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Driving Transnational Youth Impact: SYWOR Project Reaches Milestone Mid-Term Review

Driving Transnational Youth Impact: SYWOR Project Reaches Milestone Mid-Term Review

On the 4 May, the SYWOR project reached a critical juncture as NGO Young Agents of Change and its international partners convened an online mid-term evaluation meeting. Marking the exact midpoint of the project’s implementation lifecycle, the session served to rigorously analyze the strategic milestones achieved across five countries, assess measurable community impact, and calibrate future operational frameworks to maximize sustainable outcomes.

In alignment with our core mission to champion youth empowerment, sustainable development, and social cohesion, the SYWOR initiative continues to build robust pathways for young citizens across Europe and the Eastern Partnership. By focusing on cross-border capacity building and systematic advocacy, this transnational cooperation ensures that the next generation is not merely a passive beneficiary, but the central force driving community transformation. Today’s mid-term evaluation proved that despite changing geopolitical and social climates, the consortium’s collaborative infrastructure remains highly resilient and impactful.

Measurable Impact and Key Achievements

The comprehensive data aggregation presented during the session demonstrated exceptional operational velocity and high target compliance, validating the efficiency and strategic resource allocation of the project:

  • Accelerated Direct Engagement: The initiative has successfully mobilized 633 direct participants across targeted youth demographics. This accounts for over 80% of the absolute project benchmark of 790 individuals, achieved well ahead of the concluding operational phases.
  • Exponential Digital Advocacy: Through targeted media campaigns and structured digital communication strategies, public awareness regarding youth rights and inclusion reached approximately 189,000 individuals, fostering extensive civic discourse online.
  • Exemplary Project Governance: International partners evaluated the operational synergy and structural coordination of the project at an outstanding 9 and 10 points out of 10, explicitly recognizing the high professional standard of coordination maintained by the leadership team.

Strategic Horizons: Inclusivity, IDPs, and Future Implementations

With the foundational metrics successfully secured, the second half of the SYWOR implementation cycle will shift towards deepening qualitative impacts and scaling institutional sustainability. A primary focus of the upcoming phase is the strategic reinforcement of inclusivity frameworks, specifically optimizing outreach and support mechanisms for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and marginalized youth cohorts who require tailored socio-civic integration.

The consortium solidified an ambitious operational roadmap for the upcoming months, focusing on several high-impact benchmarks:

  • Analytical Accountability: Comprehensive preparation and finalization of the formal project mid-term progress report for institutional stakeholders.
  • Knowledge Management: The publication of a comprehensive methodological handbook designed to serve as a sustainable open-access resource for regional youth workers and civil society organizations.
  • Transnational Mobility: Execution of the highly anticipated youth exchange program in Sakartvelo, focusing on intercultural dialogue and peer-to-peer capacity building.
  • Capacity Building & Action: Deployment of specialized grassroots information campaigns alongside an intensive professional training seminar scheduled in Turkey.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Multiplier Events in Georgia

Multiplier Events in Georgia

The Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA) organised two SYWOR multiplier events in Georgia, bringing together youth workers, students, displaced young people, and representatives of local organisations. Both meetings focused on strengthening inclusive youth work practices, sharing international experiences, and creating space for dialogue between Georgian and Ukrainian communities.

One of the events was held at Grigol Robakidze University and hosted by Project Coordinator Mariam. The meeting began with an introduction to GYDA’s mission and ongoing work, particularly its engagement in Erasmus+ programmes and international cooperation initiatives. Participants received information about Youth Exchanges, Training Courses, and other mobility opportunities, as well as upcoming projects in which GYDA will participate as both partner and host organisation.

During the session, the SYWOR project was presented, with special attention given to its objective of strengthening youth workers and organisations working with displaced young people. A key highlight was the presentation of the Georgian translation of the SYWOR Handbook for Youth Workers. Making the handbook available in the local language ensures that practical tools and inclusive methods developed within the project are accessible and applicable in everyday youth work contexts across Georgia.

The event also served as a follow-up to the Erasmus+ youth exchange “Empowering Young Artists in Europe’s Digital Landscape,” previously implemented in Cyprus. Participants who attended the exchange shared their experiences, reflecting on creative practices, intercultural collaboration, and digital tools explored during the project. The discussion focused on how these methods can be transferred into local initiatives, ensuring that international learning continues to benefit young people in Georgia.

