Events and Trainings

EVENTS and TRAININGS

Coming Events

COMING EVENTS

ESD Europe and the IAESDP are thrilled to invite you to a series of virtual and in-person seminars — dynamic global gatherings of ESD leaders, innovators, and educators.
All sessions will be recorded and hosted on The Idea Bridge platform — helping raise funds for scholarships to attend the Annual, Multi-Program Advanced Learning Seminar held in Europe.

DECEMBER 3-4 I online

THE THIRD ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2025

Tickets deals

2-day Live Single Webinar Ticket: 50 Euro, 40 Euro Early Bird
1-day Live Webinar Ticket: 35 Euro
Single Webinar Recording Access Only: 25 Euro
2x 2-day Webinar Ticket: 85 Euro (saves 15 Euro)
2x Webinar Recording Access: 40 Euro (saves 10 Euro)
3x 2-day Webinar Ticket: 125 Euro (saves 25 Euro,If you attended the event in May we will credit you 25 Euro for this, and you only have to add 75 Euro)
3x Webinar Recording Access: 60 Euro (saves 15 Euro)
October Event Online Attendance (40+ hours of training): 150 Euro
2025 Webinar Pass — Includes online broadcast attendance to October in-person event and all webinars, and recording access after events (total of approx. 60 hours of training): 200 Euro
2025 Series Pass — Includes live attendance to all webinars, recording access afterwards, and in-person ticket to October in Albania: 750 Euro 650 Euro early bird

PAST EVENTS

OCTOBER 9-12 I
in-person, Albania

THE SECOND IN_PERSON ADVANCED LEARNING ESD SEMINAR 2025

The second in-person collaboration of ESD Albania, ESD Europe, and the International Association of ESD Professionals.
With participants from 13 different countries, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives. The seminar was filled with emotions, learning, and meaningful exchanges.

The first day began with a welcoming session to great old friends and meet new ones. On the first session Anat Errel facilitated a workshop on How to tailor ESD Programs for Specific Target Groups.
In our seconds session we learned about teaching Men and Boys with James Cat Fitzgerald.

After lunch, Sarah McArthur gave a talk about Define your brand and live it.

We ended our day with Michele Elefante who guided us through ESD with an emphasis on trauma-informed teaching practices.

We began our second day with Lissette presenting The Strong Side Project, a global opportunity to empower and connect.

Then, Anat Errel guided us through using techniques in dynamic situations, followed by Krista Hanley, who shared valuable insights on adaptive ESD for people with disabilities.

Later, Lisette led a session on building successful ESD scenarios, followed by Gentiana Susan with her inspiring workshop on organising and teaching Level 1.

We closed the day with Krista Hanley once again, leading the credentialing exams, an exciting milestone for many participants!

The third day started with an invigorating session about role-plays with Bianka Urbanovska. Who got us all laughing and training our embarrassment muscle.
We had a hands-on session that introduced us to new techniques and tools that we can bring back to our communities.
Then we had a Sell & Tell - an opportunity for instructors to tell us about their unique and programs or ideas.

The last day opened with Ingrid Torres Peres who told us about Adapting ESD for Rural Communities.

The 2nd In-Person Advanced Learning ESD Seminar was a success thanks to the support, energy, and collaboration of many partners who stood by us to make it happen. Your contributions helped create a meaningful and empowering experience for instructors and participants from around the world

ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2025 - AUGUST 7-8

The second virtual seminar was scheduled to suit the Asia-Pacific time zone and featured seven expert speakers from seven different countries, each bringing a unique perspective and area of expertise. This time, we also opened the floor to two instructors who have been teaching for several years to share their perspectives. The seminar covered a wide range of engaging ESD-related topics.

Here is a summery of the lectures we heard:

Antonella Spatola I Australia - The Shift in the Collective Consciousness: True To You’s ESD Revolution for Asia Pacific
Antonela explored how True To You Charity is transforming education around primary violence prevention through innovative train-the-trainer workshops using the dynamic framework of Spiral Dynamics, Enneagram, personal development, an the Principles of ESD to empower trainers and communities alike.

Bell Murphy I Aotearoa, New Zealand - Trauma-Informed teaching practices in Aotearoa
Bell explored five key aspects of trauma sensitivity in ESD classes, based on our research and experience teaching ESD in Aotearoa (New Zealand): content forecasting, discussing the impacts of trauma, modelling/establishing consent, grounding exercises and providing emotional support. We also discuss how trauma sensitivity can be achieved and enhanced through a Kaupapa Māori approach to ESD (one based on indigenous values, principles and world views).

JB Ramos & Poy de Lara I Canada/Philippines - Integrated Strength: Balancing the Whole Self Through the Salutogenic Model

This session invited participants into a deep and practical exploration of the Salutogenic Model—a science-based, strength-focused approach to health and wellness. The facilitators guided attendees through a trauma-informed understanding of how to cultivate balance across mind, body, and spirit by identifying what supports well-being rather than what causes disease.

Krista Hanley & Kayla Berry I USA - Teaching ESD to People with Disabilities and Limited Mobility

ESD workshops typically have a lot of physical movement. But what do you do when one or more people are unable to do the activities, drills, or strikes as demonstrated? The facilitators discusses how they create inclusive activities, provide accessible options in every class, and problem solve with participants to ensure they are providing them with tools they feel safe and comfortable using.

