Open School for Village Hosts

"<< Background >>The phenomenon of rural depopulation is a significant challenge for many European villages. However, there are also positive signs of change, with several social and rural enterprises emerging to create more sustainable livelihoods and generate positive social impact. This phenomenon is known as Rural Renaissance, which is based on the concept of resource mapping. Resource mapping is a strategic process for identifying and analyzing existing resources, such as people, services, natural resources, and technologies. By mapping these resources, we can identify the potential for rural development and create opportunities for growth.Village Hosts play a crucial role in Rural Renaissance. They are skilled individuals who are based in rural communities and are responsible for identifying and connecting local actors, developing projects, and ensuring that these projects are sustainable and have a positive impact on the community. Village Hosts are the driving force behind Rural Renaissance, and they are essential for ensuring that these positive changes continue to occur.<< Objectives >>Empower Village Hosts with specialized skills and knowledge to revitalize rural communities.Implement a comprehensive training program to equip Village Hosts for effective community development, tourism promotion, and sustainable entrepreneurship.Establish an online platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and fostering a community of practice among Village Hosts.Conduct a pilot project to demonstrate the transformative impact of Village Hosts on rural communities.Provide ongoing support to Village Hosts through mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities to enhance their skills and achieve revitalization goals.Cultivate a new rural economy grounded in sustainable practices, local entrepreneurship, and community-led initiatives.Serve as a replicable model for rural development initiatives, adaptable to diverse rural contexts worldwide.<< Implementation >>The Open School of Village Hosts project is a seven-phase project that aims to create a new core of competencies for Village Hosts, who are individuals who work to revitalize rural communities. The project is funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program.Phase 1: PreparationThe first phase of the project was a kick-off meeting in September 2022. The meeting was attended by representatives from all the project partners, who discussed the project's objectives, methodology, and timeline.Phase 2: Development of the Competence FrameworkThe second phase of the project focused on the development of the Competence Framework, which outlines the core skills and knowledge that Village Hosts should possess. The framework was developed through a collaborative process involving all the project partners and stakeholders.Phase 3: Training DevelopmentThe third phase of the project focused on the development of the training program for Village Hosts. The program was designed to equip Village Hosts with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their role. The program was delivered online and in person.Phase 4: Pilot TestingThe fourth phase of the project involved a pilot testing of the training program. Twenty Village Hosts from all the project countries participated in the pilot testing. The pilot testing helped to identify any areas of the training program that needed to be improved.Phase 5: Competence Framework FinalisationThe fifth phase of the project involved the finalisation of the Competence Framework. The framework was reviewed based on the feedback from the pilot testing. The framework was then translated into all the languages of the project partners.Phase 6: MultiplicationThe sixth phase of the project focused on the multiplication of the project's results. This included the development of a manual and manifesto for Village Hosts, as well as the organization of a conference to disseminate the project's findings.Phase 7: Project ClosingThe seventh and final phase of the project involved the evaluation of the project's results. The project's impact was assessed in terms of the number of Village Hosts trained, the quality of the training program, and the impact of the pilot projects.The first meeting: This meeting was the first in-person meeting between the partners of the project, and it was a key opportunity for them to get to know each other and to start planning the project. The meeting was held in Barcelona, Spain, and it was hosted by the project partner ELISAVA.The second meeting: This meeting focused on the development of the Competence Framework for Village Hosts. The partners discussed the results of focus groups that had been conducted to identify the key skills and knowledge that Village Hosts need. They also discussed the next steps for the project, including the development of the training program. The meeting was held in Koluszki, Poland, and it was hosted by the project partner KobieTy Lodz.The third meeting: This meeting focused on the development of the training program for Village Hosts. The partners worked together to create a program that would provide Village Hosts with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. The meeting was held in Valmiera, Latvia, and it was hosted by the project partner Radosa Parteneriba.The fourth meeting: This meeting was held after the 5-day European training period for Village Hosts. The meeting was held in Grottole, Italy, and it was hosted by the project partner Casa Netural. The meeting provided an opportunity for the partners to discuss the results of the training and to plan the next steps for the project.The fifth and final meeting: This meeting was held in Budapest, Hungary, and it was hosted by the project partner Holis. The meeting was an opportunity for the partners to reflect on the