Gaming as a Tool for Inclusion

Gaming as a Tool for Inclusion  aims to bridge the gap between youth work policy and everyday practice by strengthening the role of digital games as a method for inclusive youth engagement. It is especially designed for youth workers who already use digital games in their work, helping them make these activities more accessible and inclusive, ultimately improving the overall quality of their youth work.

The training creates a safe and supportive learning environment where participants can openly share their experiences, ideas, and practices related to inclusion and gaming with young people who face fewer opportunities.

Grounded in non-formal education methods, the training offers guidance and support through experiential learning, peer discussions, and the exchange of inclusive practices using digital games.

Objectives of the Training Course

• To explore what inclusion can mean in the context of digital games in youth work
• To showcase tools and approaches that increase inclusion in and through digital games
• To enable participants to critically reflect on the inclusiveness of their digital gaming activities
• To learn to make relevant connections between policy and practice in your own professional context

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome participants who have:

• Experience using digital games in youth work settings or
• Experience working with vulnerable target groups in youth work and an interest in incorporating digital games into their practice

Participants should also:

• Understand the potential benefits of using digital games in youth work as a tool for inclusion
• Be willing to learn more and co-develop inclusive digital gaming practices
• Be active in the youth sector
• Be able to work in English
• Be at least 18 years old

Venue and the program

This activity has two steps, and you should be able to participate in both:

1) On-line Kick-off meeting will be held on 14.1.2026 at 14-15 CET.

2) The activity is on 2.-6.2.2026 in Tampere, Finland.

• 2 Feb (Mon): Arrival
• 3-5 Feb (Tue–Thu): Full programme with expert inputs, interactive workshops and peer learning
• 6 Feb (Fri): Departure

Gaming as a Tool for Inclusion is organised under the Digital Youth Work SNAC (Strategic National Agencies Cooperation), coordinated by the Finnish National Agency.

The training course will be facilitated by Kati Hopiavuori and Michele Di Paola.

Safe, Accessible, and Sustainable

We follow the principles of a safer space. We strive to ensure that everyone is welcomed as their authentic self and that no one has to fear discrimination or harassment. We ask all participants to respect and uphold these values.

Our activities are accessible to people with different abilities. If you require a support person, accessible accommodation or transport, or any other form of assistance, we will provide it. Please let us know your individual needs in advance so we can support your full participation.

We also consider sustainability wherever possible. Since most participants will need to fly to Finland, we encourage land travel within the country. Please contact your national agency to learn how they support low-emission travel to international activities.

We provide plant-based meals and prioritize locally grown and produced foods whenever possible. We also respect all dietary needs and food allergies.