New Eduk8ers from ESN Portugal

Between the 24th of February and the 5th of March, one of the 14 sections of the Erasmus Student Network Portugal, ESN Madeira, hosted around 60 young people of different nationalities in Santana.

For 8 days, this association of young volunteers was responsible for organizing the 'Eduk8 Starter', an event aimed at ESN members who wish to become certified trainers. The main goal of the event is to teach participants how to plan, implement and evaluate small workshops, facilitate knowledge sharing through non-formal education methods, as well as develop communication and feedback skills.

With only three years, ESN Madeira decided to apply for the organization of this event and, having been selected, received 105 applications, the largest number ever registered in an edition of Eduk8. Among the 60 participants selected, 3 were volunteers from Erasmus Student Network Portugal and successfully completed this training, joining the international group of 'Eduk8ers' - young people with certification to give 3-hour trainings at the national ESN level, within the framework of non-formal education.

With the support of the European Commission, European Youth Foundation, Santana City Hall, Regional Directorate for Youth and Sport, Santana Youth Center, Santana House of Culture and Conservatory - Professional Arts School of Madeira, ESN Madeira successfully organized its first international event within the ESN network.

In the opinion of Joana Morna, President of ESN Madeira, "Eduk8 had a huge impact on the section and was an excellent team building moment". When dealing with pressure and responding to participants from different cultures, the association leader considers that the organization of this event has developed competencies in ESN Madeira volunteers, which will have repercussions on the work they will do for the Erasmus participants.

ESN Portugal thus sees another of its Portuguese sections to fulfill its mission of "Students helping students", reinforcing the sustainable development of its network of volunteers and honoring the international awards it has been receiving.