On 24–25 April 2025, the YWIS project held a training course titled “Youth Work Essentials: Practical Approaches in Civic Engagement and Youth Participation” in Vila Boa do Bispo, Portugal. The event was hosted by Junta de Freguesia de Vila Boa do Bispo and gathered participants from municipalities, educational institutions, and youth organisations to exchange good practices and strengthen the role of youth workers in schools.
The main goal of the training was to share and explore the good practices collected in the YWIS handbook. The course offered practical examples and tools that can be adapted for school and community settings. It also highlighted the crucial role municipalities play in supporting elementary schools and promoting youth work as part of everyday school life.
The event brought together around 50 participants, including teachers, youth workers, social workers, student council members, volunteers, and representatives from local municipalities. Four Portuguese YWIS piloters also joined the training. Municipalities represented included Vila Boa do Bispo, Affi (Italy), Serifos (Greece), and Rafelguaraf (Spain).
Programme Highlights
The two-day agenda combined presentations with interactive workshops:
- Day 1 (24 April) began with welcoming remarks by Miguel Carneiro, followed by an introduction to the YWIS project and the presentation of the handbook “European Perspectives and Good Practices on Youth Work in Schools and Educational Institutions”. Participants received both digital and printed copies of the handbook.
Photo: Beatriz Ribeiro
- Day 2 (25 April) focused on four thematic workshops:
- The Vision for the Sustainable Future
- Future Café
- Six Thinking Hats of Commoners
- Mental Health Promotion Posters and Strength Cards
- The Vision for the Sustainable Future
These sessions allowed participants to apply good practices in a hands-on way, facilitated by local pilot project leaders. The workshops also created space for active discussions and peer learning.
The training concluded with a reflection and evaluation session led by Miguel Carneiro. Participants shared positive feedback on the practical value of the sessions and expressed motivation to implement the presented methods in their own local contexts.