Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Energiser, Presentation, Manual, Ice-breaker, Group Building Activity, Boardgame
Minimal & Functional Youth Work Concept
“Minimal & Functional” teaches youth work with minimal resources: simple, playful tools like circus, politics, and media activities that build confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking. Free, adaptable, and practical for any youth worker.
Aims of the tool
To create simple, low-cost, high-impact youth work methods that build creativity, participation, and resilience; promote media and political literacy; and show that effective learning needs ideas and teamwork—not expensive materials.
Description of the tool
The concept aims to make youth work minimal, practical, and inclusive. It develops activities that use simple materials—like balloons, paper, or none at all—to achieve strong educational outcomes. The focus is on creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and participation, helping young people build confidence and resilience through hands-on experiences.
It also aims to strengthen media literacy (through projects like MediaLab and Fake News Show) and political literacy (through Cube Debate, Youth Parliament, and Party Campaigning). The Circus & Performing tools promote emotional expression and group cohesion.
Overall, the goal is to prove that impactful youth work does not require big budgets, only clear facilitation, imagination, and cooperation between youth workers and participants.
Disclaimer
SALTO cannot be held responsible for the inappropriate use of these training tools. Always adapt training tools to your aims, context, target group and to your own skills! These tools have been used in a variety of formats and situations. Please notify SALTO should you know about the origin of or copyright on this tool.
Tool overview
http://toolbox.salto-youth.net/5177
This tool is for
Young people aged 16 to 29, especially those with fewer opportunities or limited access to resources. The methods suit youth workers, educators, and NGOs aiming to engage mixed groups—NEETs, students, and active young citizens—in creative, practical, and inclusive learning.
and addresses
Social Inclusion, Project Management, Intercultural Learning, Personal Development, Youth Participation
Materials needed:
Basic supplies: paper, pens, markers, scissors, tape
Play materials: balloons, rice (for juggling balls), ropes or bars (for trapeze)
Furniture: tables, chairs, podiums (optional)
Printed items: cube templates, quiz sheets, character cards, situation cards
Tech (optional): phones/cameras, laptops, projector, microphone, flipchart
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
Unknown.
(If you can claim authorship of this tool, please contact !)
The tool was created in the context of
KA2 Small-Scale-Partnership "Minimal and Functional" 2024-2025
The tool has been experimented in
Learning Teaching Training Activities
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Alexandra Bründl (on 6 November 2025)
and last modified
29 October 2025
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