Nguyen Phuong Vy I Vietnam - From Safety to Strength: Applying ESD Across Communities at Risk

Vy shared how she applies Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) in her work as a social worker. She shared experiences of adapting ESD methods for different vulnerable groups, including university students, social activists, factory workers, women conservationists, and survivors of gender-based violence. What makes this work special is how she continuously modify the ESD approach to suit the emotional, cultural, and social needs of each group.

Pam Valdez I Brazil - ESD Without Borders: Scaling Your Self-Defense Business Through Digital Automation

This lecture helps ESD professionals transition from in-person classes to sustainable digital revenue streams. Learn to create recurring income through online courses, automated systems, and scalable digital products while maintaining your empowerment mission. Perfect for instructors seeking financial stability beyond traditional face-to-face teaching limitations.

Petra Carman I Slovenia/Thailand - Teaching ESD Across Divides: Lessons from Mixed-Gender Groups

Petra shared reflections from teaching Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) in diverse cultural contexts across Asia. While she has experience facilitating groups that vary widely in age, background, and ability, this talk focused specifically on the dynamics of gender diversity. Drawing on work with mixed-gender groups aged 18 to 70, she explored how ESD can open up space for systemic reflection—on gender roles, the impact of patriarchy on all genders, and the importance of listening across divides

Did you miss it? No problem! All sessions are recorded and available to access for only 28$.

ADVANCED LEARNING ESD VIRTUAL SEMINAR 2025 - MAY 7-8

Gentiana shared insights and experiences on how networking has played a key role in expanding Empowerment Self Defense (ESD) into different sectors — from schools to workplaces and beyond.

Clara Porter - Active Bystander Intervention
Clara invited us to gain tools to safely and effectively intervene when you witness an individual or group targeted for harassment or other harm. Learn to manage your adrenaline, assess situations, and understand and use the 5 D's of bystander intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document in a wide range of real situations.

Michal Eliraz and Esti Lifschitz - Empowering responses

Michal and Esti showed us how to use empowering responses with children, so they will want to tell us important things, and how to use them in class, to help participants to see their story as a success story

James Cat Fitzgerald - Facilitating ESD to Men, Boys, Male identifying attendees – an interactive session

Unique* Obstacles; Techniques, Strategies and Approaches; Concepts; Concepts &/vs Technique balance - adaptation; Constraints; Q & A

Brieanne Beaujolais - Measuring Impact: Program Evaluation for Empowerment Self-Defence

This workshop introduced practical tools for evaluating your programs and tracking participant growth. Explored evaluation methods rooted in ESD principles—centered on empowerment, equity, and survivor-defined outcomes. Designed for violence prevention and self-defense instructors, this session and Offered accessible strategies to make evaluation feel less intimidating and more meaningful, whether you're writing grants, improving curriculum, or just curious about what’s working..

Amellia Chifodya - Overview of the NMNW approach to teaching ESD-based sexual violence prevention program and partnership model to bring it to global scale.

Amellia Chifodya, Global Trainer at No Means No Worldwide, shared how the organization partnered with over 100 organizations across 10 countries to bring the No Means No program to young people. She explored the program’s core components, their approach to maintaining quality at scale, and the powerful impact of building a connected partner network.

Did you miss it? No problem! All sessions are recorded and available to access for only 28$.

THE FIRST ADVANCED LEARNING SEMINAR, ALBANIA, FALL 2024

ESD Europe’s October Events in Albania Unite Participants Across Three Continents From October 4th to 8th, ESD Albania, representing ESD Europe, hosted a transformative Training of Trainers and Advanced Learning Seminar, uniting participants from Europe, North America, and Asia. Over 20 countries were represented, with 27 attendees coming together to deepen their expertise in Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD). Across four intensive days, participants engaged in the principles of ESD and I MPACTPersonal Safety, learning powerful tools to address the full spectrum of violence. Led by regional mentors and global experts, the training blended theory, pedagogy, and practical application, featuring adrenalized drills, role-play, and rich discussions on real-world impacts. "In our journey as the Empowerment Self-Defense network, we realize that true strength lies not only in individual skills but in our collective support for one another. Together, we rise, transforming shared experiences into a powerful force for change," shared Gentiana Susaj, Head of ESD Europe. The seminar concluded with high praise from participants, who felt the experience fully met—and even exceeded—their expectations. Many expressed how the seminar provided essential tools and invaluable networking opportunities, enabling them to bring these skills back to their own communities. Anat Errel, Mentor Coordinator for ESD Europe, noted, “The seminar was created in response to calls from the field for further training, skill refinement, and opportunities for networking.” Key speakers in our Advanced learning seminar included Lisette Delgado-Fitzgeraldand Michele Elefante from the International Association of ESD Professionals (IAESDP), Linda Štucbartová and Lada Jirkalová, from Czechia, presenting tools and case studies on how to build a social enterprise. Kim Rivers from the US, facilitated an extended session on Role Plays for ESD instructors. The training culminated in an empowering board-breaking session, symbolizing the resilience and readiness of our newly certified ESD instructors. These instructors are now equipped to make a profound impact in their communities, contributing to safer, more inclusive spaces worldwide.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of these powerful, transformative moments.