Training for Group Leaders of Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges involving highly vulnerable young people

This Training Course is part of Associazione Joint’s Erasmus+ Accreditation and aims to prepare group leaders and youth workers to confidently and safely support Highly Vulnerable Young People (HVYP) in international youth exchanges.

By HVYP we refer to young people who face severe social, economic, educational, psychological or migration-related vulnerabilities, and who require adapted support measures to ensure safe, inclusive and meaningful participation in mobility projects.

We will bring together around 20 participants from across Europe to develop shared practices, strengthen safeguarding competences, and explore concrete strategies for creating protective, accessible and empowering learning environments.

The course will be facilitated by Laura Lazdāne and María Pérez, senior trainers of our International Network for Inclusion, who for many years have coordinated Youth Exchanges involving HVYP and delivered specialised training within the network.

WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?

The course is intended for:

• future group leaders who will take part in Youth Exchanges in 2026
• youth workers and educators who support young people with fewer opportunities or complex backgrounds and want to learn more about Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges
• representatives of organisations wishing to understand and adopt Joint’s inclusion and safeguarding standards

Participants should be ready to:

• take responsibility for group preparation, support and follow-up
• ensure safety and wellbeing throughout the mobility
• collaborate with the management and facilitation team and with the designated safeguarding person
• work in an intercultural environment with participants who may have heightened vulnerabilities

KEY CONTENTS

The training combines experiential activities, simulations, case studies, peer learning and reflection.
Main topics include:

• Safeguarding & Risk Management

Preventing, identifying and responding to risks; crisis protocols; establishing boundaries; responsibilities of group leaders; cooperation with the safeguarding person.

• Creating Safer Spaces

How to build emotionally, socially and physically safe spaces; group agreements; trust-building; recognising triggers and sensitive situations.

• Working with Highly Vulnerable Young People (HVYP)

Understanding different vulnerability profiles; adapting communication and activities; motivation, limits and expectations; coordination with the management and facilitation team.

• The Role of Group Leaders in Youth Exchanges

Before, during and after the mobility: participant preparation, expectation-setting, wellbeing monitoring, conflict prevention, mediation, documentation and follow-up.

• Non-Formal Education Tools for Inclusion

Inclusive facilitation; adapting NFE methods; managing group dynamics; supporting learning for participants with diverse needs.

• Quality Standards of the International Network for Inclusion

How to apply the quality standards developed by Associazione Joint’s International Network for Inclusion, with a focus on safeguarding obligations, accessible learning environments, risk prevention and coherence with the Erasmus+ Youth framework.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, participants will:

• strengthen their safeguarding, crisis management and risk-prevention skills
• understand how to support HVYP throughout all phases of a Youth Exchange
• develop the ability to create inclusive, safe and supportive spaces
• learn concrete tools to adapt NFE activities to diverse needs
• align with the quality standards of Associazione Joint’s International Network for Inclusion
• increase their readiness to act as responsible and prepared group leaders in 2026