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Accredited project in the field of youth

2023-1-LV02-KA151-YOU-0001436652023Mobility of young people for accredited organisationsfinalized
Countries: LV · Grant: €30,514

Objectives

The primary aim of implementing the projects “Beyond ‘Normal’” and “Where is Digital YOUth?” under the Erasmus+ accreditation was to strengthen youth capacity, promote democratic participation, and foster autonomy, while ensuring that young people have meaningful spaces across all spheres of society. These objectives addressed critical issues youth and youth workers face today: navigating an increasingly digital world, fostering inclusivity, and equipping youth workers with tools to create safe and empowering environments. Both projects shared the common goal of empowering participants to take active roles in shaping their communities while addressing unique challenges in their contexts. For “Where is Digital YOUth?”, the focus was on developing digital competencies and critical thinking skills for young people. The project aimed to bridge the gap between rapid technological advancements and the challenges youth face in adapting to and navigating these changes. On the other hand, “Beyond ‘Normal’” emphasized capacity-building for youth workers, particularly in fostering inclusivity and creating safe spaces for marginalized or disengaged youth. The training provided youth workers with practical tools and communication strategies to enhance their work, reflecting the broader goal of democratizing participation and supporting autonomy in youth work settings. The projects were designed not just to address the needs of individuals but to serve as catalysts for systemic change in youth work practices and community engagement. Both projects sought to ensure that participants—whether youth or youth workers—could amplify their voices and bring positive transformation to their local contexts. Project “Where is Digital YOUth?” exchange provided a platform for young people to explore topics like digital literacy, ethical use of artificial intelligence, and online collaboration. Youth exchange included many non formal education activities, team building, youth participation activities, but also hands-on workshops, such as podcast creation and digital marketing, and expert-led discussions by professionals who introduced AI tools for creative content. Participants also engaged in collaborative problem-solving sessions to address issues like online safety and media bias. Partnerships with organizations such as Medijpratējs, She Can Do IT, Jauniešu programmēšanas centrs enriched the experience, allowing participants to see how digital innovation can drive societal change. The project empowered participants not only to gain essential skills but also to apply these learnings practically, creating solutions in groups to digital-age problems. By fostering collaboration and critical thinking, it aligned with the objective of strengthening youth capacity and ensuring their active participation in shaping a digital future. Trainings course “Beyond ‘Normal’” Conducted in Riga from 18–24 November 2024 brought together 16 youth workers from Latvia, Lithuania, Greece, France, Estonia, Poland, and Romania. The focus was on inclusion and communication strategies, providing tools to create environments where every young person feels valued. The training used experiential methodologies such as role-playing, storytelling, and reflective exercises. Participants explored communication techniques, such as RAPOR and DIVE, to build meaningful interactions with young people. Study visits to organizations like Active Rainbow, Open centre, Kaņieris, Jūrmala Youth Initiative Center showcased practical applications of these techniques, while a reflective seaside hike emphasized the importance of self-care in youth work. The synergy between personal well-being and professional effectiveness was a core theme. By enabling participants to reflect on their needs and strategies, the project not only strengthened individual capacities but also equipped youth workers to foster autonomy and democratic participation among youth. Both projects contributed significantly to the shared accreditation goal of strengthening youth capacity, promoting democratic participation, and ensuring spaces for youth in all areas of society. “Where is Digital YOUth?” addressed the digital challenges that often marginalize or alienate youth, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate and shape the digital landscape. Meanwhile, “Beyond ‘Normal’” provided youth workers with the tools to engage, include, and empower young people effectively, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces.

Project partners (1)