In the current “Forest Fire Training Modules: Development and Online Platform Integration” post, we present Result 2 for the FFP project. L4Y Learning For Youth GmbH is the German coordinator. The BOSEV (Turkey), KMOP (Greece), SPEL (Portugal), OVAR-Forma (Portugal), Cesie (Italy), Growth-Coop (Spain), and Citizens in Power (Cyprus) are partners of the project.

Objectives of Result 2– Training Modules Development

Result 2 (R2) – Development of Training Modules and Online Training aims;

  1.   Initially, to create individual module units within the training framework to address specific aspects of forest fire prevention and self-protection.
  2.   Subsequently, to develop training materials that are informative, engaging, and suitable for the target audience.
  3.   Following that, to design and set up an online platform for the training delivery, allowing for customization and control of the learning environment.
  4. It also generates additional resources accompanying the training modules, enhancing the learning experience.
  5. Lastly, create Trainer Guidelines to assist instructors in effectively teaching the modules to their respective audiences.

Forest Fire Training Modules: Activities of Result 2-Training Modules Development

• A1 – Training Platform

• A2 – Development of Unit 1: Introduction to Forest Fire

• A3 – Development of Unit 2: Forest Fire Prevention

• A4 – Development of Unit 3: Self-Protection against Forest Fires

• A5 – Development of Training Resources for Unit 1

• A6 – Development of Training Resources for Unit 2

• A7 – Development of Training Resources for Unit 3

• A8 – Development of Trainer Guidelines for the Module Units

• A9 – Rural Road Trips

• A10 – Pilot-Testing of the Training Resources and Trainer Guidelines for training adults without digital skills

• A11 – Pilot-Testing of the Online Training Resources for adults with digital skills

Forest Fire Training Modules: A1-A8 Development of Training Platform, Modules, Resources and Trainer Guidelines

After the creation of the FFP training framework that is mapped, the consortium developed the content of the units. The training package includes information, training units, activities, training resources and trainer guidelines.

The development of the training modules and online training started in October 2022 and continued until March 2023. Considering its final beneficiaries, the inhabitants of rural communities, the consortium diligently constructed the training platform. With a design that’s intuitive, appealing, self-explanatory, and dynamic, it effortlessly enables users to learn the provided content autonomously. Consequently, this thoughtful construction fosters a conducive learning environment, promoting a seamless educational experience for the rural populace. Additionally, the training module received support from complementary training resources, guiding the trainees through the learning process. The approach followed at this point in the project was based on constructing pedagogically relevant resources, such as presentations, infographics, flyers, and videos.

The training modules were developed in English and translated into the partner languages of German, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish and Italian. The training platform and all materials have also been developed to be accessible in all partner languages.

All modules, resources and trainer guidelines are available on the training platform: https://training.forestfireprotection.com/

Forest Fire Training Modules: Figure 1: Training Modules Developed and Available on the Platform
Figure 1: Training Modules Developed and Available on the Platform

Forest Fire Training Modules: Figure 2: Training ModulesTraining Modules Developed and Available on the Platform
Forest Fire Training Modules: Figure 2: Training Modules Developed and Available on the Platform

Forest Fire Training Modules: Figure 3: Trainer Guidelines Developed and Available on the Platform

A9 – Rural Road Trips

Following the development of the training, partners organized road trips to rural communities. During this phase, to foster involvement and cooperation with local stakeholders in socio-political and civil protection activities, negotiations were conducted, and protocols were signed with organizations to agree on the use of project resources.

To engage with the local rural population and carry out the project activities, partners held meetings with and signed protocols with 101 representatives from at least four different regions.

A10 – A11 Pilot-Testing of the Training Resources and Trainer Guidelines for training adults

The Forest Fire Protection Project is a comprehensive initiative that aims to reduce the risk of forest fires and protect the lives and property of rural communities. One of the critical components of the project is the development of new training resources and trainer guidelines for people in rural communities.

The pilot testing of the training resources was organized into two main activities. The first activity focused on testing the resources with adults without digital skills. The second activity focused on testing the resources online, designed specifically for adults with digital skills.

Partners delivered the training to 168 participants during the pilot testing process between May and July 2023.

The primary aim of the pilot testing is to bolster the preparedness and resilience of rural communities against forest fires. Below are some of the distinct advantages of the training resources and trainer guidelines:

• Initially, they equip rural inhabitants with the fundamental principles of fire prevention and self-protection

• In addition, the pilot test assists beneficiaries in comprehending the actions necessary for safeguarding themselves during fire incidents.

•Offering either face-to-face or online sessions they enhance the knowledge and abilities of rural inhabitants.

• Furthermore, they assess the usability and functionality of the training platform.

• Lastly, they evaluate the overall project implementation process, paving the way for continuous improvement.

Table 1: Initial pilot testing of training and platform

Conclusion

The FFP Project’s online training module development and pilot testing have laid a robust foundation for empowering rural communities in the fight against forest fires. As we forge ahead, the anticipation is to see more rural inhabitants benefit from this initiative, thereby weaving a stronger safety net against forest fires. All modules, resources and trainer guidelines are available on the training platform: https://training.forestfireprotection.com/

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