KA153 STRONG (Strengthening Youth Workers’ Resilience and NGO Quality) PPROJECT

The STRONG project emerges from a clear and pressing need within the youth work sector. Youth workers are at the forefront of engaging young people and sustaining the activities of NGOs, yet they increasingly face conditions that undermine both their personal well-being and the quality of their professional practice. Research and experience in the field show three critical problem areas:

Psychological stress and burnout: Youth workers often operate in demanding environments, frequently engaging with vulnerable groups. Many report high levels of emotional fatigue, reduced motivation, and a lack of structured support systems to maintain their resilience.
Challenges in volunteer management: NGOs rely heavily on volunteers, but limited strategies for engagement and retention result in high turnover and reduced impact. Youth workers lack innovative methods to keep volunteers motivated and involved in meaningful ways.
Digital adaptation gaps: As civil society shifts toward digital platforms, many youth workers are not fully equipped to use collaborative tools, manage online projects, or communicate effectively in digital spaces. This creates inequalities in access, visibility, and outreach.
Sustainability and innovation deficits: NGOs often struggle to develop projects that are both environmentally responsible and socially sustainable. Youth workers need exposure to new models such as social entrepreneurship, green practices, and cross-border partnerships.

STRONG addresses these needs by creating an international learning and exchange framework that empowers youth workers and strengthens the capacity of NGOs. In line with Erasmus+ Youth Quality Standards and the European Youth Goals, our objectives are:

1. Strengthening Psychological Resilience and Well-being: Through experiential workshops, peer-learning, and reflective practices, the project will equip youth workers with tools to manage stress and prevent burnout. This responds directly to Youth Goal #5 “Mental Health & Well-being”.
2. Improving Volunteer Management and Motivation: By exploring gamification, case studies, and digital management platforms, youth workers will learn effective strategies to engage and retain volunteers, aligning with Youth Goal #9 “Space and Participation for All”.
3. Enhancing Digital Competencies in the NGO Sector: Practical training in collaborative platforms and digital communication tools will help youth workers modernize their practices and increase outreach, supporting Youth Goal #4 “Information & Constructive Dialogue”.
4. Promoting Sustainable and Innovative NGO Practices: The project introduces social entrepreneurship and environmentally friendly approaches, encouraging youth workers to embed sustainability in their daily work. This contributes to Youth Goal #10 “Sustainable Green Europe”.
5. Building International Cooperation and Shared Learning: By uniting youth workers from different countries, STRONG fosters intercultural dialogue, mutual learning, and the creation of long-term networks. The Youth Workers’ Manifesto and Handbook will consolidate knowledge and spread it widely, advancing Youth Goal #3 “Inclusive Societies”.
6. Ensuring Long-term Impact and Transferability: Outputs such as the Manifesto and Handbook will remain accessible beyond the project, while participants will act as multipliers within their organizations and communities, ensuring wider dissemination and sustainability.

In conclusion, STRONG responds to concrete needs faced by youth workers—burnout, weak volunteer systems, digital gaps, and lack of sustainable models—by offering structured, international, and participatory solutions. By aligning with Erasmus+ priorities and the European Youth Goals, the project empowers youth workers to become resilient, competent, and innovative professionals, ensuring that NGOs can thrive and continue to play their vital role in society.