projector and if necessary change the sitting arrangements
Instructions
Before starting the presentation, the facilitator should ask the group to share any information they have regarding CAP and take notes on the flip chart Proceed with the presentation
Debriefing
N/A
Tips for Facilitators
Try to keep the presentation interactive. Ask questions to the group to make sure they are following. Encourage discussion and questions for clarifications.Adapt the presentation accordingly depending on your target group
Further resourcesN/AReferenceN/A
What CAP means to you
Duration75’-90’ 15’ Part 1 15’ Part 2 30’ – 45’ Part 3 15’ Part 4Objectives
Number of participantsΝ/ΑFor the group to reflect on the impact of CAP on a personal and national level.To engage and interact with the topicTo encourage them to explore the elements of CAP that interest them the most
Materials/ equipment/ settingPresentation Laptop Projector Internet Flipcharts Markers Papers Pens Colour makers
Preparation
This activity should follow the presentation of CAP to familiarise the group with at least the basic information and key objectives.
Instructions
PART 1 The facilitator establishes an invisible linear spectrum in the room, one point of which is “it concerns me a lot” and the other “it doesn’t concern me at all”.The facilitator explains that they will read out loud the 10 key objectives of CAP with their short explanation and the participants have to stand on that spectrum according to how they relate to each of the objectives. The facilitator asks people standing on different parts of the spectrum to elaborate on their stance PART 2 The facilitator shares the presentation with the participants using the QR code on the slide.The participants need to form small groups of up to 5 people and have 15’ to discuss and decide on one key objective they want to work on further. At this point they don’t need to open the resource links in the presentation.Each group announces to the plenary their key objective of choice. PART 3 The facilitator explains that they have 30’ to learn more about their objective of choice and/or the strategic plan of one country and create an informational piece for the rest of the group. Their work may have the form they wish it can be in the form of a poster, “advertisement” they will act out, a presentation for the group, a video etc.The content of the video should be short (1-2 minutes long), simple and catchy.The participants are directed to use the resources included in the presentation: The briefs for each of the objectives, the strategic plan of their country of choice and the SDG inventory.Depending on the progress of the group, the facilitator may extend their working time up to 45’. PART 4 The groups present their work to the plenaryThe participants are encouraged to make questions to one another and exchange feedback
Debriefing
How was the process for you? What was one thing that surprised you? What stayed with you? (doesn’t have to be new information)
Tips for Facilitators
It’s essential to monitor the groups and be available to answer questionsDirect the participants to the first pages of the resources where the basic information about the objectives are
Further resourcesN/AReferenceN/A

4. Debriefing and Evaluation

Debriefing and Evaluation
Duration15’Objectives
Number of participantsN/AFor the group to reflect on their experience and learningTo help the participants to consolidate consciously some of their learningFor the facilitator and organising team to get some feedback for further improvement.
Materials/ equipment/ settingFlipchartΜαρκαδόροι
Preparation
N/A
Instructions
N/A
Debriefing
How was the workshop for you?Why did you want to learn more about CAP?What would you like to learn more about in the future?How does knowing more about EU policies affect you?Has your perspective changed on any aspect of the topic?What do you take with you from the day?
Tips for Facilitators
N/A
Further resourcesN/AReferenceN/A