We are excited and happy to announce that the EAYW final report is available now! This report presents the findings from the first edition of the European Academy on Youth Work (EAYW), which was held from 21 to 24 May 2019 in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.

The report complements the Background Paper that was published in advance of the Academy, the purpose of which was to prepare the participants so that they could actively engage with the planned programme and debates.

During the Academy, the 167 participants were asked 15 qualitative and quantitative questions. This report is based on these data. Inside you can find thoughts about current trends, innovation and what are key challenges in youth work today.

Some of the key recommendations and findings from the final report are:

  • The key challenges that youth work is currently facing in Europe include: the economic downturn and youth unemployment, nationalism and radicalisation, extremism and hate attitudes, lack of resources and increased competition, lack of trust and political and democratic disengagement of youth, inability to include marginalised youth in youth programmes and the continuous manifestation of power by the powerful.
  • Innovation, in the context of youth work, was described mainly as a practice or idea that is adaptable, builds on something new and responds to the needs of others.
  • Digitalisation, subcultures, social media, and personal/emotional development were seen as being important youth-related trends to consider when pursuing innovation.
  • EAYW provided a unique opportunity for a diverse group of youth workers and other professionals from youth work, youth work policy and education to meet and share in a structured methodology key concerns, ideas and solutions.
  • The workshops provided key opportunities for reflection, insight and discussion.

You can find the report below. Also, if you have missed our final video and if you want to get a glimpse of the atmosphere and the thoughts of different stakeholders about the Academy, we invite you to watch the video of the 1st edition.

Furthermore, from this week, we will start with the publication of the 36 contributions that were presented at the Academy. Stay with us and get inspired by innovative and quality youth work practices!

Check out how was on the Academy in this short video clip!