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Learning Teaching Training Activity
Date: 01–07 April 2025
Date: 01–07 April 2025
Location: Linz, Austria
Location: Linz, Austria
Organisers:
Verein MUSE (AT) with CEGE (BG) and EYCB (CZ)
Organisers:
Verein MUSE (AT) with CEGE (BG) and EYCB (CZ)
The LTTA Austria “Trial & Youth Lab” gathered young people and youth workers with different backgrounds situated in Austria plus the representatives of the three partner organisations to explore, test, and refine practices connected to the “Minimal & Functional” approach. Participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and practical exercises designed to strengthen skills in facilitation, teamwork, and creative problem solving. The activity was part of the broader Erasmus+ partnership that aims to empower youth and especially NEETs with simple, adaptable tools.
Aims and Activities
Aims and Activities
The programme combined structured workshops with experiential learning moments. Sessions focused on storytelling, campaigning and advocacy, mindfulness, and expression. Trainers introduced a variety of ice-breaking and improvisation games, creating a safe environment where participants could connect across cultures and backgrounds. The atmosphere encouraged experimentation, allowing everyone to try out different facilitation roles and observe varied approaches in action.
Participants' Reflections
Participants' Reflections
When asked about their preparedness, participants shared mixed but constructive impressions:
Some felt they had collected a valuable set of improvisation games to use in their own practice.
Others said they now had an initial idea of how to structure activities with diverse groups, especially using ice-breakers and team-building methods.
A few felt only partially prepared, noting that they would need to join more projects before feeling fully confident.
Several highlighted that facilitation feels best done together with a team, drawing on shared strengths.
Regarding the effectiveness of the Minimal & Functional approach, reflections were similarly balanced:
Participants appreciated the diversity of backgrounds in the group and the supportive trainers.
Many noted that the concept offers practical tools that can be applied in different contexts, especially in less structured or spontaneous settings.
At the same time, some observed that the overall programme felt loosely connected, with activities not always clearly tied together.
Concerns about sustainability were raised, pointing to the use of single-use paper as not fully in line with the “minimal” principle.
Others emphasised that the strength of the approach lies in simplicity: fewer tools and clear methods can be supportive in a world full of information.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The LTTA Austria offered valuable opportunities for learning, exchange, and growth. It provided a space where youth workers and participants could explore new facilitation methods, gain confidence, and critically reflect on how minimalism and functionality can shape youth work. While the experience revealed areas for improvement in structuring and clarity, it confirmed the potential of the M&F approach to deliver accessible and practical results. The activity enriched the toolbox under development and strengthened cooperation between partners, ensuring the lessons learned will carry forward into future initiatives.
© 2025 Minimal and FunctionalCo-Funded by the Erasmus+ Program KA2 Small Scale Partnership
Agreement Number 2024-1-AT01-KA210-YOU-000245743
Agreement Number 2024-1-AT01-KA210-YOU-000245743
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 OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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