In addition, participants discussed the Polish initiative “Move Your Mind,” reflecting on how its achievements in the field of youth mental health connect with ongoing efforts in Georgia. The conversation highlighted the importance of integrating wellbeing and psychosocial awareness into youth work, especially when supporting displaced communities.

The second multiplier event gathered more than twenty participants, including Ukrainians currently living in Georgia and Georgian attendees. The meeting provided a space for information sharing, mutual understanding, and open discussion.

GYDA once again presented Erasmus+ opportunities and participation procedures, helping attendees better understand how to engage in international programmes. The SYWOR project and the Georgian translation of the handbook were introduced as practical resources supporting inclusive and trauma-aware youth work practices.

A central moment of the meeting was the screening of short films presenting personal experiences and perspectives related to Ukraine. The films were followed by a discussion, where participants reflected on displacement, identity, belonging, and solidarity. This exchange created an atmosphere of empathy and respect, allowing both Ukrainian and Georgian participants to share perspectives and build stronger connections.

Impact

Together, the two multiplier events demonstrated how international cooperation can strengthen local youth work. By combining practical tools, international project follow-up, mental health discussions and intercultural dialogue, GYDA contributed to creating a supportive environment for displaced young people and those who work with them.

Through the SYWOR project, knowledge gained across borders is transformed into locally relevant action — ensuring that inclusive youth work continues to grow, adapt, and respond to the real needs of young people affected by displacement.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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SYWOR Staff Meeting in Lublin: From reflection to action

SYWOR Staff Meeting in Lublin: From reflection to action

The SYWOR staff meeting of partner organisations, held in Lublin, Poland, brought together youth workers from five countries for an intensive exchange of experience, reflection, and joint planning to support displaced young people in local communities.

The first moments of the meeting were about connection. Before discussing projects or policies, participants took time to get to know one another, build trust, and create a working atmosphere where openness felt natural. When organisations began sharing their experiences from Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Moldova, and Poland, the room filled with stories, — about young people affected by displacement, about youth workers navigating limited resources, and about communities learning how to welcome newcomers. Despite different national contexts, many challenges overlapped, making it clear that cooperation across borders is necessary.

A strong emphasis was placed on intercultural learning and the idea of belonging. Through discussions and creative group work, participants explored what concepts such as culture and “home” mean for refugees and IDPs. These conversations helped deepen understanding of what young people leave behind. It is not only about moving from one place to another, but about losing familiar routines, languages, and support systems, while trying to adapt to new ones. These reflections helped youth workers rethink their approaches and better understand what young people need the most.

Another important part of the meeting was dedicated to organizational development. Partner organizations reflected on their own sustainability, looking at values, activities, and resources. This process led to the creation of concrete action plans, with each organization defining steps to be implemented in the upcoming 6 months to strengthen their work with displaced young people.

The human aspect of youth work was addressed during a workshop on trauma-sensitive and inclusive practices. Together with a psychologist, participants discussed crisis situations, emotional resilience, empathy, and communication methods such as motivational dialogue and reflective listening. The session emphasised the importance of caring not only for young people, but also for youth workers themselves.

The meeting concluded with reflection on the future of the SYWOR project. Partners shared their vision for the next year, building on the action plans developed during the meeting.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Local Seminar in Tbilisi, Georgia: Youth dialogue on geopolitics, war, and resilience

Local Seminar in Tbilisi, Georgia: Youth dialogue on geopolitics, war, and resilience

As part of the Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience (SYWOR) project, a local seminar was held on 8 August 2025 at Grigol Robakidze University in Tbilisi, Georgia. The event provided young people with a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue on geopolitics, European integration, and the challenges facing displaced communities.

The seminar featured a special guest, Mr. Maurice Paulussen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Georgia. Together with the participants, he discussed the geopolitical situation in the region, the role of Georgia in the EU context, and the pressing challenges faced by young people today. The conversation was dynamic and interactive, offering participants the chance to share perspectives and ask questions directly.

In the second part of the event, participants watched a short documentary film, created by Lithuanians. The film focused on the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, offering powerful insights into its human and social impact. The screening prompted a thoughtful discussion about resilience, solidarity, and the role of youth in responding to crises.

The seminar also introduced participants to the SYWOR project, highlighting its objectives, activities, and outcomes. Some participants shared experiences from the recent training in Moldova, underlining how international cooperation equips youth workers with tools to support the integration and empowerment of displaced young people.

