European Youth Work Through a Generational Lens
21 – 28 May 2025 | Breaza, Romania
How do generational differences shape youth work in Europe?
Are you a youth worker, educator, trainer, or facilitator seeking to understand how different generations engage in youth work, activism, and learning? This training course will help you explore, adapt, and innovate youth work practices to remain relevant and impactful in an evolving generational landscape.
About the Training
This six-day experiential training course will examine the challenges and opportunities that arise from working with young people across multiple generations, from digital natives to those with different lived experiences. Through non-formal education methods, reflection, and hands-on activities, we will explore:
- The evolution of youth work and generational differences
- How stereotypes shape intergenerational dynamics
- Adapting methodologies for new generations
- Cross-generational collaboration and knowledge-sharing
- Digitalization and its impact on social interactions across generations
Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will:
✅ Develop strategies to adapt youth work practices for changing generational needs
✅ Improve communication and intercultural collaboration across age groups
✅ Enhance professional competencies in designing non-formal education methods suitable for diverse youth audiences
✅ Gain tools for bridging generational gaps in European youth work
Methodology
This training follows non-formal education principles, with an emphasis on experiential learning, creative expression, and interactive methodologies. Participants will engage in:
Role-playing and storytelling to experience generational perspectives
Case studies and debates on youth engagement across time
Workshops on digital footprints and cognitive maps
Timeline Walk & Bridge Building – an experiential activity exploring generational influences
Open Space discussions to exchange challenges and solutions
Who Can Participate?
This training is designed for:
Youth workers, educators, and trainers
Project managers and facilitators working with diverse youth groups
Mentors and leaders supporting young people in different stages of life
Anyone curious about generational shifts and their impact on youth work
Participants should be:
✅ At least 18 years old
✅ Motivated to explore and reflect on generational inclusion in youth work
✅ Open to intercultural learning and collaboration
✅ Able to communicate in English
Programme Overview
Arrival Day
- Welcome & introduction to the training
- Ice-breaking activities and cultural exploration of Breaza
Day 1: Understanding Generational Differences
- Introduction to generations in youth work
- Stereotypes & Identity: “Onion Game”
- Comparing Generations Across Cultures
- Reflection & Daily Evaluation
Day 2: Intergenerational Youth Work in Action
- Youth Work with Second-Generation Migrants
- Study visit: Interaction with local institutions and youth organizations
- Empathy Across Generations – Exploring real-life challenges
- Film Screening & Debate
Day 3: Digitalization & Generational Influence
- The Digital Footprint & Cognitive Maps – How tech shapes interactions
- Adapting Youth Work for New Generations (Open Space discussions)
- Creating Solutions for Generational Gaps
- Intercultural Evening
Day 4: Designing a New Approach to Youth Work
- Building Guidelines for Youth Work Exchanges
- Co-Creation of Tools for Inclusive Intergenerational Learning
- Reflection & Peer Feedback
- Cultural Night
Day 5: Exploring Romanian Culture & Heritage
- Cultural visit: Understanding Romania through a generational lens
- Connecting Tradition & Modernity in Youth Work
- Finalizing Youth Exchange Designs
Day 6: Closing & Future Steps
- YouthPass Reflection – Mapping personal and professional growth
- Follow-up Planning & Future Collaborations
- Final Evaluation & Celebration
Location & Accommodation
Breaza, Romania – A tranquil setting ideal for reflection, learning, and collaboration. Participants will stay in shared rooms, fostering a community atmosphere.
Important to Know
⚠️ This training involves self-reflection and experiential learning that may challenge perspectives.
It does not provide all-encompassing generational theory, but it builds the foundation for adapting youth work across generations.
The training includes outdoor activities, so bring comfortable clothing
How to Apply?
Read more HERE
Interested in joining? Applications form here.
Deadline for application 20.04.2025
A.C.T.O.R. is implementing this project with the support of Eramus Plus -Youth program under the acreditation for learning mobilities 2024-1-RO01-KA151-YOU-000205842.
