Youth work Improved through young PeoPlE's storiEs

"<< Background >>There was an urgent need for interventions to promote social inclusion and fight racism and intolerance, especially in regions dealing with significant migrant influxes. This viewpoint was shared by all participating countries, and the partnership included organizations with extensive experience in the field. Research on social exclusion among migrant youth revealed its complex nature, involving exclusion from communities and denial of access to outsiders, along with instances of ""othering"" and institutional discrimination. The YIPPEE project aimed to facilitate cooperation between young Europeans and resident refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants through innovative methodologies, with input from youth workers and professionals with migrant backgrounds. The YIPPEE Partnership believed that Erasmus+ was effective in promoting inclusion, particularly for disadvantaged individuals, with a focus on young refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. Inclusive education, based on quality youth work, was key in addressing inequalities and preventing marginalization, utilizing cultural activities and peer learning as effective means of engagement and growth for both EU and immigrants.<< Objectives >>The overarching aim of the YIPPEE project WAS to contribute to the development of more equitable, intercultural, and inclusive youth communities by introducing novel approaches and transnational initiatives. We wanted to implement an innovative and impactful approach to youth engagement within multicultural settings, fostering collaboration between young Europeans and immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers of similar ages through peer-to-peer learning to enhance critical thinking and foster a sense of belonging. With this project, we wanted to empower young multicultural communities to take proactive roles in addressing discrimination and promoting social inclusion through locally-driven initiatives coordinated at the EU level. The project focused on addressing the needs of young resident refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, recognizing their vulnerability to processes that exacerbate their disadvantage. Lastly, we aimed to provide training for youth workers, trainers, and teachers using innovative methodologies and teaching modules to effectively engage with the target groups. European youth was involved to facilitate creative intercultural teamwork, while local stakeholders such as associations, schools participated.<< Implementation >>Transnational meetings:We organised the kick off meeting in Sweden on the 19th of April 2022. We had the 2nd TPM in Dublin, Ireland on the 20th of September 2022.We had the 3rd TPM in Bovino, Italy on the 9th-10th of May 2023We attended the 4th TPM in Ankara, Turkiye on the 25th-26th of September 2023.We had the last meeting in Amadora, Portugal on the 6th-7th of December 2023.Development of Intellectual Outputs;IO1 - Methodological framework through storytelling and teaching modulesIO2 - Youth Inclusion Scheme HandbookIO3 - Open Educational Resources Multimedia ToolsIO4 - Guidelines for Cross-sectoral co-operation for inclusive youth workIO5 - Protocol for certification of competenciesStorytelling workshops were carried out in each country to test the modules for Intellectual Output 1. (58 people on total)Youth Inclusion Scheme workshops were realised in each country. (6 Per country)C1- Learning, Training, Teaching activity was implemented between 5th-9th December 2022 in Ankara, Türkiye. Each partner sent at least one representative. (17 in Total)Multiplier Events;MERIDAUNIA hosted their event on 10th of November in Bovino.APROXIMAR hosted their event on 6th of December with all the partner countries in Amadora, PortugalIFALL hosted their event on the 8th of December in Malmo, Sweden. We also organised an online meeting.GEHIMDER hosted their event on the 17th of December in Ankara, Turkiye. They also organised online meeting.VABCKJS-EU hosted their event on the 18th of December in Vienna, Austria. REDIAL hosted their event on the 20th of December in Dublin, Ireland. They also organised online meeting. A project website was established for the project and Facebook and Instagram accounts also existed. << Results >>IO1- Methodological framework through storytelling and teaching modulesIO2 - YIPPEE Youth inclusion Scheme (Handbook)IO3 - YIPPEE Open educational resources (OER)IO4 - YIPPEE Guidelines for Cross-sectoral co-operation for inclusive youth workIO5 - YIPPEE Protocol for certification of competencies6 Focus groups with 30-50 people. (one per country)6 Storytelling workshops with 60 people.C1 - Learning, Teaching, Training Activity - Youth Connections training for trainers / youth workers with 17 participants36 Youth Inclusion workshops (6 per country)6 Multiplier Events with approximately 200 number of people (33 in Sweden, 38 in Italy, 20 in Ireland, Türkiye, Austria, 8 in Portugal and online meetings)Facebook and Instagram account with more than 100 followers. https://www.facebook.com/Yippee.initiative \ https://www.instagram.com/yippee_project/Project Website https://yippee-initiative.weebly.com/• New methods, educational materials, and inclusive environments were created to encourage conversations between young Europeans and their peers who were resident refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.• Youth workers and trainers from diverse backgrounds, including migrants, were trained to better support young people, improving the quality of their work.• Exciting learning paths were developed to promote social inclusion and dialogue among young Europeans and their counterparts who were refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.• Young EU citizens and immigrant youth took on leadership roles in joint projects, raising awareness about social inclusion in their communities.• Private and public organizations actively participated in the YIPPEE Youth Inclusion Scheme, expanding its reach and impact.• The YIPPEE project helped participants develop new skills and critical thinking while also addressing discrimination and racism, contributing to a safer community."