CHANCE TO CHANGE – VOLUNTEERING TOOLBOX is an innovative initiative designed to prevent youth violence through non-formal education. Developed in collaboration with five European organisations, this project provides practical tools for educators, youth workers, and volunteers to promote social inclusion, peer education, and active citizenship among young people.

Violence among children and teenagers is a growing concern, especially in schools, where cultural, personal, and physical differences can lead to conflict. The consequences impact well-being, academic success, and the overall quality of education. This project was created to offer practical solutions that empower young people and those who work with them to foster a safer and more inclusive environment.

The Toolbox is designed for anyone working with children and youth in formal and informal settings, including:

• Teachers
• Youth workers
• Camp counselors
• NGOs and organisations working with volunteers
• Young volunteers eager to take action and make a difference

Project goals

This project stems from an international collaboration between five organisations dedicated to empowering young people and promoting human rights, inclusion, and community engagement. By combining non-formal education and peer education, it provides an innovative approach to preventing violence and fostering youth participation in their communities.

Our initiative addresses three key challenges:

1. Preventing youth violence and intolerance, particularly in school environments.
2. Encouraging active youth participation, helping young people engage in meaningful volunteer work.
3. Enhancing the credibility of non-formal education, promoting its value in youth development.

Through interactive learning and peer-led initiatives, we equip young volunteers with the skills and knowledge to drive positive social change.

Partners

This project is made possible by the collaboration of five experienced organisations:

• CooLabora (Portugal) 
• Strauss APS (Italy)
• PEL (North Macedonia) 
• Universidade da Beira Interior (Portugal) 
• Roter Baum Berlin (Germany)

The VOLUNTEERING TOOLBOX

Our central activity was to create a methodology for running volunteer initiatives, with young volunteers promoting a culture of peace and nonviolence in school contexts. To accompany this methodology, we prepared a set of educational games that can be used by the volunteers in a class or playground context (within our methodology or not). Last but not least, we created a self-assessment mobile app for youngsters who are interested in becoming volunteers. It will help them to learn more about themselves and their motivations.

The Volunteering Toolbox, in summary, provides:

• A collection of educational games, complete with step-by-step instructions and recommendations.
• A checklist, guiding users through the process of running their first game.
• A handbook, offering resources on launching volunteer initiatives to combat bullying.

A Volunteer Self-Assessment Mobile App, helping potential volunteers evaluate their skills and motivations.