Project description:
We live in challenging times and uncertain futures. Abuse of the natural environment, personal profit, self-centered and consumer lifestyle present us with new challenges and calls for deep regeneration of individuals and human communities. We believe that solutions to face these challenges already exist and that even individuals as well as communities can play a key role in this “Great Turning” towards a new paradigm.
The general idea of this project is to promote the philosophy of Permaculture which brings many solutions to face climate change by building regenerative and productive human settlements. Solutions exist and during this training we aim to provide participants with tools and methodologies to elevate their communication skills and abilities to apply these solutions in their youth work practice. Inovative methods of participatory leadership (Dragon dreaming, Way of council, Community building by Scot Peck) are easy to apply by working with youth on a local as well as international level. Evolution of these methods was inspired by many partial solutions and means. That’s why we assume that further sharing of these methods will bring more new solutions and these methods are going to develop in this process as well.
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Objectives:
- Provide participants with inovative methodologies (Dragon dreaming, Way of council, Community building by Scot Peck) to create an effective toolbox participants can take with them and simply apply in their work.
- To acknowledge and train participants in the concept of permaculture so they will be able to spread it in their organizations or communities after return.
- To exchange effective educational practices, methodologies, ideas for environmental and social sustainability.
- To create partnerships for future projects
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 is 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.
Who can apply:
Youth Workers: This includes project managers, educators, trainers, teachers and coordinators
Youth leaders from formal or non-formal groups focused on climate change, sustainability, permaculture, participatory leadership, and innovative educational methods.
Environmental and Community Activists: representatives of Schools, universities, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or community groups working in environmental education, community building, and social sustainability.
After the training participants can integrate the innovative methodologies and sustainable practices promoted by the project into their curricula. This will help to cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens.
From which countries?
Partner Organisations:
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.
Under the guidance of these experienced trainers and facilitators, participants will learn and practice these participatory methods and share and design innovative ways to popularize these topics to bring them closer to youths and the public.
Costs:
All costs connected with training, traveling (see the limits above), food and accommodation are funded by Erasmus + program.
Voluntary participants fee is added in a range between 50€ and 100€ according to participants possibility to support mission of this project. Fee should not be obstacle for attending training.
| Travel distance | Green travel | Non-Green travel |
| 10 – 99 km | 56 EUR | 28 EUR |
| 100 – 499 km | 285 EUR | 211 EUR |
| 500 – 1999 km | 417 EUR | 309 EUR |
| 2000 – 2999 km | 535 EUR | 395 EUR |
| 3000 – 3999 km | 785 EUR | 580 EUR |
| 4000 – 7999 km | 1188 EUR | 1188 EUR |
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Contact: info@artkruh.org tel.:00421905723958