This local event reflected the SYWOR project’s goal of supporting youth work, dialogue, and inclusion. It showed that when young people come together to discuss, reflect, and exchange ideas, they not only learn but also find the inspiration to shape stronger, more resilient communities.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Local Seminar in Rustavi, Georgia: Introducing youth to learning, travel, and the SYWOR Project

Local Seminar in Rustavi, Georgia: Introducing youth to learning, travel, and the SYWOR Project

As part of the Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience (SYWOR) project, the Georgian Youth Development Association organized a local seminar in Rustavi, Georgia, on May 31, 2025.

The event brought together local youth for an engaging session led by GYDA’s project manager, Nika Gogoladze. The main focus of the meeting was to introduce young people to fully funded learning and travel opportunities, while also encouraging their involvement in youth-led initiatives across Europe.

During the seminar, Nika presented the mission and activities of GYDA, highlighting both short-term and long-term international mobility programs. These programs offer young people the chance to gain new experiences abroad, develop leadership skills, and become more active citizens.

A key part of the session was dedicated to the ongoing 36-month project Stronger Together, co-funded by the European Union. Through open discussion, participants learned about the goals of SYWOR, its emphasis on resilience-building, and the importance of cross-border collaboration among youth workers. The meeting also served as a space for young people to ask questions, express their interests, and explore how they can become more engaged in local and international projects.

This seminar in Rustavi is another example of how the Stronger Together project continues to connect, inform, and inspire youth across the region — one city at a time.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Linguistic support in Georgia: Empowering youth workers through english language training

Linguistic support in Georgia: Empowering youth workers through english language training

As part of the Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience (SYWOR) project, a four-month English language course is currently taking place in Georgia.

The course began on February 24, 2025, and is designed specifically for youth workers who are actively involved in supporting displaced young people. A total of 13 participants are attending the A2-level course, which is facilitated by a certified English language teacher. The sessions combine online lessons via Zoom and individual in-person support to ensure an inclusive and flexible learning process.

The primary goal of this linguistic support activity is to empower youth workers with basic English communication skills needed for participating in international trainings, building partnerships, and accessing global opportunities. For many participants, this course represents their first structured language learning experience connected directly to their professional role in youth work.

The course is ongoing and already showing promising results. It demonstrates how even basic linguistic support can serve as a gateway to wider cooperation, learning, and advocacy — helping youth workers feel stronger, more connected, and more prepared to lead change in their communities.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Self-awareness Workshop held in Chiatura, Georgia

Self-awareness Workshop held in Chiatura, Georgia

As part of the Stronger Together project, a local workshop on self-awareness was held in Chiatura, Georgia. The session was organized by Mariam Dogadze and brought together 17 young people aged 14 – 17. Some participants were internally displaced youth (IDPs) who had experienced difficulties due to conflict and resettlement.

The purpose of the workshop was to help young people better understand their emotions, personal values, and to build a safe space where both displaced and local youth could reflect, connect, and grow. It was also a way to support inclusion, build empathy, and encourage young people to feel more confident and engaged in their communities.


Activities

The three-hour session included several creative and reflective exercises:

  • Intro сircle & Icebreaker
  • A group talk about being your true self “Who am I when I’m not trying to fit in?” 
  • A writing activity to express hopes and goals “Letter to my future self”
  • A drawing task to show personal values
  • An art session to picture what emotional safety means to them
  • A chance to share thoughts and feelings at the end

The atmosphere during the workshop was calm and thoughtful. Many participants said it was their first time speaking openly about their feelings and dreams in a safe setting. One young person said:

“After this session, I realized I’m not alone.”

This showed how important it was for them to feel connected to others. Many felt more confident, supported, and motivated to stay in touch and help each other in the future.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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Stronger Together: A Transformative Youth Work Training in Moldova

Stronger Together: A Transformative Youth Work Training in Moldova

📅 May 25 – June 1, 2025

📍 F’estival, Moldova

Recently, a vibrant group of youth workers returned from a week-long international training course “Stronger Together” held in the scenic location of F’estival, Moldova. The training was part of the SYWOR project (Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience), co-funded by the European Union.

Over the course of seven intense days, participants from Ukraine, Moldova, Turkey, Georgia and Poland came together to exchange experiences, explore innovative youth work practices, and deepen their understanding of how to support displaced youth and young people with fewer opportunities.

Core Topics Explored

  • Designing inclusive and impactful activities for youth from vulnerable groups.
  • Tools and strategies for integrating displaced youth into new communities.
  • Creating emotionally safe environments and offering meaningful emotional support.
  • Increasing youth engagement and participation using practical, resource-based approaches.

