Curriculum - Training youth workers for empowerment and inclusion of youngsters with disabilities through quality social entrepreneurship educational programmes

Aims of the tool

The aim of this Curriculum is to strengthen the capacities of youth workers and youth organisations to promote inclusion and empowerment of young people with disabilities by providing practical tools, methods and educational activities focused on social entrepreneurship.

It supports youth workers in developing accessible learning environments where young people with disabilities can explore entrepreneurial ideas, develop competences and actively participate in their communities.

Description of the tool

This Curriculum was developed within the Erasmus+ project “Capacity building in youth work for social entrepreneurship of youngsters with disabilities (SocEntYwD)”. It is a practical learning resource designed for youth workers, trainers and educators who aim to strengthen inclusive youth work practices and support young people with disabilities in exploring social entrepreneurship.

The Curriculum provides a conceptual framework and a set of ready-to-use educational sessions based on non-formal education and participatory learning approaches. It combines theoretical background with practical activities and tools that support youth workers in creating accessible and inclusive learning environments.

The resource addresses key topics including disability awareness, inclusion principles, accessibility, social entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial skills development, employment-related challenges, impact and sustainability, community engagement, policy and advocacy. It contains 16 structured educational sessions that can be implemented as standalone workshops or combined into short- and long-term training programmes for youth workers.

Each session includes learning objectives, competences developed, methods and methodologies, step-by-step implementation guidance, background information, materials and space needed, adaptation options for diverse groups, and recommendations for transferring activities to different organisational and national contexts.

Through this Curriculum, learners will:

- develop a better understanding of disability, inclusion and accessibility in youth work;
- recognise barriers faced by young people with disabilities and explore approaches for creating more inclusive learning environments;
- gain knowledge about social entrepreneurship and its potential to empower young people with disabilities;
- develop skills for designing and facilitating inclusive educational activities;
- learn methods for supporting young people with disabilities in developing entrepreneurial ideas, competences and confidence;
- strengthen their abilities in community engagement, advocacy, sustainability and creating social impact.

The resource aims to contribute to youth work practices where young people with disabilities are recognised as active participants, potential social entrepreneurs and contributors to more inclusive and resilient communities.