Two-step Partnership Building Activity: Nordic Projects For Mobility Of Young People And Youth Workers

This two-step Partnership Building Activity: Nordic Projects For Mobility Of Young People And Youth Workers is designed to create partnerships between youth workers and organisations in Denmark and Finland (or other Nordic countries). The objective is to help you establish a strong, lasting partnership that leads to concrete Erasmus+ Youth projects. Throughout the process, a trainer and NA staff will be present to support and guide you on the way.

First step in Helsinki, Finland 28th of September to 1st of October

Nordic Projects For Mobility Of Young People And Youth Workers is a partnership-building activity (PBA) designed to connect youth workers and organisations looking to collaborate on Erasmus+ youth sector mobilities. Whether you are new to Erasmus+ or have some experience, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to meet like-minded professionals from countries with similar youth work and policy structures.

A successful exchange of young people or youth workers not only benefits the young people but also strengthens your organisation as a whole. However, creating meaningful exchanges requires strong, reliable partnerships. This PBA helps you build those connections by fostering trust, aligning values, and setting common goals for impactful projects.

During this PBA you will have the opportunity to connect with other youth workers and organisations through engaging team-building activities, presentations, and group discussions. Together, we/you will explore (y)our work, values, needs, skill, and strengths, while discovering opportunities for collaboration.

The focus is on fostering cooperation within the Erasmus+ actions Youth Exchanges and Mobility of Youth Workers. While we cannot guarantee partnerships, we expect that participants will leave with new connections, a concrete project idea, and a clear timeline for future collaboration.

Copenhagen Follow-up seminar - 24-27 November, Copenhagen, Denmark

Participants who form a partnership in Helsinki and commit to applying for an Erasmus+ + Youth Exchanges and/or Mobilities of Youth Workers will be invited to the second phase: Copenhagen follow-up. This event will take place in Denmark on 24-27 November 2025 and will serve as a project development and application writing lab.

During this phase, the newly established partnerships (made in Finland) will receive coaching and guidance on key aspects of the Erasmus+ application process, including:

• Identifying needs and potential project impact
• Effective cooperation with partners
• Ensuring meaningful youth participation
• Designing learning experiences in projects
• Managing practicalities
• Addressing additional needs identified during the Helsinki PBA

During Copenhagen follow-up, time has been allocated for the partnerships to work concretely on writing their application with guidance from NA staff. By the end of this second step, you are hopefully more confident and prepared to complete the remaining steps needed to submit your Erasmus+ application.

What will you gain from this training?

• A clear understanding of Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges and Mobilities of Youth Workers and how it can support young people with fewer opportunities and youth workers.
• Practical tools and methods for designing a youth exchange and/or Mobility of Youth Workers
• Potentially finding partners to collaborate for your next Erasmus+-adventure
• Peer-learning opportunities with other Nordic youth organizations.

Profile of participants:

• If you want to take part in this partnership building activity, you need to be a youth worker, youth work coordinator or youth leader – you could also be from a municipality or an NGO where youth and young people are at the center of your attention.  
• From Denmark or Finland, or Norway and Sweden
• The working language of this partnership building activity will be English, and you need to be able to speak it well in order to be able to cooperate with partners.
• You and the organisation you represent should be committed to finding partners for a future project in the Erasmus+-programme.
• Priorities will be given to newer organisations to Erasmus+, and to those who will join both parts of the activity.
• Organisations working with young people outside of the labour market and educational system (NEET) will also be prioritized.

Practicalities: All participants will be hosted in single rooms and provided with 3 meals a day + coffee breaks during the two seminars. 

Why Youth exchange?

With an international partner, your organisation can foster cross-cultural learning, strengthen international partnerships, and offer young people a unique opportunity to develop soft skills through immersive experiences. These exchanges enhance personal growth, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship.

Why Mobility of Youth Worker?

With an international partner, your organisation can benefit from increased knowledge and improved skills for your staff through professional development opportunities. Mobility programmes enable youth workers to exchange best practices, ensure inputs, new idea and fruitful learning, enhance their professional skills, and broaden their networks across Europe.