From March 3-8, 2025, youth workers from pewobe gGmbH in Frankfurt (Oder) and representatives of Kompetenzteam participated in a transformative Partner-Building Activity (PBA) under the Erasmus+ program. The event was organized by the Latvian NGO “Alternative Reality” and brought together organizations from across Europe and neighboring regions, including Italy, Germany, Latvia, Georgia, Jordan, Norway, Finland, and Palestine.
This initiative focused on promoting the inclusion and empowerment of refugee youth and young migrants, particularly those affected by conflict. It also aimed to develop projects supporting young people with fewer opportunities, especially those from refugee backgrounds.
The ongoing crises in various conflict zones have left many young people displaced, isolated, and facing significant barriers to education, employment, and social participation. Through this PBA, we collaborated with dedicated NGOs to develop innovative and impactful solutions that will create opportunities for these young people to thrive.
Goals of the Partnership-Building Activity:
- Develop strong partnerships between organizations committed to inclusion and youth empowerment.
- Design new Erasmus+ projects focused on education, social inclusion, and youth participation.
- Promote European values such as solidarity, human dignity, equality, and intercultural dialogue.
- Strengthen the capacity of youth workers and NGOs to support young refugees and migrants.
- Raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugee youth, especially those affected by war and displacement.
Activities During the PBA:
- Workshops and discussions on best practices for youth inclusion.
- Networking sessions to establish meaningful collaborations with like-minded organizations.
- Project development activities aimed at creating sustainable Erasmus+ initiatives.
- Cultural exchange experiences to foster deeper understanding and cooperation.
Our team recognized that refugee youth and young migrants deserve equal access to education, mental health support, and opportunities for active participation in society. By working together, we can break down barriers, create safe spaces for learning and personal growth, and empower young people to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
For our youth workers and youth leaders, this PBA was an incredible opportunity to connect with passionate changemakers and take concrete steps toward positive change. We are excited to continue developing meaningful Erasmus+ projects that will make a real difference in the lives of refugee youth.
Additionally, participants developed ideas for the upcoming Erasmus+ deadline, found new partners, and worked on application forms. We believe in the power of collaboration and are ready to take the next steps!
