The “Go Visual: Digital” training course, held in the scenic town of Nea Makri, Greece, from 23 to 31 October 2024 provided a compelling follow-up to the first “Go Visual” training experience in Weimar. Over eight days, an international cohort of educators, youth workers, and creative practitioners explored digital tools designed to strengthen visual communication in youth work.
This second phase placed a clear focus on practical methods for digitizing visual content, thereby enriching learning experiences for young people. From the outset, participants were introduced to a range of user-friendly applications and online design platforms aimed at amplifying their existing skill sets. Building upon the traditional sketching and graphic facilitation techniques gained previously, the group progressed into digital arenas such as whiteboard scribing, video editing, and animated content creation. The overarching message was that authentic visual communication transcends pen-and-paper approaches; it must also speak to today’s digitally immersed generation. Trainers consistently highlighted best practices for using these tools ethically and effectively, ensuring that youth remain engaged and included throughout the learning process.
The setting in Nea Makri offered an exceptional environment for both formal and informal learning. The training venue, located within walking distance of the beach, lent itself to reflective outdoor sessions, where participants could refine newly acquired digital competencies while enjoying the natural beauty of the Greek coastline. Afternoon workshops and collaborative group work frequently extended into informal discussions under the shade of pine trees, making a seamless connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
One particularly insightful exercise involved participants developing short advocacy campaigns on social or environmental topics relevant to youth in their local communities. In small teams, they employed digital drawing tools, presentation software, and animation to convey their core messages. By embedding recognizable icons, simple metaphors, and color-coded themes, participants gained practical insight into how visual storytelling methods can inspire awareness and mobilize action. Such hands-on tasks not only strengthened participants’ technical competencies but also sparked new ideas for implementing these methods in a variety of youth programs back home.
Evening activities further consolidated this learning. Gatherings featuring local Greek cuisine afforded participants an opportunity to deepen intercultural connections, exchange professional experiences, and provide peer-to-peer feedback on emerging digital projects. These conversations consistently reinforced the importance of adaptability and innovation in youth work, as well as the essential role of visual tools for capturing interest, evoking empathy, and stimulating dialogue among young audiences. As the training neared completion, it became evident that each participant was leaving with a significantly expanded repertoire of digital facilitation skills. Trainers emphasized the value of continued experimentation and collaboration, urging participants to refine and adapt the newly gained methods for their unique contexts. By maintaining contact through virtual platforms, the participants are poised to exchange insights, inspire best practices, and collectively elevate the standards of visual-based youth work across Europe.
In conclusion, “Go Visual Digital” served as both a practical and motivational experience for youth workers seeking to integrate contemporary digital resources into their pedagogical toolkit. By merging the creativity of hand-drawn visuals with the versatility of online platforms, the training laid a strong foundation for future innovation in youth-oriented programs. Returning to their local communities, participants carry a renewed commitment to engaging young people through dynamic and inclusive digital storytelling, thereby enhancing both the relevance and the reach of their educational initiatives.
