CORE - Communication, Mediation & Conflict Resolution in Youth Work Training Course

CORE - Communication, Mediation & Conflict Resolution in Youth Work is a training course coordinated by Associação Juventude de Vila Fonche (Portugal) within its Erasmus+ Accreditation in the youth field. It will take place from 22 to 28 April 2026 in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal.

CORE develops practical competences to create safer, more cooperative and inclusive educational environments, with strong attention to rural realities and contexts where multiple barriers affect young people’s participation and well-being.

The programme uses non-formal education methods (experiential activities, simulations, role-plays, case clinics, reflection groups, and peer learning) to explore:
- Inclusive and clear communication (active listening, feedback, assertiveness, needs-based communication);
- Facilitation of group dynamics and prevention of escalation;
- Conflict analysis and de-escalation strategies;
- Mediation basics (steps, roles, neutrality, agreements) and restorative approaches;
- Emotional regulation and self-care for youth workers;
- Follow-up actions and transfer to local youth work practice.

Objectives:
- Strengthen youth workers’ and partners’ teams through practical communication tools and a feedback culture;
- Improve facilitation and group-process management (equitable participation, shared decision-making, collective accountability);
- Work on real field challenges through participants’ cases, peer learning and critical thinking
- Build a shared toolbox (methods, scripts, routines and strategies) for local activities with young people and staff teams;
- Strengthen cooperation networks among partners, fostering methodology exchange and future joint actions;
- Support recognition of learning through Youthpass and structured reflection/evaluation, facilitating transfer to everyday practice.

More information and the application form will be found in the Info Pack.