Three Dreams + Teams events have now taken place, two in the Netherlands and one in the UK. During a period of three years we will be organising several events, each ending in a sports festival in the Netherlands or the UK.
Each Dreams + Teams event begins with an initial visit during which the UK and NL schools get to know each other, and links are established. In April 2005, delegates from four Dutch schools went over to the North-East of England, in February 2006 delegates from four UK schools came over the Netherlands and in February 2008 delegates from three Dutch schools went over to Belfast. Part of the initial visit is a visit to the link school, an intercultural training, and a preparatory workshop for the D+T training. See the list of participating schools in round 1, round 2 and round 3.
A few weeks after the initial visit the actual Dreams + Teams training takes place. Every school is presented by one Local Tutor and two male and two female Young Leaders. The training takes place under supervision of a UK Lead Trainer, provided by the Youth Sports Trust. The sport festival at the end forms part of the training. The UK and NL schools consequently work together and extend their links by organising more Dreams + Teams related activities within their schools.
First part of the Dreams + Teams training is the Local Tutor training for the teachers. The training offers possibilities for exploring new ways of tutoring, for professional development, and for learning from international colleagues. Additionally it paves the way for serious co-operation between the UK and NL schools. The Local Tutor training is a very challenging part of the programme, and something that we are continuously looking at to improve.
Over a period of three days the young people (14-17 years) are trained to acquire the skills needed to set up a large sports festival, and become a Young Leader. This training immediately follows the Local Tutor training. The programme in the Netherlands is unique in that UK and NL young people are trained together. This very much enhances the international experience of the Dreams + Teams training, and makes it an unforgettable event for the participants.
Please visit our photo gallery to get an impression of Dreams + Teams in the Netherlands.
For more information please contact Anna Devi Markus.
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