VulnerABILITY in and after Covid times - Transforming weaknesses into strengths for social inclusion

The recent past has been marked by the Corona crisis. This crisis has profoundly changed the daily lives of young people, whom were disproportionately harmed economically and socially by the precautions imposed by the lockdowns. This crisis has especially influenced the mental health of young people (depression, anxiety, addictions, etc.) and increased dropouts and risky behaviours.

Obviously, the younger generations will be much more exposed than the older population to the the wider consequences of the crisis. Those prospects influence negatively the "vulnerability" of young people.

In modern society, vulnerability is generally seen as a weakness and an obstacle to succeed in social life. This negative approach also affects youth workers in their perceptions and ways of working.

Against the current trend, we think that the vulnerability must be explored as a lever action. We believe in its potential as a way to connect with youngsters, whom feel a strong disconnection with society.  

Beyond the symptom, we aim to restore the sense of belonging and affiliation of young people by equipping them with life competences, reinforcing their resilience and strengthening their values. Through non-formal and informal learning, this alternative approach helps to promote active citizenship and to strengthen social inclusion of young people.

This training course aims to support youth workers to develop their competencies in understanding vulnerability and exploring its potential in reinforcing young people's self confidence. In this training course participants will experience a positive approach of vulnerability, which is a key element in establishing true connections with young people. We will explore vulnerability through non-formal education and experiential learning methods.

Objectives:

To provide participants with concepts and theoretical background about vulnerability and its role within the process of inclusion/exclusion;

To take into account the participants own vulnerable sides in order to transform them as a strength;

To provide participants with a deeper understanding of vulnerability on a personal and interpersonal level;

To explore the potential of vulnerability and transform it in an inclusion strength;

To share tools and practices of engaging with vulnerable groups in an international context.

Methodology

The methodology will be participant-centered, based on non-formal education, experiential learning and intercultural learning; working methods will be diverse and interactive in order to ensure a balance between sharing, inputs and practice.

The main activities will be: working groups, guided self-reflection, workshops, field visits. Provision of information and reference documents will be used in order to meet participants learning preferences and the training learning objectives.

This TC addresses youth or social workers directly in contact with yopung people on the field.