The main objective of our project, "Empower Youth Workers – Innovative Approaches for Inclusive Youth Engagement", is to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to effectively engage, support, and empower young people with fewer opportunities through inclusive, creative, and non-formal methods. The project directly addresses the need for more inclusive and adaptive youth work practices in both Hungary and Romania, especially in disadvantaged rural and semi-urban areas. Context and Need Across Europe, many young people still face multiple barriers to full participation in society – whether due to socio-economic background, rural isolation, ethnic minority status, disability, mental health issues, or limited access to quality education and mobility opportunities. Youth workers are often the first-line support professionals in reaching these young people, yet many lack adequate training, resources, or international exposure to effectively address complex and intersectional challenges. This project brings together two civil society organizations – Ab Ovo Cultural Association (Hungary) and Orbán Balázs Academy Association (Romania) – to develop and implement a targeted training course for youth workers. Our specific focus is on inclusive facilitation methods that promote active participation, creative self-expression, and community involvement of marginalized youth. Objectives From the perspective of youth work practice, the key objectives of our project are the following: 1. Develop inclusive facilitation skills among youth workers We aim to train youth workers in practical, hands-on methods of inclusive facilitation, equipping them with creative tools (such as storytelling, art-based methods, forum theatre, and participatory games) that can be adapted to diverse youth groups – particularly those at risk of social exclusion. Participants will learn how to build trust, create safe spaces, and foster meaningful engagement with young people who may otherwise feel disconnected or excluded. 2. Enhance the quality of youth work with marginalized youth By improving the methodological and intercultural competencies of youth workers, we seek to raise the overall quality and effectiveness of youth work practice. Special emphasis will be placed on how to deal with sensitive topics (identity, discrimination, mental health), and how to adapt communication styles to the specific needs of young people with fewer opportunities. 3. Support the professional development and self-confidence of youth workers with fewer opportunities Out of 34 participants, 27 are youth workers who themselves face challenges such as limited economic means, rural isolation, minority background, or limited mobility experience. By involving them in a well-designed, empowering, international learning process, we aim to boost their self-confidence, widen their perspectives, and inspire them to initiate change within their own communities. 4. Foster transnational exchange of good practices and mutual learning The training will serve as a platform for structured exchange between Hungarian and Romanian youth workers, who share similar regional challenges but often work in isolated contexts. The participants will share best practices, co-develop methods, and build a sustainable network of peer support. The experience will also help them recognize the value of international cooperation and the broader opportunities available through EU programmes. 5. Produce a practical output: the Inclusive Facilitation Toolkit As a direct outcome of the training, participants will co-create an Inclusive Facilitation Toolkit, which will include methods, exercises, and reflective questions tailored for working with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. The toolkit will be made freely available online in multiple languages, contributing to the wider youth work community across Europe. Long-term Impact In the longer term, we aim to: - Increase the participation of marginalized young people in non-formal education programmes and civic life; - Strengthen community-based youth work in under-resourced areas; - Empower a new generation of youth workers who are reflective, inclusive, and capable of fostering social change; - Encourage further Erasmus+ projects initiated by youth workers who took part in the training. By investing in the skills and networks of youth workers today, we are creating the foundation for more inclusive, creative, and resilient youth work practices tomorrow.