Training course: Empowering Diversity: Understanding social inclusion and organising non-formal educational activities for inclusion

We at Youth Power Austria, alongside our sister organization Youth Power Germany, are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our transformative training course. This training was specifically designed to address the lack of crucial support for young people with fewer opportunities and disabilities, who often face discrimination and exclusion in many aspects of their lives, such as education, healthcare, transport, housing, and employment.

Youth workers often lack a deep understanding of the backgrounds of these young people, especially those new to the sector. Our training course aimed to fill this gap by providing new youth workers with the knowledge and understanding needed to overcome these challenges and ensure inclusion. This course aligns with Youth Goal 3: Inclusive Societies and focused on strengthening outreach to marginalized young people, ensuring equal access to learning environments, and enhancing the capacities of educators.

The course was structured around non-formal education and learning-by-doing methods. Initial days were dedicated to team building, learning about the Erasmus+ program and Youthpass, and understanding the realities of youth work and inclusion in participating countries. We focused on understanding different disabilities and the obstacles faced by young people with fewer opportunities. The middle of the program emphasized the perceptions of these young people, the importance of feeling valued, and recognizing their diverse skills. In the final days, participants developed and piloted their workshops, receiving feedback to refine their approach.

By the end of the training, participants significantly enhanced their knowledge and skills to provide inclusive opportunities for young people with fewer opportunities and disabilities. They learned the basics of a qualitative approach to workshop development and created their initial workshops and educational activities for young people in their communities.

We are proud of the impact this training has had and look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring to youth work.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this incredible journey!