Youth Participation: my experience of developing skills of engaging, connection and empowering young people
The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion
The words of a Brazilian lyricist and novelist Paulo Coelho become my logo for the Training Course “Demystifying Youth Participation”. Together with other youth workers from Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Slovenia, Romania, Lithuania, Turkey I explored the topic of youth participation and developed skills of engaging, connection and empowering young people.
The Training Course was organised in Dublin by the Irish Erasmus+ National Agency, Léargas.
During the Project we explored different forms of youth participation within the context of the Erasmus+ programme and European Solidarity Corps Programme, enhanced the tools and formats for the integration of active participation, EU Youth Strategy, the inclusion of young people and strengthen youth citizenship.
We overview the Models of Participation Hart’s Ladder, Shier’s Pathway and Lundy’s UNCRC model of participation. We identified that it is important to give young people space, voice, audience and influence. Youth participation is about young people having the right, means, skills, confidence, support, and space to influence decisions and take part in actions that contribute to a more just and equal world. As challenges of youth participation, we measured the lack of space, fundings, interest, motivation, trust and confidence. Youth participation is important because it is the most efficient way to get responsible, independent and open-minded youth for a better tomorrow. As youth workers we are able to help and empower the youth to realize individual potential and give them a voice through guidance.
I learned a number of practical resources which I’ll be able to use working with young people. Also we exchanged the best practice examples from grassroots organisations, demystifying youth policy, language and tools for the further work in our communities. I was impressed by the creative approach for learning: we made an art product and presentations using plasticine, reflective cards, drawings, had a lot of team-building activities and were inspired by amazing surroundings of Irish nature.
I appreciate all the efforts of trainers, participants and organisers for such a powerful Training Course!
The article was prepared by Sana Lisova — journalist, researcher, public activist