Strengthening the role of youth work in building social cohesion and community resilience.

Methods and Activities

The training embraced non-formal education methods including:

  • Interactive workshops and role-playing scenarios based on real-life youth work challenges.
  • Intercultural teamwork to foster empathy and cooperation across contexts.
  • In-depth discussions on ethical dilemmas in youth work.
  • Co-creation of original youth workshops tailored to local realities.

Field visits to inspiring local initiatives in Chișinău: the Sunflower Center and the office of MilleniuM Training and Development Institute, offering real-life examples of community-based youth support in action.

Community & Impact

Beyond skill-building, “Stronger Together” succeeded in something just as essential — forming a strong, supportive professional community. For many youth workers, this was a space of solidarity, shared understanding, and mutual learning — values that lie at the heart of inclusive youth work.

Participants left not only with new tools and knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose and concrete ideas for integrating what they’ve learned into their home communities.

About the Project

The course was part of the SYWOR project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with:

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.

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SYWOR Project Launch & Networking Event in Georgia

SYWOR Project Launch & Networking Event in Georgia

On January 9th, the Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA) officially launched the SYWOR Project. This 36-month initiative, co-funded by the European Union, aims to support youth organizations working with displaced youth and promote their integration and resilience.

Building Connections & Collaborating for Change

The event brought together active GYDA members and youth workers interested in supporting displaced youth. It served as an excellent networking platform, allowing participants to exchange ideas and explore collaboration opportunities.

 

Key Highlights of the Event:

  • 2024 Recap – Reviewing GYDA’s achievements and impact over the past year.
  • 2025 Plans & New Projects – Announcing upcoming initiatives, including the 2.5-year SYWOR Project, funded by the European Commission.
  • Membership Announcement – Opening membership applications for GYDA, including opportunities to join and work on the SYWOR Project.
  • Free English Course – Introducing a specialized English course for youth workers supporting displaced youth, enhancing their communication skills for international collaboration.
  • Networking & Community Building – Facilitating connections among youth workers to strengthen cooperation and share best practices.
  • GYDA’s 10th Anniversary – Initial discussions on celebrating GYDA’s 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of commitment to youth empowerment.

About the Project

 

This event is part of the “Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience (SYWOR)” project, implemented by Young Agents of Change in partnership with:

 

🔹 Georgian Youth Development Association 

 

🔹 European Integration Group

 

🔹 MilleniuM Training and Development Institute

 

🔹 Fundacja Nowy Staw

 

The project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority is responsible for them.

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Kick-off Meeting of the “SYWOR” project

Kick-off Meeting of
the “SYWOR” project

On November 25, 2024, the first kick-off meeting of the international project “Stronger Together: Strengthening Youth Workers and Organisations for Displaced Youth Integration and Resilience” (SYWOR) took place, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. This meeting laid the foundation for successful collaboration among partner organisations and set the stage for the implementation of key activities over the next 36 months.

Highlights of the kick-off meeting

During the meeting, the project coordinators and representatives from all partner organisations gathered to outline key objectives, discuss the implementation plan, and allocate responsibilities. Key topics covered included:

Strategic planning 

Partners reviewed and discussed the project’s roadmap, outlining the specific tasks and steps required for successful implementation over the three-year period.

Essential documentation

Participants were introduced to critical project documents, including the official guidelines, financial regulations, and the visual communication strategy to ensure consistency in messaging.

Communication and collaboration

The team established mechanisms for regular updates, including periodic meetings, progress reports, and internal communication channels to facilitate smooth cooperation.

Visibility and dissemination

A comprehensive strategy for project dissemination was developed, focusing on increasing visibility on social media, engaging target audiences, and sharing key achievements.

The project is implemented by Young Agents of Change in collaboration with the Georgian Youth Development Association (GYDA), European Integration Group, MilleniuM Training and Development Institute, and Fundacja Nowy Staw. It is co-funded by the European Union.

Next steps

With the kick-off meeting successfully completed, the project partners will now proceed with the first phase of activities, including conducting needs assessments, developing training materials, and organising capacity-building workshops for youth workers. The project will also work closely with displaced youth to co-create solutions that address their specific challenges and aspirations.

As SYWOR progresses, we will continue to share updates, success stories, and key insights through our social media channels and website

Stay tuned for the latest news and developments!

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