Youth work - key contribution to social cohesion

 

SUMMARY

In line with the Renewed Framework for European Cooperation in the Youth Field (2010-2018), EU Ministers emphasise the need to support the development of youth work and its contribution to ensure the social inclusion of young people.

WHAT DO THESE CONCLUSIONS DO?

They focus on the need to reinforce youth work to ensure more cohesive societies throughout the EU. Cooperation in this area across EU countries is of high importance.

The Conclusions are presented in accordance with the current EU Work Plan for Youth 2014-2015, whereby the development of youth work and non-formal learning (such as in youth or sports clubs) and informal learning (such as from parents and friends) is a priority.

They also note previous Council conclusions regarding the contribution of quality youth work to the development, well-being and social inclusion of youth in the EU.

Also noted is the statement by EU Heads of Government on 12 February 2015, soon after the terrorist attacks in Paris, underlining the importance of education and integration in preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values.

KEY POINTS

The Conclusions reiterate the importance of youth work in contributing to personal development and in reaching out to young people of differing backgrounds. There is a particular need to connect with marginalised youth and those not in employment, education or training.

EU countries are urged to:

• commit to further developing quality and professional youth work services, including by paid staff and volunteers;
• develop supportive measures, including education and training for youth workers;
• increase the outreach of youth work to involve the over-18s and young people with fewer opportunities.

EU countries and the European Commission are called upon to:

• engage in mutual learning (peer learning) and exchange best practices regarding quality in youth work;
• strengthen the quality of youth work by developing indicators, tools and systems that can be applied at different levels across the EU;
• improve the visibility of the importance of youth work by demonstrating its quantitative and qualitative aspects and impacts on young people and society around them;

The Commission is invited to:

• conduct a study on basic quality principles for youth work including an implementation handbook. This study should take into account the results of the Expert Group on Youth Work Quality Systems;
• consider making a proposal for a Council Recommendation on youth work that would focus on promoting young people’s inclusion, citizenship and a more cohesive society.

For more information, see:

• Supporting youth actions in Europe on the European Commission's website
• Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education, 17 March 2015.
• Quality Youth Work. A common framework for the further development of youth work. Report from the Expert Group on Youth Work Quality Systems in the EU Member States, 2015.
• Working with Young People: the Value of Youth Work in the EU, 2014.

ACT

Council conclusions on reinforcing youth work to ensure cohesive societies (OJ C 170, 23.5.2015, pp. 2-3)

last update 24.09.2015