YES Training -2011 Spring

On Saturday, March 5^th, 2011, Shanghai Roots & Shoots Youth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) held its first tutor training. There were 20 volunteers in attendance.

The training began at 10 a.m., when the volunteers received special gifts.

After project manager Rebecca’s gave a brief speech, Steven, a volunteer, using brainstorming and presentations, introduced Roots & Shoots to the attendants. The attendants shared their opinions to one another, and were able to enhance their understanding of Roots & Shoots.

Afterwards, Minying Zheng led the attendants in playing an icebreaker game called “Signature Movement”. Here, the attendants were able to introduce themselves and become familiar with one another, helping ease themselves into the following interactive activities.

Rebecca then held a role-playing game, where volunteers played a specific role in a given situation. The improvising proved to be hilarious and fascinating.

Two more interesting games were played: “Paper Tearing” and “Five Shapes.” The volunteers all concentrated and put much effort into the games. With Minying and Steven leading them on the sidelines, the attendants learnt many new and effective communication skills.

After lunch, the attendees played a game involving mutual trust. In this game, two teams had their eyes covered, and went on an expedition under the instructions of the head. Eventually, they returned safely. From playing this game, the attendees learned the importance of trust in team working, and improved their ability to communicate and give directions.

Later, Charles from France gave a lecture on climate change.

At about 2 p.m., Jingxiong Su, a paragon volunteer from YES last year, shared some experience with the attendees using an electric toy helicopter.

Afterwards, Rebecca led the attendees in brainstorming, in order to plan for the upcoming semester. The attendees came up with many good ideas. They succeeded in broadening each other’s thinking and gave new suggestions to the organizers.

After a break, the attendees played “The Future World,” a game focusing on sustainability. Each team placed sixteen pictures, depicting different problems, on a pyramid according to their importance. Though each team gave varied answers, the game gave a clear vision on the problems people would need to face.

After the Q&A section, the training officially ended. The attendees all valued the activity and considered it very helpful. This outcome is for us, the organizers, our greatest motivation.

(Translated by WFLMS Crunchy Zoo Language Club)