Understanding young people and those who work with them, along with providing psychological support, are key factors in the development of their social competencies. By learning to resolve conflicts and reach compromises, young people and youth workers develop essential skills that help them build healthy relationships and contribute to society. Understanding burnout syndrome helps recognize and prevent emotional exhaustion. Addressing all these components creates a positive environment that fosters development and well-being.
The third module of the Training for Expert Associates in Youth Work has been successfully completed after a deep dive into the important topic of social competencies in youth work. Under the guidance of psychotherapist Senka Čimpo, participants explored key topics such as social competencies, conflict resolution, compromise, gender equality, setting boundaries, and burnout syndrome.
Youth workers, or expert associates for youth work, are professionals who support young people in their development and growth. They work in various settings, including youth centers, youth clubs, youth organizations, and government institutions such as social work centers. This training offers youth work practitioners a valuable opportunity to share experiences and exchange ideas.
One of the participants, Amina Bilalović, from the New Hope organization from Žepče, said: “The third training module for expert associates for youth work made a lasting impression on me. Before starting the module, I felt apprehensive because the topics we would be covering were complex and, at times, challenging. I had many questions at the start, but by the end, I left feeling satisfied, with a clearer understanding, a wealth of new knowledge, valuable experience, and stronger friendships. This module was ideal for our group of youth workers, and we learned so many valuable things. I particularly learned a great deal about conflict resolution, compromise, inclusion, and gender equality. We had the opportunity to work with an outstanding trainer who guided us through all of these topics in an engaging and interactive way. I couldn’t have asked for a better group and a better trainer.”
Throughout the four-day module, participants strengthened their connections by sharing personal perspectives, opinions, and experiences. The focus of the training was on developing social competencies. Participants learned to recognize their own needs and emotions, as well as those of others, and to interact with others in a way that takes these into account. They also worked on their decision-making and problem-solving skills, while gaining tools to guide the young people they work with in developing and applying these skills in both their personal and professional lives.
Arman Bešlija, from the organization Youth Theatre Goražde, stated: “My main takeaways from this module are honesty and openness. I also realize how important it is to work on yourself and get to know yourself. We carry so much baggage that reflects in our everyday work. In this module, we focused on understanding how to manage our emotional baggage and the importance of listening to our inner voice. This empowers us to better handle everyday stress and conflicts, set healthy boundaries, and protect our mental well-being. I am very grateful to the trainers and team from the Institute for giving us this opportunity to grow and improve youth work in our communities.”
The participants also had the opportunity to discuss the topic of trauma in the context of working with young people, with Azra Frlj from the Association for Psychosocial Support “Progres” joining them for a coffee chat. Azra, an expert in the field, clarified the concept of trauma and helped the participants gain a deeper understanding of the topic, sparking their interest in exploring it further.
Nina Radenković, a representative of the youth organization Svitac from Brčko, said: “What a great module! A combination of diversity, intertwined and bound together in pursuit of a common goal. The warm atmosphere, filled with stories, experiences, and new knowledge, fostered a deeper connection among all of us. Training modules for expert associates for youth work gave me opportunities to learn so much. In addition to the fantastic team, I was particularly impressed by the coach, who is incredibly approachable and always willing to listen to our concerns and help address our individual dilemmas.”
Through this training, the Institute for Youth Development KULT supports youth workers in enhancing their professional skills and competencies, essential for effective work in their local communities.
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