“Learning in Youth Work of the 21st Century” is a project designed to modernize youth work in response to challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the gap in skills and knowledge for adapting youth work to online platforms, this project aims to effectively transition youth work to a digital environment. It provides youth organizations and their staff with the tools needed to develop or adapt educational activities for online engagement, catering to the changing habits of young people who are increasingly active online. The project underscores the need for youth workers to be familiar with digital tools and online learning methodologies, though not necessarily as experts, to offer relevant and effective educational opportunities for today’s youth.
Project: Learning in Youth Work of the 21st Century
Duration: 28.02.2022 – 27.02.2024
Reference Nr. 2021-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000029101
Grant Amount: 233,665 EUR
Donor: Jugend für Europa – German National Agency
The project focuses on addressing the current crisis in youth work, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With many organisations unprepared for such societal disruptions, there is a notable lack of knowledge, skills, and experience in adapting educational activities to online platforms. This gap has left numerous youth workers ill-equipped to develop educational activities in a virtual environment.
The primary goal of this project is to transition youth work to an online setting effectively. It aims to equip youth work organisations and their staff with practical tools for either developing new or adapting existing educational activities to fit the online environment. A key aspect of this project is to provide a unique tool that enables organizations and individuals to engage with as many young people as their resources and conditions allow.
The innovative nature of this project is highlighted by recent European findings, which suggest that the youth work sector needs to innovate its approach to engage with young people. These young individuals are increasingly spending more time online and less time in traditional settings like local youth centers and clubs. Quality youth work in the modern era must, therefore, incorporate digital tools and online learning methodologies.
However, it’s not necessary for every youth worker to be an expert in online learning. Rather, they should be able to support the online aspects of young people’s lives and offer new educational opportunities using the online environment. This approach will ensure that youth work remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of young people today.
Partners:
Youth Power Germany e.V. (DE)
YOUTH POWER/UNG KRAFT (SE)
INSTITUT ZA RAZVOJ CIVILNOG DRUSTVA (RS)
Udruga Ringispil 8 (HR)
The project has produced innovative resources to modernize youth work, including manuals and online courses. The “How to Design Learning Experience” manual guides youth workers in creating diverse learning environments, while the “Online and E-Learning in Youth Work” manual focuses on developing effective online learning modules. The “Digital Marketing and Using Digital Tools in Youth Work” manual provides practical advice on promoting youth work activities online.
These manuals are complemented by online courses, enhancing accessibility and practical application. The project aims to improve knowledge management in youth work organizations, ensuring the dissemination of these new methodologies for the education and empowerment of youth workers.
Materials are available in English and translated into several languages to reach a wider audience. The project’s impact is significant, with over 40 multipliers using these resources in their communities, and about 75 youth trainers and coordinators empowered to train others, potentially impacting up to 350 youth work providers. Additionally, over 160 local multipliers have been introduced to these outputs through various events, fostering discussions on the future of youth work in the 21st century.
This initiative demonstrates a commitment to advancing youth work in the digital era, leveraging innovative educational tools and methodologies.
Visit our “Resources” section to find the Manuals developed within this project and explore our learning platform to participate in the online course we have developed.