Breaking Barriers: Inclusion in European Youth Work

Breaking Barriers: Inclusion in European Youth Wor

2 – 9 June 2025 | Breaza, Romania

How can we make youth work truly inclusive?
Are you a youth worker, educator, or facilitator committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion? Do you want to explore intersectionality, privilege, and accessible practices to ensure that all young people can thrive in youth work settings? If so, this six-day experiential training course is designed for you!

About the Training

This training will equip youth workers with practical strategies to create inclusive environments, address barriers to participation, and develop accessible program designs. Through non-formal education methods, interactive activities, and real-world case studies, participants will:

• Explore intersectionality and diverse needs in youth work
• Identify barriers to inclusion and how to overcome them
• Learn digital and non-digital tools for accessibility
• Develop inclusive youth work strategies for local and international projects
• Engage in peer learning and co-create solutions for real-world challenges

Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will:
✅ Understand inclusion in the context of European youth work
✅ Develop strategies to make youth work accessible to all young people
✅ Learn to balance group identity, critical thinking, and individual needs
✅ Gain hands-on experience in non-formal education methods for inclusion
✅ Create action plans for implementing inclusive practices in their organizations

Methodology

The training follows non-formal educational principles, with an emphasis on experiential learning, reflection, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants will engage in:

• Forum Theatre – Exploring inclusion dynamics through role-play
• Privilege Walk – Reflecting on systemic advantages and challenges
• World Café & Fishbowl Debate – Group discussions on inclusive design
• Digital Tools Workshop – Making youth work accessible online
• Study Visits – Engaging with local organizations working on inclusion

Who Can Participate?

This training is designed for:

• Youth workers, educators, and trainers
• Project managers and facilitators working in diverse youth settings
• Leaders and mentors supporting marginalized groups
• Anyone passionate about creating accessible and inclusive learning spaces

Participants should be:
✅ At least 18 years old
✅ Motivated to explore inclusion and accessibility in youth work
✅ Open to intercultural learning and collaboration
✅ Able to communicate in English

Programme Overview

Arrival Day – 2 June 2025

• Welcome & introduction to the training
• Ice-breaking activities & themed walk

Day 1: Defining Inclusion in Youth Work

• Understanding what inclusion means in different contexts
• Team-building games to foster collaboration
• Introduction to Erasmus+ & Youthpass
• Reflection & Daily Evaluation

Day 2: Intersectionality & Barriers to Inclusion

• Identity Circles – Understanding diverse needs
• Privilege Walk – Reflecting on systemic advantages & barriers
• Study Visit – Engaging with local inclusion-focused organizations
• Movie Screening & Debate 

Day 3: Inclusion in Action

• Group Identity & Critical Thinking – Balancing individual and collective needs
• Forum Theatre – Exploring real-life inclusion challenges
• World Café – Workshopping inclusion strategies
• Pitching innovative inclusion projects

 Day 4: Tools for Inclusive Youth Work

• Fishbowl Debate – Redesigning youth exchanges for inclusion
• Digital Tools for Accessibility – Making youth work more inclusive
• Co-Creation of an Inclusion Handbook

 Day 5: Exploring Romanian Inclusive Culture

• Study visits to social centers & NGOs working on inclusion
• Facilitated Debate – Comparing Romanian and European perspectives
• Open Space Discussions – Co-creating action plans for follow-up

 Day 6: Inclusion in Erasmus+ & Future Collaboration

• Partnership Building for Inclusive Projects
• YouthPass Reflection & Skill Mapping
• Final Evaluation & Action Planning

Departure Day – 9 June 2025

Location & Accommodation : Breaza, Romania – A scenic location perfect for reflection, learning, and intercultural exchange. Participants will stay in shared rooms, fostering a collaborative experience.

Important to Know

⚠️ This training involves self-reflection and experiential learning that may challenge perspectives.
It will provide foundations for inclusion in youth work, but continuous learning is encouraged.
Some activities include outdoor movement, so comfortable clothing is recommended.

How to Apply? Interested in joining? Applications form here. Deadline for application 05.05.2025