The background

The READ project aimed to familiarise young professionals with the European Youth Work Agenda, the Bonn process and methodologies and expertise that are not taught at universities. This knowledge was be transferred from senior or more experience youth and social workers to junior staff. Different methods were developed and tested with young people.

By training young professionals, we wanted to provide role models for young people from disadvantages backgrounds. During the process, young people's interest in Europe increased and their commitment to European issues strengthened.

The activities

Different workshops were organised: three for professionals and two for young people in each country, and two international events in Vienna and Groningen.

A total of 158 people attended the workshops and the two international events:

  • 73 in the workshops for (young) professionals
  • 53 in the sorkshops for young people

The first international meeting in Vienna in January 2024 was attended by 19 professionals and young people, and the final meeting in Groningen by 13 participants.

Both international events were two-day events; the national workshops were all one-day events; the German event for the young people was a short series of three one-day workshops, one more as planned, as the participants wanted to work longer on the topic and on their creative way of dealing with EU and EYWA issues.

After the event in Vienna, the young Austrians expressed the wish to participate in Groningen, be part of the evaluation, and meet young people again.

Discussion Highlights

As a result of this project, we have realised that significant work is needed to engage our (disadvantaged) target group with Europe and its institutions.

 

Special needs of the target group

Language Barriers: Participants emphasised the importance of recognising and addressing language barriers, with many youth having low or no proficiency in English.

Motivation for Traveling: The youth workers highlighted a general lack of motivation among their target audience for engaging in travel activities. Understanding and overcoming this reluctance became a focal point of discussion.

High Thresholds to Travel: Economic factors, the absence of role models who have engaged in cross-border experiences, and the perceived lack of tangible benefits were identified as significant obstacles preventing the youth from participating in European programs.

Reflection on the role of the EU

Generational Differences:The workshop delved into the contrasting perspectives on the EU's role in the lives of the youth workers compared to the younger generation. While the workshop participants had experienced tangible benefits like open borders, freedom of movement, and a common currency, these advantages were found to be less evident to the youth.

Challenges in Perceiving EU Benefits: The generational gap highlighted the need for effective communication and tailored strategies to convey the benefits of EU initiatives to the youth. The workshop participants recognised that the advantages they took for granted might not be as apparent to the younger demographic.

The EU and young people

Lack of Knowledge: Young People lack knowledge about democracy, EU and about how they can directly influence the topics, which are relevant to them. The workshops with the youngsters confirmed that tailored approaches as well as raising the awareness is needed.

Importance of Tailored Approaches: There is need for tailored approached for youth workers, which they could use when working with young people.

Raising Awareness: Young people should have more opportunities to learn about EU, how different EU Institutions function, how relevant that is for them, as well as how they could enhance their civic engagement in order to become socially more active, especially when it comes to the topics, which interest them, or they have concerns about.

Recommendations

Importance of Tailored Approaches: There is a need to develop customized learning materials that are accessible, engaging, and age-appropriate.  Suggestion will be the utilization of infographics, videos, interactive websites, and gamified content to present information in an appealing and digestible format. Moreover offering flexible learning environments that accommodate different learning styles and preferences, both online and offline components can ensure accessibility and convenience for all participants.

Raising Awareness:Launching digital campaigns targeting young people to raise awareness about the importance of democracy and EU participation, as well as utilizing social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, and online forums to disseminate information, spark discussions, and promote civic engagement can raise the awareness among youngsters.

New synergies: More partnerships with schools, universities, and educational institutions to integrate discussions about democracy and EU participation into existing curricula and offering guest lectures, workshops, and educational resources to supplement formal education and enrich students' understanding of these topics can also contribute to the better knowledge how there institutions work.

Project details:

Action: KA210-YOU - Small-scale partnerships in youth
Duration: 01/05/2023 – 01/07/2024
Coordinator: YES Innovation & Research
Contact: Christine Schubart,

Partners:

Jongerenwerk Barkema & de Haan, Netherlands
ÖJAB – Österreichische Jungarbeiter Bewegung, Austria