KROG SOČUTJA - Mladinsko delo, ki temelji na sočutju

"<< Background >>We recognized the need to integrate compassion as a competence in youth work. Youth workers play a key role in supporting young people during their personal and social development and in empowering them on their path to independence. Their work is demanding and dynamic, as they must quickly adapt to changing circumstances in which young people grow up. They act as advisors, mentors, conversation partners, role models, confidants, and leaders, while also providing a safe space and programs. Since the well-being of young people is a priority, this can lead to high levels of stress, excessive workload, physical and emotional exhaustion among youth workers, and a lack of self-care. At the same time, young people themselves clearly express the need for mental health support, and youth work strives to respond effectively to their needs. We also identified the need for better connections between the youth sector and scientific research on compassion, as well as the provision of practical and applicable resources for working with young people.We designed the project as part of the solution, offering an opportunity to strengthen youth work through compassion while ensuring the well-being of both young people and youth workers.<< Objectives >>We aimed to strengthen the role of compassion in youth work and develop tools to support the well-being of youth workers and young people. Our goal was to identify, research, and implement compassion as a key competence in the youth sector, thereby contributing to greater resilience, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills among youth workers and young people.Through research, we sought to identify existing best practices and the needs of youth organizations in integrating compassionate approaches. Based on these findings, we aimed to develop a training model that enables youth workers to enhance (self)compassion and incorporate it into their work.We wanted to ensure the sustainability of the project by creating digital and interactive learning content, making it more accessible to young people, youth workers, and youth organizations even after the project's completion. The tools will also be used in the new Center for Youth in Ljubljana, which is envisioned to fully operate based on the principles of compassion.It was also an opportunity for transnational cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sharing experiences between youth organizations, contributing to the systemic strengthening of youth work at the European level.<< Implementation >>We organized the initial partner meeting in Belgrade, where we assigned responsibilities, distributed tasks, set the timeline, and defined communication tools.We conducted research, including a review of existing sources, focus groups with youth workers, and data collection from 40 European youth organizations on the integration of compassion in youth work.We hosted the international online conference “Circle of Compassion”, bringing together 87 participants and experts from 16 time zones. The conference facilitated knowledge exchange and practical experience-sharing among experts, youth workers, and organizations in the field of compassion.We developed the ""Ambassador of Compassion"" training, which was piloted twice in Slovenia and twice in Serbia. The training was then digitalized and published in three languages on the City of Learning platform.We presented the project at various international (Quality Label for Badge Recognition (NL), Community Building (FR)) and national events (Connected (SLO), National Youth Sector Conference (SLO)) to disseminate the project’s results.Finally, we organized the final partner meeting in Ljubljana, where we evaluated the project’s impact and planned its long-term sustainability.<< Results >>We conducted research and analysis, including a sources review, focus groups with youth workers, and a survey of European youth organizations. The results provided insight into the needs and existing practices in the youth sector.Based on the research, we developed and piloted a training program to help youth workers strengthen compassion toward themselves and others. The training was digitalized and published in three languages on the City of Learning platform, making it widely accessible. Learning badges were created to track participants’ progress.We organized the international online conference ""Circle of Compassion"", attended by 87 participants from 16 time zones. Lecture recordings were published on Mladi zmaji’s YouTube channel.To promote the project, we produced promotional material packages (including recycled t-shirts, recycled folders, and QR stickers linking to the digitalized training) and developed digital promotional materials (graphics, videos). We also set up a communication plan for social media outreach.We presented the project at various international and national events, contributing to the wider dissemination of results and the long-term impact of the project."