The main project objective was to strengthen the capacities of partner organisations in youth work and to increase knowledge and skills of LGBTI+ youth for active civic engagement. With this project our desire was: 1. To exchange good practices and to improve the knowledge and skills of youth workers in partner organisations, 2. To empower and to educate LGBTI+ youth for active civic engagement and 3. To increase the capacity of organisations by engaging LGBTI+ youth in their work. The needs assessment showed that LGBTI+ youth often lack empowerment and networking to be the initiators of change and engage more actively in creating social changes. In the long-term, educating and empowering young LGBTI+ persons, engaging them in activities, all strengthen organisations' capacity development. Additionally, by exchanging good practises, experiences and knowledge, partner organisations aspired to build their capacity in 1. youth work and methodology of working with LGBTI+ youth and 2. empowering and providing psychosocial support to LGBTI+ youth.
Partner organisations Pride Parade Association and LORI focus on advancing and protecting human rights of LGBTI+ persons. That includes working for the youth (workshops, trainings etc.), with and by the youth (public actions, campaigns…), with the emphasis on LGBTI+ young persons who often engage in various activities mostly as volunteers and beneficiaries. Both organisations have recognised the need to strengthen their capacities and increase quality of their work with LGBTI+ youth. Specifically, partners identified the need to build their capacities by educating and empowering LGBTI+ youth for active civic engagement, so that they would be more equipped to partake in various partner organisations’ activities. With this project we ensured space for them to increase their knowledge and skills in the field of understanding and protecting LGBTI human rights, the opportunity for personal and professional growth through education, exchanging experiences and connecting with other young LGBTI+ people, as well as for implementing concrete actions. Mutual learning and study visits among organisations increase their capacities in empowering and providing psychosocial support to LGBTI+ youth, community organising and youth work.