MOBILE YOUTH WORK

The project explores MOBILE YOUTH WORK (MYW) as an innovative approach to expanding youth engagement and services beyond traditional settings.

Through this project, our primary objective is to elevate both the quality and acknowledgment of youth work, while also driving innovation within the sector through the exploration of Mobile Youth Work (MYW). We seek to cultivate a more profound understanding and recognition within society, including policymakers and decision-makers, of the critical necessity to allocate sufficient resources for the execution of high-quality open youth work endeavors. The project’s focal point centers on pioneering initiatives of mobile youth centres (MYC).

Project goals

Our goal is to champion the concept of MYCs, where young people can convene informally, spend leisure time, receive counselling support, and cultivate their ideas. While a MYC does not replace a fixed physical youth centre, it expands its scope by accessing areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach and engaging youth demographics that might otherwise be challenging to involve in youth centre activities.

Drawing from the significant outcomes of the KA2 Action projects “Open Youth Work for an Open Society” and “IVY -International Virtual Youth Centre,” alongside our extensive experience in this field, we are committed to developing additional tailored tools and resources for practitioners, youth workers, policymakers and decision-makers. Our focus is specifically aimed at advancing the concept of MYW. Through this initiative, we aim to close the circle: we have advocated for the recognition of a youth center with the versatility to operate on-site and online, and now, with this proposal, extending its flexibility to operate in external locations through MYCs.

Partners

This initiative is a collaboration between four experienced organisations:

• Roter Baum Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
• Curba de Cultura (Izvoarele, Romania) 
• Strauss APS (Mussomeli, Italy)
• Le Fagotin (Stoumont, Belgium) 

Each partner plays a crucial role in researching, developing, and implementing innovative Mobile Youth Work models.

The project unfolds through a series of interconnected activities aimed at developing and promoting Mobile Youth Centres (MYCs) as an innovative approach to youth work.

Research

It begins with extensive research, where 20 MYC models and activities are analyzed, alongside the collection of scientific studies and best practices. This data is compiled into a comprehensive database, accessible in multiple languages and integrated into the project’s website.

Youth Exchange

Building on this foundation, the project brings together young people and experts through a Youth Exchange, where participants co-design the ideal MYC model. Their insights contribute to the development of educational resources, visual materials, and a structured manual outlining essential tools for implementing MYCs.

Policy Recommendations

To ensure long-term impact, the project also focuses on policy recommendations, engaging youth workers and decision-makers in discussions on the recognition and sustainability of Mobile Youth Work. Handouts and advocacy tools are developed to support policymakers in integrating MYCs into youth strategies.

Dissemination Campaign

Finally, an extensive dissemination campaign ensures that the project’s outcomes reach a broad audience. Through multiplier events, media coverage, and online engagement, the initiative fosters awareness and encourages the adoption of MYCs across Europe.

The project will deliver the following key outcomes:

MYC Database

• 20 MYC models analyzed.
• 20 MYC activities reviewed.
• 10 scientific research studies collected.

Manual – “Dream Mobile Youth Centre”

• 12 educational research studies.
• Translations available in 5 languages.

Manual – “Policy Recommendations”

•  Handout for decision-makers.
• Recommendation tools for policy development.
• Translations available in 5 languages.

Manual – “Policy Recommendations”

•  Handout for decision-makers.
• Recommendation tools for policy development.
• Translations available in 5 languages.