Living diversity and strengthening social cohesion in Europe

This unique 10-day international training brings together up to 28 youth workers and other multipliers from eight European NGOs, most of them representing marginalized groups such as migrants or minority communities. In times of a global pandemic, increasing inequality, racism and discrimination, we want to use this unique learning opportunity to jointly discover ways to promote diversity and anti-discrimination through intercultural dialogue in youth work.

• How to engage and work with youth of marginalized groups, making sure that “no one is left behind”?
• How can youth work benefit best from intercultural learning?
• What are successful methods and lessons learnt from others?
• What kind of possibilities are there on the international level?

As trainers and participants we will put our heads together to find answers to these questions and innovative impulses for our every-day practice.

Training content:
Training participants will go through an intercultural learning process and acquire the necessary skills to initiate such processes in their respective environments later on. The first part about pedagogical methods of intercultural and democracy education will be followed by an introduction to intersectional perspectives on diversity and discrimination. Thirdly, participants will get the chance to learn from best practice examples of youth work with marginalized groups in nearby Hamburg. Last but not least, they will get space and support to develop their own project ideas – on the international level.

Training methods:
Next to expert inputs, the team of highly motivated and experienced trainers will apply a variety of interactive, group engaging methods and make use of different media to convey the training contents. We will facilitate peer-to-peer learning among participants and organize project visits. Tools of project management will be drawn from concepts of international development and peacebuilding work. Room for reflection and documentation will be provided to enhance the personal and mutual learning process. There will be plenty of time for informal exchange, socializing and networking.

For taking part:
The training is open for all youth workers, employees as well as volunteers. Travel expenses of all participants will mostly be covered by the EU Erasmus+ Program. Given the dynamics of the global pandemic, please consult the GSI website or send an email for updates and further information.
The main training language will be English and therefore at least intermediate skills are required. A certificate will be handed to all participants after successful completion of the training.