In a world where international cooperation and youth engagement go hand in hand, effective communication is key. That’s why Young Agents of Change, launched “English for Youth Workers” — a free 3-month linguistic support program tailored specifically for youth workers within the framework of the SYWOR project (Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience).
From day one, this wasn’t just an English course. It was an empowering space for youth professionals to grow, network, and gain confidence in using English as a tool for collaboration, advocacy, and international engagement.
From First Step to Confident Voice
The program kicked off with a lively first session where participants:
- Got to know each other and shared their learning goals;
- Identified key vocabulary and situations relevant to youth work;
- Practiced speaking through interactive exercises focused on real-life scenarios.
Each week, participants gathered for classes that combined professional terminology, practical grammar, and role-based dialogue, preparing them for everything from writing project proposals to presenting ideas at Erasmus+ events.
As the weeks went on, over 20 sessions and several Speaking Clubs created a vibrant, supportive atmosphere where participants discussed youth-related topics, shared experiences, and most importantly — found their voice in English.
Why It Mattered — In Their Own Words
“This course was a real breakthrough in my professional English vocabulary. Now I’m not afraid of ‘guidelines’ or ‘applications’ — I can confidently speak to international partners.”
— Volodymyr, participant
“English for Youth Workers is an amazing investment into future international projects. It opened a whole new level of communication for me.”
— Yuliia, participant
“It wasn’t only about language skills — it was about building confidence, discovering new opportunities in the humanitarian field, and meaningful networking.”
— Victor, participant
“Learning English means better youth work. This course boosted the quality of my professional work and was also a joyful and warm experience with like-minded people.”
— Anna, participant
More Than a Course — A Community
By the end of the program, the outcomes were clear: stronger language skills, professional growth, and the creation of a supportive community ready to take on new international challenges. The course helped participants break down language barriers and prepared them to confidently engage in Erasmus+ programs, international training, and cross-border initiatives.
Special thanks go to our inspiring facilitator Anna Nikonenko, whose energy, dedication, and empathy turned weekly lessons into a truly transformative experience.
About the Project
The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:
- Georgian Youth Development Association – GYDA (Georgia)
- European Integration Group (Turkey)
- MilleniuM Training and Development Institute (Moldova)
- Fundacja Nowy Staw (Poland)
The project is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen youth workers and organizations involved in supporting displaced young people through capacity building and cross-border collaboration.
