Teacher Pilot Training – Integrating Volunteering into Education

From 19 to 21 February 2024, a pilot training for teachers was organised in Cristuru Secuiesc (Székelykeresztúr) and Sovata (Szováta), in cooperation between Berde Mózes Unitarian High School and the Teleki Education Centre.

What was the aim?

The aim of the training was for teachers to:

• consciously integrate volunteering into the educational process

• create a school environment where community participation is natural

• strengthen students’ intrinsic motivation for social engagement

How did the programme work?

Participants:

• took part in self-reflection and community-building exercises

• analysed how their own institutions work

• jointly defined directions for development

The training was grounded in Carl Rogers’ humanistic pedagogy, which places empathy, acceptance and authenticity at its centre.

The teachers also developed concrete volunteering action plans in cooperation with civil society organisations.
The programme was further enriched by a talk by Ildikó Makkai-Ilkei, which presented the community and spiritual aspects of volunteering.

What were the results?

During the training:

• teachers’ professional awareness grew stronger

• their reflective and cooperation skills developed

• concrete, practical action plans were created

Why does this matter?

The programme helps volunteering become an integral part of education in the long term.
This not only supports students’ development but also strengthens the connection between schools and civil society.

Our project “Together for Stronger Volunteering” (project number 2024-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000256403) is co-funded by the European Union.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Tempus Public Foundation. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

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2024-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000256403