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YOUTH CARES-Reconciliation and Healing Through Youth Engagement

2023-1-PL01-KA153-YOU-0001420292023Mobility of youth workersfinalized
Countries: PL|AZ|EE|UA|TR|BG|LT|GE|AM · Grant: €29,215
Quality and innovation of youth workReception and integration of refugees and migrantsPhysical and mental health, well-being

Objectives

The outbreak of war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted political, economic, and social spheres. In particular, the mass displacement from war zones has drastically altered migration patterns both within Ukraine and across many EU countries, including Poland. The unprecedented influx of war refugees raises significant questions about the future and challenges associated with the presence of Ukrainian citizens in the EU, as well as the support needed for youth who have faced severe traumatic experiences. Historical examples demonstrate how difficult situations, political conflicts, and military operations affect young people forced to migrate, change their living conditions, lose relatives, or endure traumatic experiences. Similar situations have been observed in the Russian occupation of Georgia, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, and other contexts. Young people with traumatic experiences require comprehensive support for their inclusion in new communities and substantial assistance from both peers and the public sector. The war in Ukraine has galvanized civil society across all EU and partner countries with a common goal: to assist those forced to leave Ukraine, provide support, and help them adapt to new realities. Public organizations, youth centers, and youth communities have opened their doors to young people seeking shelter. However, the specific migration challenges we face today in Europe necessitate tailored methods and measures for non-formal education. These methods should complement the professional psychological support provided to migrants and serve as a powerful tool for integrating young people into new youth communities. The YOUTHCARES training course addressed the crucial need for youth workers engaged with young people who have experienced trauma. It highlights the demand for innovative youth work methods that can be used globally, both online and offline, in times of crisis. These methods provide a safe space for sharing experiences and expressing emotions. While inclusive youth work methodologies are widely adopted in many countries, they are not always part of the curriculum for youth workers in the EECA region. Therefore, participation from these countries and the exchange of best practices with Program and Partner countries are essential components of this project. The specific objectives of YOUTHCARES Training course were as follows: - To provide participants with knowledge about inclusion youth work methods for trauma-affected youth, especially in the context of working with young people affected by war. - To equip youth workers with skills on how to plan and implement work with vulnerable youth, youth with migrant backgrounds and from war-affected communities - In cooperation with project partners and capitalizing partners' experience create the toolbox on youth work working with traumatic experience - To create a platform of self-exploration and self-reflection to better understand the needs of vulnerable youth - To create a platform for intercultural communication and inclusive dialogue between the youth of EU and Partner countries - To develop network together with follow-up projects taking into account the skills and knowledge gained during the project to enhance collaboration between partners - To facilitate after-project partnerships between participants and reinforce their international scope and capacities

Project partners (9)