Difference, Likeness, Hybrid Identity

Following the 2015-2016 refugee crisis in the European Union, serious challenges are to be expected in terms of integration and assimilation of the youth. It is especially the case for associations working with young people with an immigrant background. With unequal government support and in a general context of nationalistic tensions, young immigrants are always under the risk of criminalization. Furthermore, as social media is the extremists’ favorite medium of communication, the youth became an easy target for radicalization. The development of new educational approaches based on creativity, interactivity and peer-to-peer learning is key in the sound social inclusion of young people and in the prevention of these phenomena. In this vein, the use of a diversity of informal learning methods – such as artistic expression, role-playing games and simulations – is especially relevant for raising the awareness of young people on diversity and identity with different viewpoints. Youth workers are the cornerstone of this philosophy, and this training focuses on equipping them with the necessary tools and methods to address these issues with young people. The objective is to encourage the creation of platforms where differences are not only accepted and tolerated, but also conveyed in a way that blurs the borders and dividing lines between them. This training aims at helping youth workers to approach the most relevant issues related to the challenges of interculturalism, including diversity, pluralism, freedom of expression and other fundamental rights. It will also familiarize participants with ways to inform the youth of their rights and opportunities and encourage them to advocate for improvements of youth support in their respective countries. For doing so, the training will introduce a variety of methods, including some interactive training and favorising peer-to-peer exchanges. OBJECTIVES: - To increase participating youth workers' competencies on how to approach cultural diversity - To present and analyze theories related to culture and intercultural dialogue and reflect upon how those theories have influence on everyday practice of working with youth with diverse cultural background - To explore how methods based on artistic/creative expression and improvisation can be used in bringing together youth from minority and majority groups - To share best practices on preventing violent radicalization of young people's attitudes and promoting intercultural dialogue - To develop a network of like-minded individuals and organizations ready to cooperate on future projects related to intercultural learning and dialogue PARTICIPANTS PROFILE - Youth workers and youth leaders interested in exploring new ways of working with people with diverse cultural and/or migration background - Motivated to explore the potential of artistic/creative methods in youth work - Ready to share best practices based on their own experience - Interested in setting further co-operation with similar organizations from other European countries - Being able to communicate in English fluently