Challenge
The University of Chester’s Sustainability Unit wished to empower their Chester YouthCAN environmental group in preparation for an upcoming youth climate conference.
2engage were challenged to build confidence, rapport, and facilitation skills among the participants, enabling them to effectively lead interactive sessions on various environmental themes and topics for younger students.
Aims
The primary aims of 2engage’s training were:
- To connect and build rapport among the Chester YouthCAN participants.
- To equip participants with the necessary skills and techniques for leading and facilitating workshop sessions.
- To prepare the participants to run engaging and interactive sessions during the youth climate conference.
Project
2engage delivered two workshops for the Chester YouthCAN environmental group:
Icebreaker Session
A two-hour interactive session designed to build confidence and rapport among the 12 participants. This session aimed to create a cohesive group dynamic, essential for effective teamwork and collaboration.
Workshop Facilitation Session
A five-hour intensive workshop focused on developing the participants’ facilitation skills. The training covered practical aspects such as preparing a space, time management, planning sessions, and engaging participants through interactive activities centred on environmental themes.
Outcomes
Engagement and Skill Development
Participants were actively engaged and successfully equipped with basic facilitation training techniques and approaches. They gained confidence in their ability to lead and manage workshops.
Positive Feedback
Feedback from participants and the Sustainability Unit was overwhelmingly positive. The sessions were well-received, and participants appreciated the support and guidance provided by 2engage.
Tamara Hunt, the Manager of The Sustainability Unit, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the success of the sessions: “Huge thanks for the session this afternoon – it was wonderful to watch the interactions between the group grow throughout the afternoon. There was a definite increase in confidence among them, especially during the short discussion following the session to agree on commitments and timings of meetings. It was so hard for us to try and stay on the periphery!”
Impact
The training had a noticeable impact on the participants’ performance during their climate event activities. Students reported benefiting from the training, which enhanced their ability to conduct interactive and impactful sessions.
