As a PRG Group Instructor during my internship, I want to share my experiences in building a Peer Review Group (PRG).
As a social work student with only a small age difference to the young people I worked with, I found it important to meet them on equal terms. Drawing from my experience in a public youth centre, I know how crucial the first contact is. It is essential not to position yourself “above” the young people but to break the ice first. For me, this was as simple as bringing a few energy drinks and starting the conversation with small talk, gradually moving on to deeper questions about how they were feeling and their personal situations.
I found it challenging to implement official guidelines, like maintaining fixed groups and scheduled meetings. The young people I worked with had very different realities compared to full-time professionals. Many struggled with addiction, financial issues—especially debt—or even homelessness, making stability in their lives the most pressing concern. For instance, pursuing an education often meant earning less, so many preferred unqualified full-time jobs. This taught me that it is impossible to generalize their experiences, as each person’s situation is unique.
In conclusion, tackling the NEET challenge requires a multifaceted approach that combines strategic initiatives like the Back on Track project with personal, hands-on engagement such as the Peer Review Group (PRG) meetings. The EU’s commitment to reducing NEET rates and revitalizing rural areas sets an essential framework, but it is through practical, empathetic efforts on the ground that real change occurs.
The Back on Track project, part of the Interreg Danube programme, focuses on developing innovative approaches to enhance employment opportunities and social inclusion of rural NEETs (young people not in Education, Employment nor Training) across the Danube region.
The Peer Review Group (PRG) meetings organised as part of the project provide a collaborative platform for discussing additional strategies to support NEETs by directly engaging with the project's target group.
