The training seminars aimed at:

1. the theoretical and experiential training of teachers/educators on gender equality, gender roles and stereotypes, and gender-based violence in adolescent relationships,
2. the provision of necessary expertise and skills development for the implementation and evaluation of experiential teenagers’ awareness raising workshops at school or elsewhere (formal and non-formal settings),
3. the development of skills in identifying, handling and appropriate referral of any child and adolescent abuse incidents.

Generally the seminar aimed at the capacity building of teachers in implementing the “GEAR against IPV” workshops with students in their school/class but also to provide support to students experiencing abuse in their relationships and/or in their families.

The seminar was held on January 15^th, 16^th and 23^rd 2016 with the participation of 17 educators.

The training seminar involved theoretical and interactive sessions conducted via simulated workshops, group work, role-playing, with adults adopting the role of students. The approach “through the student’s eyes” (simulation of the “GEAR against IPV” Workshop) was very well received and appreciated by all educators participating.

The educators expressed their appreciation and excitement after completing the seminar.

Some of the teachers’ comments were:

Thank you for the opportunity you gave us in participating in such an interactive, fascinating and constructive seminar. For me it was the best seminar I have ever attended in recent years as a teacher.

The material is extremely useful to our work and easy to use.

It was enlightening to be able to get in the shoes of my students! The simulation was truly amazing and the messages coming out of it on gender stereotypes, intimate partner violence, gender equality and healthy relationships will be guiding us in our work. Thank you for this seminar!

An interesting and productive seminar delivered by strong and enthusiastic personalities! The seminar gave us the space to exchange opinions, experiences and challenges with our colleagues – we even came across and discussed our own stereotypical attitudes as teachers!

I am grateful for the skills I gained through this seminar in delivering gender-sensitive experiential training to students, as well as in identifying and dealing with cases of gender-based-violence in the school environment!

Variety of exercises. Knowledge gaining. Easy to use material. Playful!

Five educators volunteered to design and implement the GEAR against IPV awareness raising workshops in their schools/class for approximately 150 students as part of the GEAR against IPV II project in Nicosia and Larnaca.

A second 3-day training seminar for teachers will be organized in May/June 2016!

Stay tuned!