Question 1

How can I participate as a young person?

Accepted Answer

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 30 can participate. Most young people participate through their school or educational program. Not sure if your school/education program already partners with us? Ask your teacher or mentor if we already work together. Not in school or education, but interested? Let us know. We'll see if you can join a group of other "individual" young people.

Question 2

Does it cost money to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. It's free for participants and costs you nothing, except your time and energy!

Question 3

What is an MDT? Is it a kind of school subject or more of a hobby?

Accepted Answer

In the Netherlands, there are various Community Service (MDT) programs available to young people between the ages of 12 and 30. Each MDT is unique, but three components are always present: talent development, doing something for others, and meeting people outside your social circle. Depending on the program, our MDTs focus on meeting people outside your social circle and translating their stories into a creative end product, such as a film. We rarely sit still, so it certainly doesn't feel like school in that respect. You do learn new things, though. Our trainers are there for this: young adults, most of whom have participated in an MDT themselves. They know better than anyone how to make learning fun and find the balance between challenging you and having fun.

Question 4

In what places can I use the skills I potentially discover with you?

Accepted Answer

The skills you practice with us, such as making good choices, setting goals, and working together, can be applied to your school/course, your work, or your hobbies. These are skills that everyone can use to improve. TINO MDT can also help you better understand what you enjoy doing, for example, in terms of your studies. So even if you don't yet know exactly what you want to do/become, TINO MDT is a smart choice.

Question 5

Can I try MDT first?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Come to our open TINO MDT climbing session. It's held every second Sunday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the climbing gym in Arnhem (Mountain Network). Send us a message if you'd like to join us!

Question 6

How long will it take if I participate?

Accepted Answer

Participating in a program requires 80 hours. This includes all sessions, visits to emergency services, (home) assignments, and our always-fun TINO MDT summer party. While 80 hours may sound like a lot, it's spread over several weeks (usually about 6-10). The program's length allows us to do a wide variety of activities, giving you the opportunity to experience and learn a great deal. It's a worthwhile investment of time.

Question 7

Are the programs mostly talking, mostly climbing, or something else?

Accepted Answer

We love action: on the climbing wall, making films, visiting the police dispatch center, or other special emergency services workspaces. Of course, we sometimes provide explanations and talk with each other and the emergency services. It's helpful to sit down then, but otherwise, we're mostly just doing.

Question 8

Do I need to be able to climb/fit to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. Climbing experience or good physical condition aren't necessary. We cater to everyone's level and will help you overcome your fear of heights. (Climbing can also be done close to the ground, by the way.) TINO MDT is a sporty program, so if you hate exercise or are unable to exercise due to an injury, the program isn't a good choice for you (at this time). You can always consider joining later!

Question 9

How much freedom of choice do I have during the process? Can I choose who I work with, which narrator, or when I carry out certain assignments?

Accepted Answer

We determine the best fit for each group and participant. Some young people prefer to be more immersed in the group. Others have questions they prefer to discuss one-on-one. There's plenty of room for this personalized approach. You'll always choose a personal goal or choice at the beginning of the program. This allows you to immediately apply everything you learn in the sessions to your own life. You decide what you share with your fellow participants.

Question 10

Is the route during school hours, outside school hours, or just part of it? And on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Most young people participate through their school or educational institution. For these participants, the majority of the program takes place during school hours. When we visit emergency services, we sometimes run a little overtime in consultation with the school. We can also give you a homework assignment to work on. For other participants, the program takes place in their free time. And every year, we organize the TINO MDT summer party, to which you are invited. This takes place on a weekday late in the afternoon. We don't organize any activities on weekends, except for the open climbing sessions. You can participate (and continue to participate) in these free of charge. These are voluntary.

Question 11

Can I also be placed with strangers, for example, in a combined group? If so, will they be peers?

Accepted Answer

Most young people participate through their school. This means they already know the other participants (a little). They're often their classmates and are around the same age. If you participate through your municipality, we'll form a group of young people who don't know each other yet. All young people (between the ages of 12 and 30) are welcome to participate. So, if your friends, brother, or sister want to join in, let us know. We'll see what's possible, and before you know it, you'll be climbing the wall together 😊

Question 12

How far will I have to travel, is it close to my school/training?

Accepted Answer

We organize the sessions partly at your school and partly at sports facilities near your school, such as a climbing or bouldering gym. If we visit the emergency services, you will use public transport or we will arrange a bus service with your school/program. Any travel expenses you incur for TINO MDT will be reimbursed.

Question 13

Will my information and/or results be published somewhere? For example, online and/or on paper?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the program, participants will receive a TINO MDT certificate. This certificate lists the components they have completed. You can request a digital copy from us and we can also print it for you if you'd like a printed version to display above your bed.

Question 14

If photos are taken at an activity, I'd prefer not to be recognizably visible. Will that be taken into account?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Not everyone wants to be an influencer 😉 If you let the TINO Trainer know beforehand, they'll make sure you're not recognizable on camera. You can also always tell the photographer or videographer if they're present at the session.

Question 15

Is your question not listed here?

Accepted Answer

Send us a message and we will answer your question within 24 hours!