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Accredited project in the field of youth

2023-1-FI01-KA151-YOU-0001252662023Mobility of young people for accredited organisationsfinalizedGood practice
Countries: FI · Grant: €181,194.05

Objectives

In this accreditation period, we have had three main goals. Our general objectives, such as supporting participants’ learning experiences, promoting European values, and developing the international work of our youth centre, are addressed in other sections of the report. The main goals of this accreditation are: 1. International youth exchanges for young participants Through active youth exchange work, we reach young people in our region from the age of 13 and offer them inclusive, empowering international activities that strengthen their sense of active citizenship. When young people are introduced to international experiences early on, it can positively influence not only their own attitudes but also those of their families toward multiculturalism and international cooperation. This is especially important in our region, where continuous education on equality and international awareness is needed. In rural areas, the risk of social isolation is real—particularly for young people who feel different from their peers in interests or identity. Low-threshold youth exchanges bring the world closer, broaden the perspectives of both young people and adults, and help develop essential social skills. International training and seminars for professionals support local youth workers in developing their practices and building global networks. Skilled youth work professionals who understand the structures of international cooperation are essential to engaging new actors and ensuring the continuity of international youth work in our area. To provide international opportunities for local youth, it is crucial that youth workers—and their employers—understand the frameworks and benefits of EU-funded activities. It is also vital that youth workers are allowed to dedicate working hours to supporting young people in these processes. This is particularly important for enabling overnight and camp-based activities, which require a longer-term commitment and are essential for creating impactful and high-quality international youth work. 2. Supporting ‘Nuotta’ youth Our second focus is supporting the participation of youth involved in the Nuotta programme in international projects. Nuotta is a form of social youth work provided by youth centres in Finland. It often involves young people engaged in outreach youth work or youth workshops, those facing challenges related to education, employment, or direction in life (NEET youth). Overnight international activities offer these young people the chance to experience success, strengthen social and communication skills, and do so in a safe and encouraging environment. We work with Nuotta youth in a flexible, individualised way, taking into account their needs, limitations, well-being, energy levels, and any special requirements. We aim to meet young people with empathy and support them based on their personal situations. For many participants, international experiences have sparked new ideas for life, increased their daily resilience, and helped them see their future from a new perspective. At the same time, we are able to present Finnish expertise in Nuotta-style youth work to other parts of Europe, inspiring other organisations to consider young people's individual needs in international projects. 3. Involving young people with immigrant backgrounds Our third key objective is to find effective ways to engage young people with migrant backgrounds in international projects. Many of these young people in our area struggle with a sense of belonging, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and mental health challenges. International youth work can boost their self-esteem and help them build social connections. Our goal is to support both integration and a sense of European identity. At the same time, native Finnish youth also get the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, which promotes mutual integration and reinforces equality. We believe it is essential to share information about EU opportunities with organisations working in multicultural contexts. Cooperation with various stakeholders is key to success. When working with minors, it is especially important to involve the whole family in planning and commitment processes. This accreditation has enabled us to develop new working models that support this goal.

Project partners (1)