Enhancing Youth Participation through Facilitation Tools

 

Small-Scale Partnership 


Dates: 01.09.2022 – 01.09.2024
Location: Latvia, Germany, Ireland, Türkiye

PROJECT CONTENT

The project was a transformative Erasmus+ project that brought together youth workers, leaders, and organizations across four countries. It aimed to foster active participation, inclusion, and innovation in youth work. By equipping participants with cutting-edge facilitation methods and non-formal education techniques, the project addressed critical social challenges while promoting intercultural dialogue and collaboration at the European level. 

Objectives

    • The project successfully achieved the following:
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  • Empowered Youth Workers and Leaders: Strengthened their skills in facilitation, project management, and community engagement.
  • Promoted Non-Formal Education: Established creative and dynamic methods to engage young people effectively.
  • Encouraged Cultural Exchange: Fostered mutual understanding and intercultural connections through collaborative activities.
  • Built Inclusive Practices: Addressed key social issues such as unemployment, discrimination, and civic disengagement.
  • Developed Organizational Capacity: Supported participating organizations in implementing high-quality Erasmus+ projects and forming sustainable partnerships.

 

Activities and Methodology

The project featured four impactful training events hosted in Germany, Türkiye, Latvia, and Ireland, each focusing on unique aspects of facilitation and youth development:

  • Germany (Detmold): February 6–10, 2023

The program began in Detmold, where participants engaged in icebreaker games and group activities to foster a collaborative environment. They defined expectations, contributions, and fears, and participated in an NGO fair to learn about partner organizations. Using the SALTO Youth platform, participants practiced facilitation techniques and led non-formal learning activities. Leadership and teamwork were emphasized through group discussions and interactive exercises. The activity concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their insights and experiences.

  • Türkiye (Antalya): May 24–28, 2023

In Antalya, participants explored diverse learning styles through interactive workshops, icebreaker games, and group discussions. They created organizational profiles at an NGO fair and participated in non-formal learning exercises sourced from the SALTO Youth platform. A treasure hunt at a local historical site fostered cultural engagement, while a “Secret Santa” activity strengthened personal connections. The event concluded with a reflection session and the presentation of Youthpass certificates.

  • Latvia (Riga): December 1–5, 2023

The event in Riga focused on advanced facilitation methods, including simulations, guided imagery, and case studies. Participants researched facilitation techniques, presented their findings in interactive sessions, and received valuable feedback. Debriefing sessions and a collaborative video project highlighted the event’s impact. Youthpass certificates were awarded, recognizing participants’ newly acquired facilitation skills.

  • Ireland (Dublin): June 3–7, 2024

The final activity in Dublin emphasized advanced facilitation techniques, such as case studies and mind mapping tools. Participants explored practical facilitation methods tailored to diverse group needs through interactive workshops and experiential learning exercises. This event equipped participants with innovative tools and techniques to apply in local and international projects.

 

Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sports in Europe. Its budget of €14.7 billion will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, and gain experience abroad.

Target Audience

The project engaged:

  • Youth workers, leaders, and project coordinators from partner organizations.
  • Policymakers and stakeholders in youth development initiatives.
  • Young people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, with a focus on inclusion.

Special attention was given to participants facing economic challenges or social barriers, ensuring broader inclusivity and impact.

Outcomes and Impact

The Enhancing Youth Participation through Facilitation Tools project made a lasting impact by:

  • Improving facilitation and project management skills among participants.
  • Developing innovative methodologies for youth work, documented in a comprehensive guidebook.
  • Strengthening European partnerships for future collaborations.
  • Increasing awareness of Erasmus+ opportunities.

The trained participants are now applying their knowledge to design impactful youth initiatives, fostering active participation and social inclusion in their communities.

Conclusion

The Enhancing Youth Participation through Facilitation Tools project marked a significant milestone in modernizing youth work practices. By prioritizing creativity, collaboration, and intercultural understanding, it empowered youth workers and organizations to tackle pressing challenges and lead transformative change across Europe and beyond. Its legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of youth work.