Toolbox of NFL activities for inclusion of minority youth

Aims of the tool

- To increase young people and youth workers knowledge about minorities, minorities rights in particular and human rights in general, challenges and violation of rights minorities face, minority-majority relations, intercultural and interfaith dialogue

- To raise the awareness about how certain minorities, groups of individuals are socially excluded on the basis of their status, life choices or beliefs and encourage young people to take a stand against discrimination, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and social exclusion

- To foster social cohesion and inclusion in Europe through addressing the issue of social exclusion and encouraging young people's awareness and commitment to tackling these issues for a more inclusive society through creating and managing local youth work activities

Description of the tool

There is no doubt that Europe is a very diverse continent composed of people coming from different racial, ethnic, religious, national and social backgrounds. There are few, if any countries in Europe, in which there are no minority groups, being that based on their ethnicity, nationality, religion, race or social belonging. But, even living in democratic societies and peace, social, political and economic exclusion remains an everyday challenge and reality to millions of minority members living in Europe today. Ethnic minorities compared to majority populations in Europe, often are disadvantaged in the labour market (harder to get jobs, lower or substandard remunerations etc.), have unequal access to health care and social services and face discrimination and violation of their human rights. Furthermore, according to Eurostat, in 2013 (latest statistics), 24.5% of EU population were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This is a serious number with serious implications on people lives, especially young people which makes it one of the main challenges that EU faces today.

We believe that the civil sector and youth work can significantly help addressing the above mentioned issues in Europe in general, especially when it comes to youth. To do so, youth workers and youth leaders need to be equipped with skills, competences and tools to work with, include and engage active participation of minorities as often vulnerable and marginalized groups within their communities.

This Toolbox provides concrete non-formal learning tools that can support youth workers and young people to organise activities that can engage active participation of minority youth (being that based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, social status or sexual orientation) and can lead towards their inclusion in society.

The Toolbox is created by participants of the Training course "European Minority Youth Inclusion", organised in Mitrovica, Kosovo from 1st to 8th of February 2016. The Training course is part of a project funded by the EACEA through the Erasmus+ programme. More information about the project can be found on: www.minorityinclusion.wordpress.com