INSIGHTS FROM THE THIRD DAY OF THE EXCHANGE FORUM
How is the experience at the Exchange Forum in Leuven, Belgium? What are participants' perspectives on the whole event? What have they gained, and what are their key takeaways? We’ve launched a short blog from the Exchange Forum, giving voice to various participants to share their insights and reflections. Curious to learn more? Read our blog for highlights from the third day of the Exchange Forum!
DAILY BLOG - DAY 3
Written By: Jan Deduytsche, Department of Culture, Youth & Media of Belgium-Flanders
The third day of the Exchange Forum on the European Youth Work Agenda in Leuven, Belgium, was again filled with engaging discussions and exchanges. I’d like to share some impressions and insights.
As you might know, the Bonn Process refers to the implementation of the European Youth Work Agenda. During the morning sessions, the focus was on the available tools that can support the community of practice in various countries to translate the Bonn Process into national processes. Consider initiatives like Europe Goes Local, Democracy Reloading, or the European Academy on Youth Work. Additionally, the resources of the European programmes, Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps, can be utilised to realise national and international activities that can contribute to the realisation of the agenda. It was inspiring and encouraging to hear and see how different measures, tools, and projects fit together like puzzle pieces within the large framework of the European Youth Work Agenda.
During European exchanges, it’s always a challenge not to get dizzy from the many abbreviations used. Fortunately, Eliza Bujalska from SALTO not only told us about the SNAC on Education and Training but also introduced us to understanding the common abbreviations. For example, the SNAC Education and Training contributes to the ETS through, among other things, YOCOMO and TOT. Translated: The Strategic National Agency Cooperation Education and Training contributes to the European Training Strategy through, among other things, a Youth Workers Competence Model and Training of Trainers. Phew.
In the afternoon sessions, the bridge was made to the eight thematic priorities of the European Youth Work Agenda. Delegations from various countries thought together about possible projects, within and between countries, to shape and strengthen the national processes. The recognition of youth work and the quality of youth work repeatedly prove to be the priorities that the community of practice experiences as most urgent, without detracting from the importance of the other themes.
A final observation I’d like to share is that the 4th European Youth Work Convention, which will take place next summer in Malta, is already alive in the community of practice. The convention brings together delegations from many countries of the European Union and more broadly the Council of Europe. It will not just be another exchange, but de facto a key space for the discussion about the development of new European strategies and programmes in which youth work will play an important role.