The Erasmus+ Training Course Cool Facilitators brought together 20 facilitators, youth workers, and volunteers from the ASEY Network in Mezőberény, Hungary, to explore how Artificial Intelligence and digital tools can enhance the quality of non-formal education without replacing the value of meaningful face-to-face interaction. Throughout eight days of collaborative learning, participants exchanged experiences, reflected on the realities of youth work in the digital age, and strengthened their competences to design engaging, human-centred learning experiences for young people.

Recognising that AI is becoming an integral part of the lives of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, the training course created a collaborative and inspiring environment where participants explored both the opportunities and challenges of digital innovation in youth work. Through workshops, simulations, peer learning, group discussions, reflection sessions, and collaborative design activities, facilitators experimented with blended learning approaches that combined AI-supported tools with participatory non-formal education methods. By testing, refining, and sharing practical facilitation techniques, participants developed recommendations and good practices that will help partner organisations across the ASEY Network deliver more relevant, interactive, and impactful Erasmus+ youth exchanges.

objectives of the training course

• Strengthen facilitators’ competences: Support participants in developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to combine AI and digital tools with participatory face-to-face non-formal education in youth exchanges.

• Promote the exchange of good practices: Create opportunities for facilitators to share experiences, innovative methods, and practical approaches for designing engaging learning processes adapted to the digital realities of young people.

• Explore innovative blended learning approaches: Enable participants to experiment with AI-supported tools alongside experiential learning methods, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces meaningful human interaction.

• Develop high-quality facilitation methods: Encourage collaboration in designing, testing, and refining non-formal education activities that are interactive, inclusive, and relevant to the needs of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

Here is an adapted version that follows the structure and storytelling of the reference text while accurately reflecting the Cool Facilitators training course.

Throughout the eight-day training course, participants explored how facilitation is evolving in response to the growing presence of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in the lives of young people. Through a combination of experiential learning, collaboration, and reflection, they discovered how AI and digital tools can strengthen non-formal education while preserving meaningful human interaction and participation.

The training began with getting-to-know-you activities, team-building exercises, and the establishment of a shared learning environment where participants created group agreements based on respect, inclusion, and active participation. These first sessions encouraged facilitators from different organisations to build trust, exchange expectations, and form a strong learning community.

As the programme progressed, participants explored the realities of youth work in their local contexts, sharing experiences, challenges, and successful facilitation practices from their organisations. Through peer learning, discussions, and collaborative workshops, they reflected on how the digital habits of Generation Z and Generation Alpha influence learning, participation, and communication, identifying both opportunities and challenges for youth exchanges.

The following days focused on understanding the role of Artificial Intelligence in youth work. Participants analysed the ethical implications of AI, experimented with a variety of digital tools, and critically reflected on how technology can support learning without replacing the facilitator's role. Interactive workshops and practical exercises encouraged them to evaluate the benefits and limitations of AI while strengthening their digital competences and critical thinking.

One of the central moments of the training was the collaborative design of blended learning activities. Working in international teams, participants developed non-formal education sessions that combined AI-supported tools with participatory face-to-face methods. These activities were later tested, evaluated, and improved through simulations, peer feedback, and group reflection, allowing facilitators to refine their approaches based on practical experience.

The study visit to Békéscsaba provided participants with the opportunity to discover the local community and strengthen intercultural learning outside the training venue. The visit complemented the educational programme by encouraging informal exchanges, cultural exploration, and networking among participants.

Towards the end of the course, facilitators worked together to develop the Cool Facilitation Approach—a shared collection of principles, recommendations, and good practices for integrating AI and digital tools into Erasmus+ youth exchanges while maintaining participant-centred, inclusive, and interactive learning environments. This collaborative outcome will support organisations across the ASEY Network in improving the quality and relevance of future mobility activities.

The final day was dedicated to evaluation, reflection, and future cooperation. Participants reviewed their learning journey, completed their Youthpass Certificates, and exchanged ideas for future collaborations within the ASEY Network. They left the training with strengthened facilitation competences, practical blended learning methods, and a shared commitment to delivering innovative, human-centred Erasmus+ youth exchanges that respond to the digital realities of today's young people.

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