The recent meeting held in Austria marked a significant step in the digital transformation of youth work, as experts and organizations came together to create final versions of local strategies. With the aim of empowering young people and embracing the potential of digital tools, the meeting served as a platform for collaboration, idea-sharing, and the development of innovative approaches. This article explores the key highlights of the meeting and the preceding online research conducted with both youth workers and youngsters.
The meeting was organized in Austria and hosted by Youth Power Austria. Main focus was creation of final versions of local strategies for the digital transformation of youth work. Known as EduLab, this workshop initially took place in a physical space but will transition to a virtual environment after WP3. Expert teams dedicated to drafting strategies came together to compare drafts, exchange ideas, and offer valuable insights. The ultimate objective was to develop comprehensive and effective strategies that align with the needs of inclusive youth work.
Prior to the meeting, two online research initiatives were conducted to gather insights from both youth workers and youngsters. The research aimed to analyze the current landscape of digital tools used by civil society organizations working with young people and to incorporate the experiences and needs of young individuals in the development of local strategies.
Online Research for Youth Workers:
One of the primary objectives of this research was to assess the utilization of digital tools by civil society organizations engaged in youth work. By exploring the current situation, the research aimed to identify opportunities for improvement and innovative approaches to engage and support young people effectively.
Online Research for Youngsters:
Targeting individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, this questionnaire provided an avenue for young people to influence positive changes in their local communities. The research focused on understanding their experiences, needs, and aspirations regarding the use of digital tools in youth work. The insights collected through this research will contribute to the creation of a robust, inclusive, and youth-centric local strategy.
The meeting in Austria and the preceding online research initiatives have laid the foundation for an impactful and transformative journey towards the digital transformation of youth work. By harnessing the expertise of experts and the voices of young people, the strategies developed aim to empower youth and leverage digital tools to create positive change.