The Training of Trainers (ToT 1) program within the framework of international project DIANA, aimed towards the development of female entrepreneurship in rural tourism in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is being held in Universidade Portucalense university (Porto, Portugal). The program brings together universities, research centers and experts from different countries to exchange their experiences, develop joint educational programs and sustainable solutions in education sector.
During the week the participants undergo an intensive education program that includes lectures, practical workshops, study visit trips and strategic sessions.
The study program covers a wide range of issues from modern approaches to the development of rural tourism to the formation of local tourist ecosystem, support tools for female entrepreneurship and implementation of innovative educational methods.
Particular attention was given to the practical workshop. During the workshop “Unlocking business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in rural areas”, the participants analyzed real cases of business development in rural regions; discussed obstacles encountered by women entrepreneurs; and considered effective models that can positively impact the development of local communities.
A separate block was dedicated to the topic of communication, networking and partnership building. Questions of strategic communication, development of partnership networks and formation of effective interaction between universities, enterprises and local communities.
Participants demonstrated particular interest in the practical module Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Design Thinking. They mastered the tools of project-based learning and design thinking, and considered the methods of developing applied educational programs, targeting specific demands of the job market and local communities.
One of the highlights of the program was a study visit trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Participants learned from a successful example of rural tourism in real-life conditions.
They visited the following locations during the study visit:
Nowhere Desk — an innovative rural business that combines a hotel, coworking and coliving spaces.
Casa das Janelas Verdes — a space aimed towards ecotourism, wellness experiences, retreats, yoga and therapeutic events.
This experience showed that it is possible to form a model of sustainable development of rural regions, effectively combining natural potential, local characteristics and entrepreneurial initiatives.
A meeting with the leadership of DIANA project was an important part of the program. The meeting was held by the project coordinator, vice-rector of Ualikhanov University, Ryspayeva Dinara Sarsembayqyzy. The current results of the project, quality control, dissemination of information, improvement of the project’s visual uniqueness, development of next deliverables and strategic planning of the next steps of the project were discussed over the course of the meeting.
DIANA project continues to strengthen the international cooperation between partner organizations and facilitates exchange of best practices, joint development of innovative solutions, aimed towards sustainable development of rural territories and female entrepreneurship.