The goal of the Act & Art project was to bridge the identified skills/competency gap among youth workers in the social inclusion of vulnerable youth groups through collaboration between multiple countries. A special emphasis was placed on the use of art and creative methods, particularly focusing on the young migrant and refugee population. The Act & Art project mapped the needs of youth workers in the area of refugee/vulnerable youth inclusion and contributed to youth work and other projects that will be implemented in this field in the future. The project aimed to develop and transfer best practices for the social inclusion of refugees/immigrants and young people with fewer opportunities, enhancing the scope of their work in this area. To develop, pilot, and upgrade a training program to strengthen the capacity for developing the knowledge and skills needed by youth workers to ensure the social inclusion of refugees/immigrants and young people with fewer opportunities through art and creativity. To directly support the target group of vulnerable youth through the coordination of follow-up activities of the Act & Art capacity-building training program for youth workers and to prepare a toolbox of creative tools/practices.
A Gallup study on attitudes toward immigration found that people in Europe have the most negative views on immigration in the world. The majority of the population (58%) believes that immigration levels in their countries should be reduced. However, migrants make up only 4.6% of Europe's population. This negative sentiment increases the likelihood of social exclusion and presents significant challenges in integrating young people with fewer opportunities from this population. Our research interviews have shown that the feeling of exclusion is often a result of perceived discrimination and neglect by decision-makers. Refugees and migration are controversial and polarizing topics across Europe. However, increasing diversity is a reality that, due to geopolitical and climate changes, we must accept. Rather than deepening divisions on this topic, constructive dialogue is more necessary than ever. Additionally, today’s (young) refugees and migrants are an integral part of society. To overcome growing social tensions, it makes sense for youth workers to be involved in shaping the solutions of tomorrow. The goal is to contribute to the development of youth work and to encourage creative and innovative approaches in youth work for an in