Youth Mobility 2024 Tropea, Italy

🌟 Erasmus+ Training Course: "Unlocking the Power of Research in Youth Work" 

Mobility projects for young people - "Youth Exchanges" - Erasmus supports       non-formal learning mobility of young people in the form of Youth Exchanges, with the objective to engage and empower young people. 

High on Life organization facilitated EU project titled "Unlocking the power of research from 21 th to 29th October 2024". 

This Youth Exchange hosted 31 participants from Spain, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Germany, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Turkey in the beautiful town of Tropea, Italy, where the host organization is based and was a great opportunity to participate to learn and exchange good practices.

The project focused on strengthening youth work practices by bridging the gap between research and hands-on youth work. Through this initiative, we explored the importance of research-based approaches to make a real impact in our communities. "Unlocking the Power of Research" aimed to equip youth workers and NGOs with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions and improve organizational performance across Europe.

We are motivated to bring these new insights back to our communities and work towards fostering a more effective and empowered youth sector! 🌍📈 #ErasmusPlus #YouthWork#ResearchInYouth #EmpoweredYouth #EvidenceBased#YouthEmpowerment

During this project, we learned about crucial aspects of data use and research in context of NGOs work including ethics aspect. For 9 days we were gaining knowledge about methodologies and share good practices from all countries included in the project. Participants also did interviews in the city with tourists and locals who live here to find information on topics like for example level of happiness and satisfaction from living in Tropea to practice best ways to make data collection for research. Results were very interesting, 80% said their feel satisfied living in Tropea and mentioned the historic architecture and breathtaking views of mountains and the sea offered participants a blend of tranquility and inspiration, ideal for introspection and collaboration. Beyond the sessions, participants immersed themselves in local culture, strengthening their bonds while experiencing Tropea's charm.

The project recognized the need for evidence-based Youth Work. Today, youth workers and NGOs face increasing challenges that require a grounded, evidence-based approach. This training highlighted the importance of integrating research into youth work to improve organizational strategies, make informed decisions, and foster better youth engagement. With a focus on capacity building and skill enhancement, participants explored how research can empower youth workers to address complex social issues effectively. During dynamic learning sessions led by experienced facilitators, the training provided a series of dynamic workshops that covered topics critical to modern youth work. The course focused on practical applications through interactive workshops, collaborative discussions, and real-world case studies, delving into topics like planning and Ddsigning research projects. Participants learned to define research objectives, formulate effective research questions, and develop actionable research plans. Ethical considerations in research including discussions on privacy, confidentiality, and ethical standards helped participants understand the ethical framework necessary for conducting youth-centered research. Conducting field research: techniques in sampling, data collection, and engaging vulnerable populations ensured that participants are equipped to handle diverse youth groups. Data Analysis and Interpretation: Practical tools for quantitative and qualitative analysis enabled youth workers to turn data into meaningful insights for their organizations. One of the course's highlights was its emphasis on practical tools and immediately applicable strategies. The training empowered participants with skills to: Develop culturally relevant research methods. Create engaging, inclusive programs tailored to youth needs. Utilize digital platforms for wider reach and resource-sharing. Implement evidence-based decision-making in youth-focused initiatives. Building a Supportive Network.

Beyond individual skills, the training course fostered a strong, supportive network of youth workers committed to enhancing youth engagement across Europe. Through collaborative activities and informal networking, participants formed meaningful connections, strengthening a community focused on shared goals in social development and youth empowerment it was successful and transformative journey, effective training.