Unlocking Youth Potential: The Desk Research Breakdown

Youth workers are instrumental in bridging the chasm between youth and community engagement. But to construct this bridge, we first need the right tools and understanding. Enter the pivotal "Desk Research" of the Up 2 You(th)! initiative, a deep dive into the dynamics of youth disengagement across three distinct European regions.

A Glimpse into the Landscape

Our project examined the complex landscape of youth disengagement with local communities in Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Armenia. To achieve this, the Up 2 You(th)! Initiative launched on a comprehensive desk research. Here's what it entailed:

• Data Synthesis: The research combined insights from various sources, be it scholarly articles, institutional reports, surveys, and case studies. This provided an understanding of the trends, patterns, and core reasons behind the widening detachment between the youth and community engagement.
• Strategy Analysis: Current engagement strategies, despite their efforts, need to improve in effectively reaching the youth. This research examines these gaps, highlighting the urgent need for strategies that are not just innovative but are also inclusive, resonating with the distinct youth demographics of Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Armenia.
• Cultural and Historical Context: The research delves deep into the socio-economic context, political environment and legislative outlines that shape youth participation across these nations.

"Up 2 You(th)!" Final Publication

As the main result of our three years of work, we present "Up 2 You(th)!" Final Publication, gathering outcomes of its activities and summarizing all the acquired insights from local communities.

Navigating the Final Publication

This comprehensive publication unfolds in a structured manner:

1. Desk Research – Laying down the foundational understanding of youth disengagement.
2. Country Surveys – Delving into youth perspectives on community participation across the three countries.
3. Focus Group Reports – A synthesis of local discussions capturing how young people see the barriers and potential solutions for increasing their community engagement
4. Local Workshops – Summary of practical sessions addressing specific needs and areas of interest highlighted by the youth.
5. Recommendations – Actionable strategies to reinforce youth engagement, tailored for stakeholders on regional, national and European levels.

Why This Matters

This isn't just data; it's the foundation for transformative change. The research underscores the need for a shift – one that empowers youth, encourages their participation, and drives societal change. For youth workers, this research can guide their interventions, ensuring they remain aligned with the real-world challenges and aspirations of the youth they aim to serve.

For Youth Workers: The Way Forward

Harnessing this research can pave the way for:

• Tailored initiatives that address region-specific challenges.
• Programs that resonate with the authentic needs and aspirations of the youth.
• Constructive dialogues that foster youth trust and confidence in societal structures.
• Innovative approaches that harness the strengths and address the challenges identified in the research.

Dive In

Unlock the comprehensive insights and strategic directions that this research offers. Equip yourself with a tool that promises more than knowledge – a vision for tangible change.

Access the Full Desk Research Here

 

 

The Project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 2020-2-SK02-KA205-002569