Network for Active Improvement of Youth Work

NAIYW was part of “Generation Europe - The Academy” (GenE-A) program, involving 42 youth work organisations from 14 EU countries, aiming to enhance youth work structures and engage disadvantaged y...

NAIYW was part of “Generation Europe - The Academy” (GenE-A) program, involving 42 youth work organisations from 14 EU countries, aiming to enhance youth work structures and engage disadvantaged youths locally and across Europe. The consortium applied for this project to support GenE-A and to address the urgent need for innovative and effective youth work practices across Europe. The post-pandemic period and the uncertain times we are living in, highlighted significant challenges in youth engagement and mental health. Many youth work organisations struggled with increased workloads and the need for new supporting strategies. Therefore the following needs were addressed: Improving Local and European Youth Work Connections: by sharing best practices, developing advocacy strategies, training professionals, and disseminating results. Sustainability: Building on previous projects like NAEC-2018-2-DE04-KA205-01695 to ensure continuity. Addressing Challenges: Tackling the lack of structured local youth work, insufficient policymaker support, poor youth work representation, and limited sharing of best practices. Developing better tools and methods for value-based education and improving participatory approaches for local youth workers.

All NAIYW´s planned activities were implemented, despite the late acknowledgment of financing, which required a quick rearrangement of timelines, tasks, and schedules by the consortium. Preparatory activities, including surveys and meetings, were conducted beforehand to support the project’s development. Seven in-person TPM were held, focusing on responsibilities, decision-making, monitoring, and planning, along with numerous digital meetings within task forces. Feedback Loops and Activities with GenE-A Network Partners: Conferences and training within the GenE-A program were used to provide feedback on project results and LTTAs. External Communication: NAIYW participated in external activities related to the Bonn Process to engage with the broader community of practice. Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities: Two training sessions and four workshops on lobbying and advocacy were developed for project and associated partners. Dissemination: Eleven multiplier events were organised by official partners to disseminate project results. Youth Policy Activities: Together with GenE-A, NAIYW participated in a symposium on youth work in November 2023, leveraging the collective power of all partners.

NAIYW created 3 key products to address European youth work needs: 1. Collection of Booklets on Participation and Inclusion: five booklets and an introduction, aiming to motivate local civic education, promote inclusive youth work, create long-term structures, and support well-being in youth work. These resources enhance the community of practice and innovate youth work quality. 2. Handout on Civic Education: emphasises the importance of empowering young people as active citizens. It documents efforts to develop a common understanding of civic education through interviews and analysis, fostering community dialogue. 3. Handbook to Get Started with Advocacy and Lobbying: provides a strategic process for local and European advocacy, offering advice on implementing the European Youth Work Agenda locally, connecting with networks, and mapping stakeholders. Complementary workshops for associated partners and the community of practice were included. Moreover, NAIYW succeed to make civic education accessible to diverse groups, foster professional exchanges on inclusive education, engage policymakers, support regional projects, strengthen a European youth work network, and improve international project accessibility for disadvantaged youth.