“Street based youth work” in Slovenia
It was an Erasmus project a Training course, funded by EU, where the participants learned about street-based youth work and got to know different successful practices from Slovenia and around the world. The project implements in Idrija -Slovenija,from 15-23.10.2023.
The purpose of the project was to train the participants for successful and competent
implementation of youth street work. It was a great opportunity for youth workers who has just begun working with kids and youth, for students and volunteers who want to know more about street-based youth work.
The return home feeling more confident in working with youth out on the street and bring back home some new ideas and practices that they learned:
Strengthening the competences of the individual to act in the field of youth street work, learn how to target young people and people with less opportunities, learn how to target the needs of young people, learn different methods and strategies used for street work, get some practical knowledge on the field, exchange different successful practices, knowledges, skills.
Bellow the expression of our participants about their experience from the TC:
I participated in an Erasmus plus program in Idrija, Slovenia, where I learned about the challenges and opportunities of working with street youth.
Street youth are young people who live on the streets or in other unstable situations,
and who often face risks such as violence, exploitation, abuse, and addiction.
The program taught me how to approach, engage, and support street youth through
various methods, such as street outreach, harm reduction, counseling, education, and
advocacy.
I also learned about the local context and culture of Idrija, a town with a rich mining heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I met and collaborated with other youth workers from different countries and backgrounds, and exchanged best practices and experiences.
The program was a valuable and rewarding learning opportunity for me, as it helped me develop my professional skills and personal competencies, as well as broaden my
perspective and network.
Ioakeim Masmanidis
During my week in Idrija, Slovenia, participating in an Erasmus Plus program focused
on street youth work, I had a remarkable experience. Interacting with people from diverse nationalities was both enlightening and enjoyable. Through engaging games and activities, we absorbed valuable insights. The significance of young people’s involvement in such projects cannot be overstated.
These experiences foster cultural understanding, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
They empower young individuals to address the challenges faced by street youth, bridging gaps in society, and creating a more inclusive, compassionate world.
Paraskevi Pita
I gained many experiences and made many friends from the program, the program benefited me organizationally in accepting many points of view and different cultures, I had fun and had a great time.I have gained knowledge and experience.
Moreover, young workers will be able to find creativity through such a program.
Panagiotis Bintos
My participation in the Erasmus plus training concerning youth street work in Iridja Slovenia was my first experience in Erasmus plus programs and I was thrilled. The program was so informative, as through it I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with the field of youth street work, but also enjoyable, since I had the opportunity to socialize and become friends with people from different cultures. If I had to describe the program in one word, I would say that it was inspiring and full of new opportunities. It definitely made me want to have new corresponding experiences around the space of Erasmus plus.
Dimitra Vasileiadou
During the 16th to the 22th of October, the training “STREET YOUTH WORK” took place in Idrija, Slovenia. We were hosted in a beautiful venue that become our house for the week.
During the training we exchanged good practices and experiences on street youth work.
Also, we learned how to approach young people during an outreach. We had the opportunity to talk with Idrija’s youth and find out more about their needs.
Despite the information about street youth work, we also had the chance to learn more
about Idrija’s history and how mining formed the city. During the cultural night we shared fun facts about our countries, along with tasty traditional treats.
The training “STREET YOUTH WORK” , was an amazing opportunity to become better street youth workers and to learn more about other countries. It was a beautiful informative week in Idrija.
Alexandra Charizani
