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Authenticity in Action

2025-1-IT03-KA153-YOU-0003004552025Mobility of youth workersongoing
Countries: IT|LV|MK|EG|ES|GE|RO|BG|UA · Grant: €39,266
Inclusion of marginalised young peoplePhysical and mental health, well-beingNew learning and teaching methods and approaches

Objectives

The primary objective of our project is to improve the quality of youth work by promoting personal and professional growth among youth workers, particularly those facing burnout, stress and self-criticism. By taking inspiration from “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, the project aims to provide youth workers with practical tools to improve communication, resilience and authenticity in their professional practice. The principles of the book—being impeccable with words, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions and always doing your best—offer a framework for overcoming the stress and conflicts that often arise in youth work. These principles also support the development of a mindset that encourages creativity, open-mindedness and adaptability, all of which are essential in a constantly evolving field like youth work. The goal is to create an environment that fosters inclusion and active participation among young people, especially those facing fewer opportunities. We believe that by equipping youth workers with tools to promote self-care, resilience and emotional intelligence, we can help them create spaces where young people feel valued and heard. Through the development of supportive behaviors, youth workers will be better able to guide and mentor young people, ensuring that they can actively contribute to building inclusive and meaningful communities. The project will focus on improving youth workers’ communication skills, leadership capabilities and emotional well-being, which will, in turn, help them better support their target groups. The principles outlined in “The Four Agreements” will allow them to address the challenges they face, such as criticism, failure and perfectionism, and help them cultivate a mindset rooted in authenticity and openness. As youth workers are often on the frontlines of shaping young people's lives, it is critical that they themselves are emotionally resilient and self-aware. By providing them with tools to navigate their own personal growth, we believe they will be better equipped to deal with the pressures of their profession and, ultimately, have a more positive impact on the young people they work with. Through a series of reflective exercises, workshops and peer learning activities, the project aims to support youth workers in developing the skills necessary to foster inclusion and participation among young people from all backgrounds. We believe that when youth workers develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their own values, they are more capable of nurturing similar growth in the young people they support. By focusing on enhancing communication, emotional intelligence and resilience, the project aligns with the objectives of Erasmus+ to promote high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable youth work. Moreover, the project will also create space for youth workers to develop practical strategies to address common challenges such as work-life balance, handling criticism and managing perfectionism. Through coaching and workshops, participants will develop personalized approaches to dealing with these issues, ensuring that they can thrive in their professional lives while maintaining their mental and emotional well-being. This will not only enhance their own effectiveness but also contribute to the creation of healthier, more sustainable youth work practices. In the broader context, the project will also serve as a means to strengthen the youth work sector by fostering collaboration and sharing best practices across Europe. Through the involvement of our partner organizations from various countries, we aim to create a space for international exchange, enabling youth workers to learn from each other's experiences and approaches. This collaborative effort will contribute to the overall improvement of youth work practices and help build stronger networks of youth workers who can support one another and work together to address shared challenges. The ultimate goal of this project is to contribute to the sustainability and development of youth work by fostering a culture of self-awareness, self-care and personal growth among youth workers. We believe that when youth workers are empowered to reflect on their own practice and develop their emotional resilience, they are better able to create positive, inclusive environments for the young people they work with. By equipping youth workers with these tools, we aim to improve the overall quality of youth work, ensuring that it remains a vital and impactful resource for young people across Europe.

Project partners (9)