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The AI-Augmented Youth Worker: From Guardian to Guide

2026-1-EE01-KA153-YOU-0003964522026Mobility of youth workersongoing
Countries: EE|BG|IT|TR · Grant: €37,608
Quality and innovation of youth workDigital youth workArtificial Intelligence (AI) and data usage

Objectives

The core problem we want to address is the growing skills gap between the digital reality of young people, who are native users of tools like Artificial Intelligence, and the capacity of youth workers to guide them effectively. Our preparatory survey confirmed that 85% of our professionals feel unprepared to handle AI-related topics, creating a clear need for targeted training. Therefore, the main aim of this project is to improve the quality and relevance of youth work by equipping 32 youth workers with practical digital competencies. Our educational approach is structured according to the ETS Competence Model for Youth Workers, which ensures a high-quality learning process focused on tangible skills that can be immediately applied in our organizations. To achieve this aim, we have defined five clear objectives: 1. To equip 32 youth workers with a functional understanding of Generative AI (LLMs, Image Generators) and how these impact youth creativity and integrity. 2. To train participants in identifying how social media algorithms impact youth mental health (echo chambers, body image), enabling better counseling and support. 3. To share low-cost, high-impact digital tools suitable for rural and isolated youth centers, led by the Bulgarian partners. 4. To teach youth workers how to use AI for their own work (grant writing, reporting, activity design), reducing burnout and administrative load. 5. To co-create a shared framework, the "E-Safety Protocol", for handling digital crises, for example, what to do if a young person is a victim of non-consensual AI image sharing. By successfully meeting these objectives, we will directly enhance the operational capacity and professional standards of all participating organizations, enabling us to provide safer and more effective support to the young people we serve.

Project partners (4)