Category: Ukraine

The event opened with informal icebreakers that created a welcoming and safe atmosphere. Participants connected quickly, shared their experiences, and got ready to take part in discussions and activities. This environment made complex topics — such as trauma, resilience, and displacement — more approachable.

A core focus of the meeting was the diverse circumstances of youth displacement. Participants explored how IDP youth are far from a homogeneous group. Factors such as the stage of displacement, reasons for leaving home, legal status, living conditions, age, gender, disability, socio-economic background, and experiences of trauma all influence how young people respond to new environments. Recognising these differences allows youth workers to understand behaviour in context.

The program featured several components:

• Icebreakers and energizers to create a relaxed atmosphere.
• A short introduction to the SYWOR project and its objectives.
• A theoretical block explaining the concepts of refugees, internally displaced persons, and people affected by war.
• The main forum theatre session, where participants engaged in interactive role play to analyze social issues and seek collective solutions.
• Debriefing and reflection circle, with space to share insights and personal impressions.
• Feedback collection to evaluate the event’s impact.

The workshop began with a short introduction to the concept of body mapping and emotional awareness. Participants then joined an icebreaker called “Emoji emotion guess,” followed by a check-in using weather metaphors to describe their emotional state and where they felt it in their body (e.g., “cloudy in my chest” or “sunny in my heart”). During a guided meditation, participants scanned their bodies while paying attention to physical and emotional sensations. They were then invited to silently recognize one dominant feeling and gently touch the part of the body where it lived.

The main part of the workshop was a hands-on Body Mapping session, where each participant created a life-sized outline of their body on large paper and used colors, drawings, and magazine cutouts to show where they felt emotions like joy, fear, anger, or love. This was followed by a short coffee break and a closing Reflection circle. In pairs and as a group, participants shared how they experienced the process, what emotions stood out, and what surprised them.

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.

Program Overview

The free, three-month course offers a dynamic and interactive learning experience that includes:

🎯 Online sessions covering grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.

🎯 Engaging activities, including case studies, group discussions, and real-world simulations.

🎯 Conversational clubs, where participants practice speaking in an informal setting.

🎯 Practical assignments, allowing youth workers to apply their language skills in professional contexts.

🎯 Key topics, such as project development, donor reporting, intercultural and crisis communication, and working with displaced youth.

🎯 Additional language support tailored to participants’ needs.

🎯 Certificate of achievement for successful completion.

First Session Highlights

On February 2025, the first session of “English for Youth Workers” took place, bringing together motivated youth workers eager to improve their language skills. During the session, participants:

✅ Got to know each other and defined their individual learning needs.

✅ Discussed key course topics with the trainer and explored professional terminology for youth work.

✅ Completed practical exercises to develop their communication skills.

This session marked the first step in helping youth workers gain confidence in using English, empowering them to engage in international collaborations and better support displaced youth.

Building a Stronger Youth Work Community

The SYWOR project focuses on creating a strong, international community of youth workers, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. Successful participants of the course will have the chance to join Erasmus+ events and international training programs, further expanding their knowledge and networks.

Stay Connected

Follow our updates to hear more inspiring stories from our participants and learn about future opportunities within the SYWOR project!

The “English for Youth Workers” course 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 belong solely to 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.

Key Highlights of the Event

The opening address was delivered by Vladyslav Yatsuk, who expressed gratitude to youth workers for their dedication to supporting Ukrainian youth and contributing to stability and development despite the ongoing war. He also reaffirmed the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine for the project.

Additionally, Kateryna Zhdanova, Coordinator for Youth and Sports Opportunities at the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine & HERE team, presented Erasmus+ opportunities for Ukrainian youth and youth organizations in 2025.

Networking and Learning in Action

During the event, participants had the opportunity to:

✅ Learn about the concept, development, and implementation plans of the SYWOR project.

✅ Discuss existing resources and challenges in youth work, particularly with displaced youth.

✅ Share experiences and successful practices from different communities.

✅ Explore new tools and methods for engaging displaced youth.

✅ Build connections and generate ideas for future joint initiatives.