Date: 27 March 2024
Format: Online
The Youth Work in Schools (YWIS) project partners gathered online on 27 March for an international exchange dedicated to sharing and discussing good practices piloted in schools across Estonia, Finland, Greece, and Portugal.
Screenshot: Renat Ränk
The meeting opened with a short overview of the project, where partners introduced their pilot schools and youth workers involved in implementing YWIS activities. Participants also received instructions and documents to guide the next phase of piloting. Vicky from the coordinating team presented the information collection sheet, designed to ensure consistent feedback and data sharing among all partners.
After the introductory session, participants divided into four thematic groups to explore different areas of youth work in schools:
- Democracy Education
- Strengthening the Sense of Community
- Well-being Work
- Sustainable Development
Each group presented and discussed inspiring practices tested in their countries. Among them were The Youth Council of Saaremaa Municipality (Estonia), Sociocracy and Six Thinking Hats of Commoners (Greece), Future Café for 9th Graders, Mental Health Promotion Posters and Strength Cards, Climate Spring, and A Vision for a Sustainable Future (Finland). Partners from Portugal also shared their experiences with Participatory School Budgeting and other school-based initiatives.
The discussions focused on how these practices promote youth participation, community engagement, mental health awareness, and sustainability education within schools. Participants exchanged insights on adapting and testing the models in different local contexts, highlighting the importance of collaboration between teachers, youth workers, and municipalities.
The meeting concluded with reflections on the progress made and agreement on next steps, including continued piloting, documentation of results, and preparation for the next transnational project meeting in Greece later this year.
“This meeting once again showed how sharing practical experiences helps us bring youth work closer to schools and make education more inclusive and engaging,” summarized the Estonian coordination team.
The YWIS consortium continues to strengthen international cooperation and share innovative methods that support young people’s active participation, well-being, and sustainable thinking in schools across Europe.