SwIdeas has successfully completed its Training of Trainers (TOT) activities as part of the Participa City project, bringing the anti-discrimination role play to a wider circle of facilitators across Sweden.
Who got trained?
A total of eight people completed the training: five external participants and three internal SwIdeas staff. The external participants brought a valuable mix of perspectives and professional backgrounds: facilitators and leaders from civil society organisations working with people who face ethnic discrimination, representatives from women’s organisations, union workers, and project leaders from community centres. Internally, all three participants work as project managers and trainers at SwIdeas, strengthening the organisation’s own capacity to carry the method forward.
How was it organised?
The training was delivered in a blended learning format across several sessions. It kicked off in mid-March with a two-day introductory session, followed by a two-day face-to-face session where participants first experienced the role play as players themselves, before stepping into the role of trainer and facilitator. Practical exercises helped them build and strengthen their skills in guiding others through the game. A follow-up phase was then held online, giving participants time and support to start planning their own workshops.
How did it go?
The response from participants was very positive. One element that stood out was the use of debriefing sessions while participants were still in their roles -not only after stepping out of them. This added a deeper layer of insight into their characters and the dynamics of discrimination and was particularly appreciated by the group. The methodology was well received, and the blended format with its online follow-up phase gave participants the space to move from learning to action.
What happens next?
Most participants have already begun planning their own workshops using the Participa City role play. While none have implemented it yet, the pipeline is promising and varied. One participant is organising a forum theatre event on racism, bringing together the local municipality and civil society organisations. Another is planning sessions with elderly residents at a community centre, as well as with young people. A third is looking to run the role play with a group of internationals, to explore and understand what racial discrimination looks like in practice.
The Swedish Training of Trainers experience has shown that the Participa City method resonates strongly with people working on topics of inclusion and equality. With a diverse group of newly trained facilitators now ready to bring the role play to their own communities and organisations, the method is well on its way to reaching new audiences across Sweden and contributing to the project’s wider goal of making anti-discrimination education more accessible and impactful.