Utopia Is Not An Island

Training Description

Utopia is not an island is an 8-day international Training Course that will take place in Benicàssim (Spain) from 11–18 May 2026 (including travelling days). The activity brings together 24 youth workers from across Europe to explore how imagination, hope and creativity can become practical tools in youth work.

What is "Utopia is not an island" about:

In a context where fear-based narratives, discrimination and hostile public discourses increasingly affect queer communities and other minorities, youth workers often face the challenge of supporting young people with limited resources and methodological tools. This training offers a safe, inclusive and creative learning space where participants can pause, reflect and collectively rethink how youth work can foster wellbeing, resilience and participation.

Inspired by the idea that utopia is not escapism but a method for social change, participants will critically analyse how dominant narratives shape young people’s emotions, sense of belonging and possibilities for the future. Through this process, the training aims to transform imagination into concrete educational practices applicable in youth work.

Objectives:

The training course pursues three main objectives:

• Strengthen youth workers’ competences to design and implement inclusive actions with and for young people, particularly queer youth and minorities.
• Provide a safe intercultural learning environment where participants can critically explore dystopian narratives and collectively imagine alternative futures.
• Transform imagination into practical tools, by co-creating replicable workshops and contributing to a digital toolkit that can be applied in participants’ local contexts.

Methodology:

The programme is based on non-formal education and experiential learning, combining reflection, creativity and peer-to-peer exchange. Methods include storytelling, theatre-based approaches, media analysis, creative labs, group discussions and peer-facilitated workshops. Participants will move from analysing narratives affecting young people to designing and testing practical activities that can later be replicated in their organisations.

Target Group:

The activity is specifically designed for youth workers, youth leaders and educators working in the field of non-formal learning and youth work, particularly those engaged with inclusion, diversity and the wellbeing of young people. Participants should be motivated to explore creative methodologies, safe space facilitation and innovative approaches to youth participation.

Expected Outcomes: 

By the end of the training, participants will:

• gain new competences in inclusive youth work methodologies,
• co-create and test workshop formats applicable in their local contexts,
• contribute to a collective digital toolkit of practices,
• and become part of a European network of youth workers committed to creating safer, more hopeful spaces for young people.

For any more information, read our Infopack and dont hesitate to contact to MariCuir Xarxa del Maritim (you will find the proper contacts also in the Infopack).