Y.E.S.: Youth Exchange Starter

The training aims to develop participants’ practical skills in designing inclusive youth projects for diverse youth groups, preparing Erasmus+ funding applications and planning the successful implementation of their own projects.

During the course, participants will explore the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, focusing on youth exchanges and training courses. They will learn how to choose the most appropriate project format for their ideas and how to develop a project from the initial analysis of the target group’s needs to the definition of objectives, methods and expected outcomes. The course will introduce participants to the logic of project development and the key elements of a funding application, ensuring a clear connection between identified needs, project objectives, planned activities, budget and evaluation.

A particular focus will be placed on social inclusion and working with diverse youth groups. Participants will explore how to identify barriers to participation, take different needs into account at every stage of a project, and create accessible activities for young people with different abilities, backgrounds and levels of experience. They will learn how to adapt non-formal education methods, organise activities inclusively and provide appropriate support to participants.

Participants will also develop their own project ideas, work on the key sections of an Erasmus+ funding application and identify the next steps towards preparing and implementing their projects. The training provides an opportunity to strengthen practical project development skills, exchange experiences with youth workers from different countries and explore opportunities for international cooperation within the Erasmus+ programme.

The training is designed as a practical learning process that connects the principles of inclusion with the concrete stages of project development, from identifying needs and designing activities to preparing funding applications and planning implementation.

Objectives of the training

The main objective of the training is to develop participants’ competencies in designing inclusive youth projects, preparing Erasmus+ funding applications and planning activities that respond to the needs of diverse youth groups. By the end of the training, participants will:

• explore the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme, including youth exchanges and training courses;
• learn how to choose the appropriate Erasmus+ project format for their ideas;
• understand the principles of social inclusion and identify barriers that may prevent young people from participating in projects;
• learn how to analyse the needs of a target group and translate them into clear project objectives;
• develop skills in selecting appropriate non-formal education methods and defining expected project outcomes;
• understand the structure of an Erasmus+ funding application and the connections between needs, objectives, activities, budget and evaluation;
• learn how to plan accessible activities for diverse youth groups with different abilities and levels of experience;
• explore how to adapt methods, organisational arrangements and participant support to different needs;
• develop their own project ideas and prepare key sections of an Erasmus+ funding application;
• identify the next steps towards preparing and implementing their projects;
• become more confident in applying the knowledge and methods gained during the training to their future youth work.

Target group – the training is aimed at:

• youth workers;
• leaders of youth non-governmental organisations;
• educators and trainers;
• people interested in developing their own projects within the Erasmus+ programme;
• people who have experience or motivation to work with youth groups and are interested in inclusive youth work and international cooperation.

Participants are expected to have experience or a willingness to work with youth groups, be ready to use non-formal education methods and actively participate in all course activities. They should be motivated to develop their professional skills in youth work and be willing to apply the knowledge gained during the training in their future activities and projects.

Methodology

The training focuses on practical learning, active participation and the application of non-formal education methods. Participants will explore the Erasmus+ programme, analyse the needs of different youth groups, examine the principles of social inclusion and work through the key stages of project development.

The learning process will combine individual work, group activities, discussions, experience sharing and practical project development tasks. Participants will work on their own project ideas, define objectives and expected outcomes, select appropriate methods and develop key sections of a funding application. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that project activities are accessible and that the needs of diverse participants are considered throughout the project cycle.

The methodology connects theoretical understanding with practical application, enabling participants to leave the training with a clearer understanding of the Erasmus+ programme and concrete foundations for developing their own inclusive youth projects.