Fostering Youth Work and Management in NGOs

Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communities
Project No: 2023-1-TR01-KA220-YOU-000161069

Comparative research on youth work in Europe

Comprehensive curriculum tailored for youth NGOs

A dynamic digital learning platform

Training programs involving 60 young people and 20 youth workers

About Us

Introduction

"YouWork" is a transformative Erasmus+ project designed to address the growing need for professionalization and innovation in youth work across Europe. By equipping youth workers and NGOs with advanced management skills and practical tools, the project empowers them to better support young people and foster active citizenship. Bringing together expertise from Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia, "YouWork" focuses on developing a comprehensive curriculum, conducting comparative research, and creating an accessible digital learning platform. The project aims to strengthen the impact of youth work, enhance collaboration among NGOs, and provide young people with the resources and opportunities to shape their futures in a dynamic and inclusive Europe.


Who We Are:

"YouWork" is a collaborative initiative designed to empower youth workers and NGOs with the skills and tools needed to address societal challenges and nurture active citizenship among young people. With a transnational partnership, the project combines research, innovation, and education to set new standards in youth work professionalism.


Mission:

To strengthen youth work and equip youth workers with professional training, fostering impactful and sustainable development across Europe.

Vision:

A future where empowered youth workers inspire young people to become active contributors to society, supported by innovative and high-quality education.

About YouWork Project

The "YouWork" project is a collaborative Erasmus+ initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and professionalism of youth work across Europe. Recognizing the vital role of youth workers and NGOs in empowering young people, the project focuses on addressing organizational challenges, improving employability, and fostering active citizenship. By bringing together partners from Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia, "YouWork" combines innovative approaches, research, and training to develop practical tools and resources. Through curriculum development, a digital learning platform, and comparative research, the project seeks to modernize youth work practices and empower both youth workers and young people to take an active role in their communities.

The "YouWork" project is driven by the following objectives:

  • Strengthening Professional Skills: Equip youth workers and NGO staff with essential competencies in areas such as project management, financial administration, and volunteer coordination.
  • Fostering Innovation: Develop cutting-edge tools, a structured curriculum, and a digital platform to modernize youth work practices and improve their accessibility.
  • Encouraging Collaboration: Establish a network of professionals and organizations to share best practices and foster transnational cooperation in the youth work sector.
  • Empowering Young People: Enhance the employability and active citizenship of young people by providing targeted training and mentorship opportunities.

Main Activities

The "YouWork" project includes a range of interrelated activities designed to achieve its objectives:

1. Comparative Research on Youth Work Practices:

  • Conducting detailed studies in each partner country to analyze youth work practices, identify gaps, and propose solutions.
  • Producing national and transnational reports to guide curriculum development and policy recommendations.


2. Curriculum Development:

  • Designing a comprehensive training program tailored to the needs of youth NGOs.
  • Covering topics such as crisis management, networking, and non-formal education methods.

Outputs

The "YouWork" project is committed to delivering high-quality results that will strengthen youth work and NGO management across Europe. By focusing on research, training, and digital innovation, the project aims to address gaps in the youth work sector and empower stakeholders with effective tools and methodologies. The following outputs highlight the core achievements expected from this collaborative effort.

Comparative Research on Youth Work Studies

Comprehensive research reports that analyze youth work policies, practices, and structures in the partner countries (Turkey, Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia). These reports provide a foundation for curriculum development and policy recommendations, offering actionable insights to improve youth work practices across Europe​​.

Curriculum for Youth NGOs

A structured and comprehensive curriculum tailored to the needs of youth workers and NGOs. This curriculum covers essential topics such as:
• Non-formal education
• Organizational management and strategies
• Project and financial management
• Crisis response and volunteer coordination
• Networking and collaboration
This curriculum will be piloted in youth NGOs to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability​​.

Digital Learning Platform

A user-friendly platform designed to provide access to training materials, webinars, and e-learning modules. The platform will support interactive and self-paced learning, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for youth workers across Europe. It will also include assessment tools to track learning outcomes​.

Pilot Training Programs

Practical training sessions for 60 young people and 20 youth workers across the partner countries. These programs will test the curriculum and gather feedback to refine its content. Participants will gain skills in management, collaboration, and crisis response​.

Policy Recommendations

A transnational report synthesizing research findings and proposing policy changes to enhance youth work frameworks and NGO management across Europe. This report will serve as a roadmap for stakeholders, including policymakers, educational institutions, and youth organizations​​.

Impact and Long-Term Sustainability

The project aims to create a ripple effect through its outputs, contributing to:
• Enhanced professional capacity among youth workers and NGOs.
• Improved employability and active citizenship for young people.
• A stronger, more connected European youth work sector. All materials and resources developed during the project will remain publicly available on the digital platform, ensuring their continued use and relevance beyond the project’s duration​​.


Resources

Explore the key materials and outputs of the "YouWork" project. These resources provide valuable insights into youth work practices, project outcomes, and strategies for improving NGO management across Europe.

Project Brochure

Turkiye National Report

Serbia National Report

Slovenia National Report

Austria National Report

Contact

If you have any questions about the "YouWork" project or wish to collaborate with us, feel free to reach out via the contact details below. We look forward to connecting with you!

1. Sivil Toplum Merkez Üssü
Derneği (Turkey)

Address

Istanbul, Turkey

Call Us

+90 501 208 78 68

Email Us

info@stmu.org.tr

2. Eksen doo
(Serbia)

Address

CVİJETE ZUZORİC 6, Belgrade, Serbia

Email Us

contact@eksendooserbia.rs

3. Universität Innsbruck
(Austria)

Address

Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

Call Us

+43 512 5070

Email Us

youthresearch@uibk.ac.at

4. Društvo Mozaik
(Slovenia)

Address

Savska cesta 3a, 1000 Ljubljana (3. nadstropje, pisarna 3-17)

Call Us

+386 2 526 16 90

Email Us

info@drustvomozaik.si

5. Compass GmbH
(Austria)

Address

Kaufmannstraße 38a | 1.Stock A - 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Call Us

+43 676 400 47 28

Email Us

office@compass4you.at