project and to discuss the future of the Open School for Village Hosts.In addition to the online training, the Open School for Village Hosts project also included two in-person training events. These events were essential for the success of the project, as they provided Village Hosts with the opportunity to interact with each other and with experienced trainers in a face-to-face setting.The first in-person training event, the Training of Trainers (C1), took place in Belgrade, Serbia, from December 12-14, 2022. This event was attended by two representatives from each of the project partners. The goal of the event was to train the trainers who would then lead the online training program for Village Hosts.The trainers learned about the different methodologies and tools that would be used in the online training program. They also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable rural tourism.The Training of Trainers (C1) event was a success. It ensured that the online training program was conducted in an effective and consistent manner. It also provided the trainers with the skills and knowledge they needed to support Village Hosts in the development of sustainable tourism projects.The second in-person training event, the European Training (C2), took place in Grottole, Italy, from May 14-18, 2023. This event was attended by 16 selected participants from all over Europe. The goal of the event was to provide Village Hosts with the opportunity to work on their projects with the support of experienced trainers.The participants worked on their ideas through mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions. They also faced a ""Village Host Community Challenge"" designed together with the local community. This activity helped to test what was learned during the online training.The European Training (C2) was also a success. It helped to ensure that the Village Hosts were able to develop and implement successful tourism projects in their communities.In conclusion, the two in-person training events were key to the success of the Open School for Village Hosts project. They provided Village Hosts with the skills and knowledge they needed to develop and implement successful tourism projects in their communities.<< Results >>The results will be: a network of Village Hosts, Social Innovation in rural areas, and a platform which will serve as asource of knowledge and a community glue. The impact of the School for Village Hosts will result in a creation of a change-makers community, that have the skills needed to activate rural regions across Europe, benefiting rural communities, improving the livelihoods in those areas and giving strategic and operative input to European decision-makers.Activities and ResultsThe following is a summary of project results of the Open School of Village Hosts project:PR1: Development of the Competence FrameworkThe Competence Framework was developed through a collaborative process involving all the project partners and stakeholders. The framework was based on a review of the literature on rural development, community development, and tourism. The framework identifies six key areas of competence for Village Hosts:The Open School for Village Hosts developed a comprehensive training program that equips Village Hosts with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively engage with the communities they serve. The program focuses on building relationships, fostering collaboration, and understanding the diverse perspectives of community members. This training has helped Village Hosts to create stronger connections with their communities.PR2: Development of the Training ProgramThe training program was designed to equip Village Hosts with the skills and knowledge they need to be effective in their role. The program was delivered online and in person. The online component of the program included modules on the following topics:Introduction to Village HostingCommunity EngagementResource MappingProject ManagementMarketing and CommunicationSustainable Tourism PracticesThe in-person component of the program was held in Grottole, Italy, in May 2023.The in-person component of the program included workshops and activities on the following topics:Team buildingCollaborative project developmentReflection and evaluationThe training program was attended by 40 Village Hosts from all the project countries. The training program was evaluated by the participants, who were generally positive about the program's content and delivery.PR3: Development of a Knowledge PlatformThe Knowledge Platform is a digital space where Village Hosts and other stakeholders can share resources, knowledge, and experiences. The platform includes the following features:A repository of resources, such as articles, videos, and case studiesA forum for discussion and collaborationA map of Village Hosts and their projectsA news sectionPR4: Development of a HandbookThe Handbook of the Open School for Village Hosts is a comprehensive and informative document that provides an overview of the role of Village Hosts, the Competence Framework, and the training program.The Handbook is an important resource for Village Hosts, both before and after completing the training program. The document provides useful information on how to become a Village Host, what skills are needed, and how to apply the skills acquired in their work.PR5: Development of a ManifestoThe Manifesto is a statement of the mission and legacy of the project. The document provides a vision for the role of Village Hosts as a force for rural revitalization and development.The Manifesto states that Village Hosts are individuals who work to:Connect people and communitiesValue local resourcesPromote sustainable tourismThe Manifesto argues that Village Hosts can play an important role in creating more vibrant and prosperous rural communities."