Written by Domagoj Morić
As an integral part of the Growing Youth Work partnership - a Strategic Cooperation Project of the Network of National Agencies for Youth - the Exchange Forum played a vital role in fostering collaboration and innovation within the framework of the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA).
The event was hosted by JINT, the Flemish National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps, and co-hosted by JUGEND für Europa, the German National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth, European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ Sport.
Aims of the event
The Exchange Forum provided participants with an invaluable opportunity to:
- Mutually inspiring each other by sharing progress, success stories and challenges about the progress made on the national processes,
- Exchange knowledge and ideas to inspire future initiatives,
- Collaboratively plan and explore opportunities for ongoing cooperation and funding.
A diverse group of stakeholders
Attendees included representatives from various sectors critical to youth work, such as:
- Representatives of country’s National Contact Point who are responsible for supporting and managing the national processes within the context of the EYWA;
- Key stakeholders which are shaping youth work development;
- Representatives of the ministries responsible for youth and/or youth work;
- Representatives of the National Agencies for the EU youth programmes.
Key takeaways
During this event, participants have shared their views and perspectives related to national realities and future aspirations. Their main takeaways can be found below:
- Common obstacles include political instability, resistance to change, limited governmental support, and insufficient funding;
- Sustainable systems, including stable and continuous funding, are essential to maintaining quality youth work services and addressing these challenges;
- Aspirations include fostering stronger international collaboration, refining youth policies, and ensuring sustainable development;
- On national level key tools for fostering youth work development include organisation of different events, such as national conferences, youth forums, working group meetings, and workshops;
- Significant milestones include recognising youth work as a profession, establishing national associations of youth workers, and launching initiatives to improve youth employment and education opportunities;
- Engaging decision-makers in events and adopting a cross-sectoral approach can raise awareness of youth work’s value and enhance its recognition;
- Developing impactful and sustainable partnerships is critical for long-term success and support;
- Existing European-level support mechanisms, such as the Erasmus+ programme, resources of the EU-Council of Europe Youth Partnership, Democracy Reloading, Europe Goes Local, the European Academy on Youth Work, the Strategic Cooperation on Education and Training and Growing Youth Work are vital for advancing quality youth work at local, national, and European levels;
- The National Contact Points propose to be involved in the 4th European Youth Work Convention and are willing to contribute to its follow-up including a roadmap.
A collaborative atmosphere
The event featured a rich, interactive programme that encouraged networking, reflection, and co-creation. Participants engaged in workshops, joint planning sessions, and discussions about funding opportunities, fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment to advancing youth work across Europe.
This year’s Exchange Forum successfully reinforced cooperation among key actors and laid the groundwork for future advancements in youth work, marking another milestone in the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda.
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