On 16 and 17 June, the partners of the European SOCRATES project gathered in Larissa, Greece, for the Facilitator Training, hosted by our Greek partner Innovation Hive. This meeting marked an important milestone in preparing for the project’s upcoming pilot phase, which will begin in September and involve children aged 6 to 12 across several European countries.
The SOCRATES project aims to strengthen children’s participation through the development of the SOCRATES Compass Mechanism (SCM), an innovative methodology that enables children to identify the issues that matter most to them, explore possible solutions, engage in dialogue with local decision-makers and reflect on the outcomes of their participation.
During the training, project partners worked together to deepen their understanding of the methodology and acquire the practical tools needed to implement the pilot effectively, inclusively and safely. The programme covered key topics such as the role of facilitators in children’s participation processes, child safeguarding and wellbeing, inclusion and accessibility, collaboration with local authorities, and promoting intergenerational dialogue.
Participants also had the opportunity to put into practice the activities that make up the four phases of the SOCRATES Compass: Notice, Explore, Speak, and Weigh. Through practical exercises and collaborative sessions, facilitators gained first-hand experience of the methodology they will soon be implementing with children in their respective countries.
We would like to thank Innovation Hive for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality, as well as all the project partners for their active participation and the valuable discussions shared throughout the two-day meeting. We return inspired, equipped with new knowledge and practical tools, and ready to launch the pilot phase as we continue working towards more meaningful, inclusive and transformative child participation across Europe.