December 7–9, 2024, Kumanovo — The PENDYW training program recently concluded a transformative three-day workshop in Kumanovo, bringing together 15 passionate participants to enhance their skills and knowledge in youth work. Focused on fostering social inclusion, the training offered a blend of reflection, collaboration, and practical tools aimed at tackling youth-related challenges within their communities.
Day 1: Laying the Foundations of Inclusion
The first day centered on team building and establishing a shared vision. Icebreakers, reflective exercises, and interactive discussions created a safe and engaging learning environment. Participants explored fundamental principles of youth work, alongside critical concepts such as social exclusion, discrimination, and inclusion.
One standout activity, “Take a Step Forward,” placed participants in roles that represented diverse societal positions. As they navigated prompts about privilege and opportunity, the exercise vividly illustrated disparities within communities. A reflective discussion followed, deepening participants’ empathy and understanding of inclusion.
The day wrapped up with collaborative discussions on what it means to practice inclusive youth work. Participants analyzed the social exclusion challenges unique to their communities and brainstormed ways to create a sense of belonging for marginalized youth.
Day 2: Strategies and Tools for Inclusive Youth Work
On the second day, participants explored the environments that shape young people’s lives: home, school/work, neighborhood, and leisure spaces. Through mapping exercises, they identified opportunities and obstacles within these areas and reflected on their relevance to local youth.
Thought-provoking discussions, such as the “Barometer Statement” activity, encouraged participants to debate ethical and philosophical dilemmas in youth work. They shared personal stories and examined issues such as self-esteem, trust, and barriers to youth engagement. The group also analyzed “key indicators” for inclusion, developing tailored intervention strategies to address specific community challenges.
Day 3: Turning Vision into Action
The final day was dedicated to translating insights into actionable plans. Participants used a “Problem Tree” analysis to identify root causes of youth challenges in their communities. Building on this foundation, they developed SMART objectives and designed long-term youth work programs.
In collaborative sessions, teams outlined activities, success indicators, and evaluation methods for their initiatives. The training concluded with a “Five-Finger Evaluation” where participants reflected on key takeaways and shared feedback. Highlights included the impactful “Take a Step Forward” exercise and the program’s practical focus.
A Commitment to Inclusive Youth Work
The PENDYW training in Kumanovo equipped participants with a comprehensive understanding of inclusive youth work. Over three days, they honed their skills in critical thinking, program design, and community engagement. As they return to their communities, these youth workers carry forward actionable plans and a renewed dedication to fostering inclusion for marginalized youth.
This workshop underscored the vital role of equipping youth workers with the tools and strategies to address exclusion. By empowering these changemakers, the PENDYW program continues to contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
