Toolbox — For Training and Youth Work
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Manual
"YOUth lead the future!" – Learning Guide for Civic Engagement and Youth Participation
A modular learning guide developed in 4 countries to boost youth participation, civic engagement, and European identity using non-formal education methods. Based on a cross-country needs analysis of youth workers.
Aims of the tool
The tool aims to empower youth workers, educators, and organizations with structured, adaptable methods to promote youth participation in democratic life, active citizenship, and European values. Grounded in a cross-country needs analysis conducted in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Romania, the guide responds to real challenges youth workers face in engaging young people—particularly those from marginalized, rural, or migrant backgrounds.
By offering 12 thematic modules based on non-formal education, the tool supports professionals in building inclusive learning experiences that foster social responsibility, critical thinking, and a stronger sense of belonging to the European community. It also encourages organizations to integrate civic education into their regular youth work practices in accessible and meaningful ways.
Description of the tool
This Learning Guide was developed in the framework of the Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project “YOUth lead the future!” (2023-3-EL02-KA210-YOU-000176965)
by a consortium of youth organizations from four countries:
-EN.O Greece (Coordinator – Greece)
-FreeMinds in Action (Italy)
-Asociația HESSA (Romania)
-Asociación de cooperación al desarrollo ABARKA (Spain)
The guide was created in response to a cross-country needs analysis that identified key gaps in youth participation, civic engagement, and democratic awareness, particularly among young people with fewer opportunities.
The tool is structured around 12 thematic modules, each focused on a specific topic related to active citizenship, democratic life, European identity, inclusion, and community engagement. Each module includes:
– a clear learning objective
– step-by-step non-formal education activities
– discussion and reflection prompts
– tips for adaptation to different contexts
It is intended for youth workers, educators, trainers, and NGOs, and can be used in workshops, local projects, or international mobility activities.
Learning outcomes include:
– Practical tools for fostering civic engagement and youth participation
– Capacity to design inclusive, youth-centered educational experiences
– Stronger facilitation and group management skills
– Deeper understanding of EU values and youth rights
– Strategies for reaching marginalized or rural youth
The tool was piloted during an international training in Italy, followed by local events and a virtual youth exchange. It was also presented internationally at the DARE Network TrendsLab in Berlin and the Dialogue of Emerging Leaders in Rabat, making it a resource tested and recognized beyond the national level.
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/5074
This tool is for
Target group: -Youth workers -Educators and trainers in the youth field -NGOs and grassroots organizations -Young people (especially from rural, migrant, or marginalized backgrounds) -Practitioners involved in civic education, participation, and European identity work
and addresses
Social Inclusion, European Citizenship, Peer education, Youth Democracy projects, Youth Participation
It is recommended for use in:
Training and Networking
Strategic Partnerships
Materials needed:
Needed materials:
The Learning Guide is flexible and adaptable. To implement the activities, youth workers may need:
-Printed or digital access to selected modules
-Standard facilitation tools: flipcharts, markers, post-its, pens, paper
-Space suitable for group work and interactive exercises
-(Optional) Laptop/projector for digital presentations or multimedia tasks
-Materials specific to some modules (e.g., newspapers, cards, or visual aids—details included in each activity)
Duration:
Duration and training process:
The Learning Guide is modular and can be adapted to various contexts. Each module can be used independently in a session lasting 60 to 120 minutes, depending on group size and depth of discussion.
Trainers may select and combine modules to create a full workshop, day training, or longer-term learning program. The entire guide can support a 5-day training course, as piloted during the international Mobility of Youth Workers in Italy.
The guide is designed for flexible use—whether as a one-off workshop, a recurring activity series, or part of a structured non-formal education process.
Behind the tool
The tool was created by
EN.O Greece (coordinator), in collaboration with FreeMinds in Action (Italy), Asociația HESSA (Romania) and Asociación de cooperación al desarrollo ABARKA (Spain)
in the context of
Erasmus+ KA210-YOU project “YOUth lead the future!” (2023-3-EL02-KA210-YOU-000176965), co-funded by the European Union
The tool has been experimented in
a 5-day Mobility of Youth Workers in Agrigento, Italy (9/24), Local experiential activities with youth in Greece, Italy, Romania & Spain, a 3-day Virtual Youth Exchange (2/25), Dissemination & presentation at international events in Berlin & Rabat
The tool was published to the Toolbox by
Eleni Ivasina (on 8 October 2025)
and last modified
19 August 2025
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