SPL: Smart Participatory Lab
An immersive experience in facilitation and collective participatory design
For 18+ Youth workers and educators, community organisers, emerging trainers and changemakers, individuals actively engaged in youth participation and civic engagement.
19 – 26 June 2026
Grain&Sens, Lavenant, France
What is the smart Participatory Lab?
A 7-day immersive lab designed to:
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Strengthen facilitation competences
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Deepen intercultural awareness
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Explore systems thinking
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Design participatory initiatives
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Translate learning into practical action
Participants are not passive attendees. They co-create the learning space. Here, participation is not a concept we analyse.
It is something we build, moment by moment.
For seven days, we gather to explore together. To test ideas, question assumptions, listen and design. To step into facilitation not as a technique, but as a responsibility
The Spirit & Values of the SPL
We will be guided by the following principles:
- Participation as Practice
- Co-Ownership
- Trust, respect and inclusion as fundaments
- Experiential learning
- Ethical and inclusive facilitation principles
- Small-group design processes
- Reflection practices
- Reflection Embedded in Action
Important Information
When?
7 days training
June 19th 2026 - June 25th 2026
+ Arrival (June 18th) & departure (June 26th)
+ Online prep call on Wednesday, June 10th , 5PM CET
Who can participate?
Open to 18+ youth workers, educators, community organisers, emerging trainers, and individuals engaged in civic participation.
Applications from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged, as diversity enriches collective learning.
The programme welcomes a total of 20 participants in a safe, inclusive, and dynamic environment.
What’s covered?
This project is co-funded by a European Union grant.
It covers:
• Participation in the full programme
• Accommodation for the 7 days + Arrival Day
• All meals during the activity
Please note: travel costs are not covered.
Learn with people who practice what they teach
Vinicius Ramos
Senior trainer and facilitator specialised in intercultural learning and participatory methodologies that support dialogue and collective action.
Tamara Wachal
Facilitator with a creative and systems-oriented approach, integrating artistic thinking with participatory and regenerative practice.
Romain Guilbaud
Co-founder and coordinator of Grain&Sens Ecovillage, bringing experience in agroecology facilitation, regenerative practices, community living, and nature-based participation.