🇵🇹 Erasmus+ Training Course in Portugal 🌿 Creating Learning Experiences: Ecosocial Tools in Non-Formal Education 🌱

What makes a learning session truly land? Not just the content — but the rhythm, the group needs, the environment, the relationship between structure and freedom. Creating Learning Experiences: Ecosocial Tools in Non-Formal Education is an Erasmus+ training course at Campo do Vale, Vale da Lama Farm in the Algarve — a 7-day immersive residential experience for youth workers, facilitators, and educators who want to design more intentional, responsive, and regenerative learning experiences with groups.

🏡 About the Venue

Novas Descobertas Association is part of Vale da Lama Farm — a 43-hectare regenerative agriculture site situated 7km from Lagos in the Algarve. The campus, Campo do Vale, is integrated into the beautiful agricultural landscape of the Alvor estuary and is an active member of Ecosystem Restoration Communities — a global network of 60 hubs pursuing diverse land restoration initiatives. Sessions take place both indoors and outdoors, deeply connected to the natural environment.

🎯 About the Training

This is an intensive, residential training combining non-formal education, experiential learning, facilitation practice, and collaborative session design. Rather than simply receiving tools, participants actively co-create learning experiences — shaping sessions, testing approaches, exchanging feedback, and adapting ideas to different group contexts. The focus is on ecosocial themes: the relationship between social and ecological systems, education for regeneration, and community connection.

📋 What You’ll Explore

🛠️ Session design and facilitation tools — practical methods for creating structured yet flexible learning

🌿 Ecosocial tools — approaches that connect social learning with ecological awareness and regeneration

🤝 Co-creation of educational experiences — collaborative design with peers from five countries

🌲 Outdoor and place-based learning — using the farm environment as an active part of the learning process

🎲 Games and group dynamics — non-formal methods for group process and participation

🔍 Observation of learning rhythms — understanding how groups move through energy, attention, and reflection

🏕️ Accommodation and Food

🛏️ Camping in individual or shared tents — all necessary camping gear provided. Bring your own if preferred — just let the team know in advance

🍽️ Meals made with farm products, local and seasonal ingredients — mainly vegetarian Mediterranean diet. Dietary needs and allergies accommodated — inform the team in advance

🚿 Indoor toilets and showers available on site

✈️ Travel Reimbursement

Travel to and from Portugal reimbursed under Erasmus+ distance-based travel support:

💶 Portugal — €56

💶 500–1,999 km — €320 (green travel)

💶 2,000–2,999 km — €535 green / €395 standard

💶 3,000–3,999 km — €785 green / €580 standard

🌱 Green travel = trains, buses, carpooling, or other low-emission alternatives. Green travel is strongly encouraged.

⚠️ If selected, buy your tickets in advance to get a good price.

👤 Who Should Apply

This training is for youth workers, facilitators, educators, community organisers, and youngsters aged 18+ involved in non-formal education who want to deepen how they create meaningful learning experiences. It may be especially relevant for those who:

🏕️ Facilitate learning in community, youth, or outdoor settings

🧠 Want to work more consciously with group process and participation

🌿 Are interested in ecosocial themes and education for regeneration

🛠️ Want to strengthen their practice in collaborative session design

🌳 Value experiential and place-based learning approaches

⚠️ Full attendance from arrival to departure is indispensable. After applying, selected participants will be invited to an online chat to get to know each other and align expectations before confirmation.

🌍 Eligible Countries

🇵🇹 Portugal 🇪🇸 Spain 🇮🇹 Italy 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇷 Greece

📅 Activity Dates

🛬 Arrival: 17 May 2026

🗓️ Training days: 18 — 22 May 2026

🛫 Departure: 23 May 2026

📍 Odiáxere, Lagos, Portugal — Campo do Vale, Vale da Lama Farm

⏰ Deadline

27 April 2026 (results by 4 May 2026)

📬 How to Apply

📝 Application Form: https://forms.gle/xteJGnDAPFDfshAf6

📎 Infopack: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHEw581KUs/EEPZhA1DP-BBzIiUG6sO0w/view

✋Important Notice

Youth Works Hub does not represent or act on behalf of any organization listed on this platform. All project details are sourced directly from official ESC and Erasmus+ databases. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official project page or contact the hosting organization directly. Youth Works Hub is not responsible for any changes made to project details after publication.