🇪🇸 TC "Building Bridges: A journey towards social inclusion" / 10-15.07.2024 - Mas Palomas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Participating in the Training Course "Building Bridges: A journey towards social inclusion" has been the most memorable and educational experience of this year so far. Coming together with youth workers from 7 countries, Spain, Romania, North Macedonia, Italy, France, Poland, and Türkiye, we shared an open space to rediscuss our knowledge and approaches on the topic of social inclusion and non-formal education.

Each of us arrived with different backgrounds and experiences, yet we were united by a shared goal: to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the young people we work with, particularly those at risk of exclusion. The project not only provided us with the space to explore these topics but also challenged us to think creatively about how we could bring about meaningful change in our communities.

One of the most powerful aspects of the project was the emphasis on practical, inclusive methods. Throughout the training, we had the opportunity to develop and facilitate workshops that focused on fostering social inclusion. The discussions were vibrant, filled with fresh ideas, and it quickly became clear that each of us had much to offer, as well as much to learn from one another. Whether we were refining our conflict management skills, diving deep into communication strategies, or exploring new ways to enhance critical thinking, the project allowed us to sharpen our facilitation techniques.

The workshops and sessions were not just theoretical. They were hands-on, and every activity was designed to be applicable to real-world situations. For many of us, this was an opportunity to see how innovative techniques could be adapted to our own contexts. By the time we completed the five days of the training, we had not only built new friendships but also left with actionable ideas that we could immediately implement in our work with youth.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of inclusivity. In our discussions, we constantly returned to the idea of breaking cycles of poverty and exclusion. Many of us work in communities where youth face significant challenges, be it unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, or societal exclusion. This project gave us the tools to address these issues head-on, providing young people with the support they need to fully participate in society.

As we collaborated, we realized that this was about more than just improving our own practice. It was about building bridges between cultures, between communities, and between young people and the opportunities they deserve. The cross-cultural exchange was invaluable. Learning from each other's experiences expanded our perspectives and highlighted the common struggles youth face across different countries.

For our team from Spain, the project marked a shift in how we approach youth work. We left feeling empowered to implement the inclusive methods we had learned, confident that they would make a real difference in our communities. Similarly, colleagues from Italy, Poland, France, North Macedonia, Romania and Türkiye shared a renewed sense of purpose, eager to return home and put their newfound skills to use.

Reflecting on the experience, it's clear that this Erasmus+ project was more than just a training course. It was a moment of reflection and inspiration for creating a change, a way for us to connect, learn, and grow together as youth workers. We are now part of a network of passionate individuals committed to fostering inclusion and supporting youth in meaningful ways.

As we look to the future, we carry with us not only the memories of this shared experience but also a deep sense of responsibility. We are ready to continue this journey, building on the relationships we've formed and the knowledge we've gained, working toward a future where all young people have the opportunity to thrive.

THESE BRIDGES ARE FOR THE FUTURE 🌉

After the training, Be The Change put the workshops into action with young people in our community, and we quickly saw the impact. Youth engagement increased, with many feeling more included and supported. The tools we developed helped them reflect on their own challenges and take steps toward positive change. Sharing these results with our network reinforced that this training was just the beginning of something long-lasting. The photos we took highlight the progress and connections made along the way.