Project description:
The general idea of this project was to promote the philosophy of permaculture, which offers many solutions for addressing climate change by building regenerative and productive human settlements. During the training, the project aimed to provide participants with tools and methodologies to enhance their communication skills and their ability to apply these solutions in their work, particularly in youth work practice.
Within the project, participants actively learned how to apply innovative methods of participatory leadership—such as Dragon Dreaming, Way of Council, and Community Building by Scott Peck—in their work practice. The learning process was based on experiential learning and inspired by a variety of practical approaches.
As a concrete outcome of this shared learning journey, a practical manual was developed to support the real-life application of these methods. This guidebook serves as a hands-on resource for facilitators and youth workers and is shared as a freely available tool for download.
(download Manual)
By making the manual accessible to a wider audience, the project aimed to encourage further dissemination of the methods, support the creation of new solutions, and contribute to their continuous development through practice.
Project map:
About:
PERMACULTURE – Permaculture is a design philosophy and approach aimed at creating sustainable and self-sufficient systems, drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems. The goal is to meet human needs while regenerating and preserving the environment. It integrates ecological principles with social and economic systems, promoting a holistic and ethical way of living.
THE WAY OF COUNCIL – is a structured form of group communication that fosters deep listening, authenticity, and connection. Rooted in ancient and indigenous traditions, it has been adapted for modern use in communities, schools, organizations, and personal development.
COMMUNITY BUILDING – by Scott Peck is a structured process for forming deep, authentic connections within a group. Developed by psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck, it focuses on creating genuine community through open communication, trust, and vulnerability. The process is widely used in organizations, education, and personal development settings.
DRAGON DREAMING – is a holistic project design methodology that integrates personal growth, community collaboration, and environmental sustainability. Rooted in systems thinking, indigenous wisdom (particularly Aboriginal Australian traditions), and deep ecology, it provides a structured yet flexible framework for turning dreams into reality while fostering collective empowerment.
Venue:
Venue of the training was in Slovak native village Prenčov, nearby UNESCO town Banská Štiavnica. Environment is offering various backgrounds for indoor and outdoor activitie. Permacultural settlement of ARTKRUH and cooperation with local community is motivating towards environmental and social sensitivity among participants. It is offering the experience of deeper personal and social interactions and sense of belonging to community in rural environment.
Partner Organisations was from:
Portugal – /Keti Keta – Associação pela Cooperação com a Natureza/
Estonia- /MTÜ Pere teater Flying cow/
Hungary -/ Szatyor Közösség a Környezettudatos Életmód Támogatásáért Egyesület /
Spain – /Asociación Biodiversa /
Czech Republic – /Permakultura (CS), z. s./
Greece – /Philippi Centre of Environmental Education/
Croatia – /MaNaBu Movement Hrvatska/
Trainers:
Karol Herian /Lead Facilitator and Trainer in Community Building/- Lead Trainer and Facilitator in Community Building/- as a facilitar and soft skills trainer brings extensive experience from formal as well as non-formal education and coaching. He has worked as a trainer, lecturer and educational methodologist in various organizations, contributing to both local and international projects. Karol as a Community Building facilitator has facilitated many workshops in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, strengthening group collaboration and connection.
Patricia Pavlovska /Lead Permaculture Lecturer/- a certified permaculture designer and lecturer, will lead the permaculture sessions, helping participants integrate sustainable practices into youth work. With a background in Garden and Landscape Architecture, she has extensive experience in eco-friendly design, sustainable farming, and education. Patricia teaches sustainable farming at a vocational school in Želovce and leads the NGO Škola Permakultúry, actively promoting permaculture and sustainable living.
Martin Gavalier /Facilitator and Trainer in Dragon Dreaming and Community Building/ – founder of NGO ARTKRUH, will facilitate project activities and train participants in Dragon Dreaming, a participatory project management method. With over 20 years of experience in international non-formal education, he empowers communities through innovative learning approaches. A lecturer at the School of Permaculture in Slovakia, Martin organizes courses for all ages and actively applies Community Building and The Way of Council to strengthen connections and promote sustainable, conscious living.
Dominika Dudova /Educator and Forest Mind instructor/ – is an educator and facilitator of „Forest Mind“ concept and she will manage the program and coordinate outdoor activities. She brings a unique blend of formal education, with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Social Anthropology, and several years of experience in primary education, focusing on regenerative farming, environmental sustainability, and innovative learning methods. Since 2016, Dominika has been leading an educational community project called „Meadow – Playground in Nature,“ where she organizes workshops, events, and lectures aimed at reconnecting people with nature.
Contact: info@artkruh.org tel.:00421905723958