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Non-formal Education from Theory to Praxis
- a professional development training for youth workers & youth leaders -
- in Vienna, Austria from 10 to 17 October 2025 -
GENESIS OF THE TRAINING:
This project addresses the urgent need to raise the quality of youth work in Europe, which has been weakened by the pandemic, economic pressures, and the war in Ukraine that displaced many qualified youth workers while pushing inexperienced newcomers into the field. This has created a gap between the quantity of youth initiatives and the quality of learning opportunities for young people. To respond, our initiative will train 30 youth workers from 9 European countries, combining non-formal education (NFE) and experiential learning to strengthen their competences. Participants will learn about, through, and for NFE by exploring methodologies, tools, and theories, and by applying them in practice through the design and testing of youth activities. The training will also emphasize teamwork, facilitation, intercultural dialogue, and civic engagement, while introducing models such as Kolb’s learning cycle, Maslow’s hierarchy, Bloom’s taxonomy, and feedback frameworks. The expected outcomes are more competent and motivated youth workers, stronger partner organisations, and better learning opportunities for young people, especially those with fewer opportunities. In the long term, the project will result in a transnational network of skilled youth workers, a shared resource booklet on non-formal education, and follow-up initiatives that support sustainable, inclusive, and innovative youth work across Europe. By doing so, it contributes directly to the Erasmus+ objectives of promoting lifelong learning, intercultural understanding, active citizenship, and the recognition of non-formal and informal learning.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE:
During this ERASMUS+ training, participants will engage in a dynamic journey that combines theory, practice, and reflection to strengthen the quality of youth work across Europe. Together, we will address pressing youth issues such as social exclusion, mental wellbeing, intercultural tensions, and the need for meaningful participation. The training will provide an in-depth exploration of the principles, theories, and practices of Non-Formal Education (NFE) and Experiential Learning, enabling participants to understand both individual and group learning processes and how to apply them effectively in youth work. Through workshops, tool fairs, and guided sessions, participants will experiment with diverse methods, educational tools, and facilitation techniques, gaining hands-on experience in designing and leading youth activities. A core component of the program is practice: each participant will design and pilot small-scale learning activities during the training, testing and refining their competences in an intercultural environment. Reflection sessions and peer feedback will support their personal and professional growth throughout the week. At the conclusion of the training, participants will be supported to create local action plans tailored to the needs of their communities, ensuring that learning is directly transferable and sustainable. As a follow-up, all groups will continue receiving guidance from the trainers to implement these initiatives at the local level, making the practical application of their learning an integral part of the training experience.
THE PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS:
- you live in one of the participating countries:
(Austria, Germany, Greece, France, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Serbia).
- you are between 24 and 35 years old.
- commit to full participation during the whole activity and sessions.
- you can communicate in English (B1+ level is enough).
- you wish to learn new skills, methods, and tools.
- you wish to improve your conflict transformation capacities.
- you can cooperate and work with others in a team.
- you are ready to work in a team to design and implement an initiative.
- Be motivated to explore new approaches in youth work.
- Have the ability to do the follow-up initiative.
- Ready to support dissemination and visibility activities online and offline.
- you are curious to learn and you appreciate diversity in every sense.
- you would like to build new friendships and international connections.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS:
- The training is "fully" funded!
- It is financed by the European Commission as part of the Erasmus+.
- The hostel, training, materials, meals, and transport are covered to the determined limits.
- Participants are required to book their own transport (flights, busses, trains) to and from Vienna and we will refund the eligible costs to you after your successful participation.
- Only selected persons can book their tickets, after our advice!
- The refund of travel costs is after the implementation of the local follow-up initiative.
PARTICIPATION RULES AND CONDITIONS:
- You should attend the entire activity from 10 to 17 October 2025.
- You should engage in all preparation and follow-up activities.
- You should fill out the form before 30 September 2025 (Extended deadline).
- You should sign the participation agreement once selected, within a period of three days.
- You should purchase your travel tickets within five days of signing the agreement.
TIMEFRAME:
Preparation:
From 01. 09 2025 to 10. 10 2025 (in various stages)
Participation:
10. October to 17 October 2025 (in Vienna, Austria)
Follow-up:
October 2025 - November 2025 (local implementation of follow-up initiatives)
OTHER IMPORTANT REMARKS:
- Applications will be reviewed and accepted based on motivation and eligibility.
- More details such as preparatory tasks will be shared after selection via email.
- You will receive a YouthPass certificate on the last day of the training.
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