Photo shows a Polish-Slovak group of project participants after a lecture by Kumar Vishwanathan at the Białołęka District Public Library in Warsaw
How to Work Effectively with Young People in an Unconventional Way? – Project Summary
Since June 2024, we have been implementing the project „How to Work Effectively with Young People in an Unconventional Way: Building Cooperation in Non-Formal Youth Education.” This initiative focuses on exchanging experiences and developing new educational methods between NGOs from Poland and Slovakia. Thanks to our collaboration with ETP Slovensko and invited experts, we have successfully developed innovative approaches to youth education through culture, art, and social activities.
On-Site Meeting in Warsaw – Intensive Knowledge and Experience Exchange
After months of online meetings, in February 2025, we held an in-person training session in Warsaw, bringing together educators from both countries and guest specialists. The program included:
- Streetworking Workshop with Karol Kołbyk – An educator and streetworker from Pracownia Edukacji shared his methods for working with socially excluded youth.
Photo: Jusyna Domasłowska-Szulc
- Lecture by Kumar Vishwanathan – A Czech social activist, founder, and director of Vzajemne Souziti , who spoke about his experiences working with young people at risk of exclusion.
Photo: Jusyna Domasłowska-Szulc
- Calligraphy Workshop at the District Educational Center in Falenica – A hands-on session using art as an educational tool, led by educator Małgorzata Brus from the Dom Kultury Foundation.
- Study Visit at the Itaka Foundation – A discussion and lecture on supporting young people in mental health crises, led by Anna Jurkiewicz, head of Itaka Foundation .
- Session at Teatr Studio – A presentation on youth engagement and community-building around cultural institutions, led by Damian Kalita, head of the Education Department at Teatr Studio.
Photo: Jusyna Domasłowska-Szulc
- Workshop at Zachęta National Gallery of Art – A session on inclusive art education methods, led by Dr. Monika Weychert, head of the Education Department at Zachęta.
Photo: Jusyna Domasłowska-Szulc
Project Results
- Average rating of organization and program content: 9.5/10
- 100% of participants found the acquired skills useful in their work with youth
- Most appreciated elements of the program: Streetworking and calligraphy workshops, meetings with practitioners, and experience exchange between participants from Poland and Slovakia.
- Future recommendations: More group integration, topics related to digital education and cybersecurity, and expanding cooperation with additional cultural institutions – SO WE KEEP MOVING FORWARD!
A Project Full of Inspiration and New Methods
The project „How to Work Effectively with Young People in an Unconventional Way” has brought many inspiring outcomes. Participants have developed new methods for working with young people, incorporating art, culture, and non-formal education as tools for social inclusion. Through the collaboration of educators from Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, we facilitated an exchange of experiences and diverse approaches to supporting youth.
Practical workshops such as calligraphy, streetworking, and activities in cultural institutions demonstrated how to creatively build relationships and develop young people’s skills. Meetings and study visits resulted in new contacts and partnerships that will continue beyond the project’s completion. Most importantly, participants left inspired and ready to implement their newly acquired knowledge and develop innovative educational programs.
This project was implemented with the support of Erasmus+ (KA153-YOU). We extend our gratitude to all participants for their dedication and hope that the jointly developed methods will serve as an inspiration for future initiatives!
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, the Foundation for the Development of the Education System or the National Agency of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Solidarity Corps. Neither the European Union nor the grant awarding bodies are responsible for them.
