Learning

In our efforts to create a more effective and sustainable Caritas Europa network, we encourage our member organisations to build and exchange knowledge, experience and expertise.

A fundamental tool in this endeavour is the Caritas Europa learning path, a series of four skills development and sharing workshops that take place over a 20-month period. This enables a continuity between sessions and builds community and connection between people working in the same field around the network.

The Caritas Europa learning path approach offers the following advantages:

• The added value of learning with and from each other at a European level, creating a community of practice around the learning path theme;
• A learning trajectory of around 20 months that includes a series of workshops and, in between the workshops, enough time for the participants to put their learnings to the test in their own organisations, while still in touch with both facilitators and co-participants for advice and encouragement;
• Knowledge and competences are transferred from the participating individuals to the Caritas organisations, ultimately resulting in a stronger Caritas Europa network;
• Facilitation rather than training: there is a wealth of expertise, experience, practice, knowledge and skills shared among the participants;
• It is practical; little theory is taught, and reference is made to existing Caritas Europa tools and processes;
• It explores Caritas Europa’ identity based on its values and Catholic Social Teaching in relation to the main themes of the learning paths.

The topics of a learning path are identified based on needs expressed by the member organisations and in line with the strategic goals of the network. So far, the learning paths have covered topics such as advocacy, Catholic Social Teaching, fundraising, grassroots participation, humanitarian action, organisational development, safeguarding and youth volunteering.

The learning paths are designed and facilitated by an external consultant together with a Caritas Europa staff member who works on the relevant topic. The format usually consists of four modules that are delivered through four workshops and continuous work within the participants’ organisations. The twice-yearly workshops all take place at the same time and in the same place, in the context of the Caritas Europa Academy – once in April (Spring Academy) and once in November (Autumn Academy).

Groups of up to 20 staff from throughout the Caritas Europa network can register and participate in a learning path. Participants will need to be committed and have time to fully participate. Hence, interested candidates must provide a motivated application letter and have approval from their director.