The CerOrganic Programme
The CerOrganic LdV Project will produce a quality assurance procedure for the vocational education/training (VET) of advisors/trainers in Organic Agriculture (OA), based on European Quality Assurance Reference Framework (EQARF). The QA procedure will be developed and refined in parallel with an exemplary quality-certified training programme for OA trainers/advisors that will lead to a European qualification. The QA procedure will subsequently be made available for application to other VETs in OA. Through the development of these products, CerOrganic aims to increase the quality and attractiveness of European OA-related training systems, and stimulate agricultural extension service employment.
Currently there are a large number of initiatives to develop VET programmes in OA, however, the standard of training varies very widely among EU member states, and none leads to a recognized, transferable, international qualification as an OA advisor/trainer. The CerOrganic Training of Trainers (ToT) course will employ a blended-learning approach with particular emphasis on the use of Information and Communications Technologies. The development of the CerOrganic ToT according to the QA specifications will ensure that all aspects of the Training will be rigorously tested.
The CerOrganic Summer School: May 2011
The CerOrganic Programme Training of Trainers Summer School will be held between the 22nd – 28th of May, 2011, at MAICh.
The ToT programme is open to graduates holding degrees in agriculture-related subjects and individuals with direct experience (5 years) of organic cultivation, and will teach the key competences and skills required by trainers/advisors of organic farmers.
The ToT will consist of a 2-week introductory period of self-study and exercises supported through the CerOrganic Web Platform, followed by the week-long Summer School incorporating lectures, discussions, learning scenario development, practical workshops and visits to organic farming businesses. The programme will be completed by a 2-week period in which the trainees will develop their own training course for farmers, at distance, supported by the CerOrganic programme tutors through the Web Platform.
The training will be taught by internationally-recognized experts in organic agriculture, pedagogy and e-learning, predominately in English.
The cost of participation is 200€. The (optional) cost of accommodation and all meals during the Summer School is 300€. The closing date for applications is 31st march, 2011.
For further information, and details of how to apply, please contact Dr Carolyn Owen (owen@maich.gr, 003028210 35000×533).