1. What motivated you to join this training course?
I decided to apply for this training course because it was focused on a topic that was completely new to me, and I really wanted to learn more about it. When I first heard about this training course I thought that it was a unique opportunity to understand how important the support of NEET youth is. Nowadays we are facing wars, economic crisis, gender inequalities or political instability which make people abandon their academic and professional paths.
Maybe in Spain it’s not such a familiar concept but it’s something that affects a large number of people, and I believe it’s important to be more aware and informed about it.
One of my biggest motivation was also personal growth. Last year I participated in a youth exchange that completely changed my mindset and I felt that joining a training course like this will be an importante next step in my professional development. The fact that that it focused on such a relevant and socially impactful topic made me even more appealing.
The opportunity to do it in Bulgaria added extra value for me. I’ve always been interested in Balkan culture and history so I was excited to explore how the NEET situation affects different contexts. I always like to compare different realities with mine and find out the differences and similarities. Meeting people for different countries and exchange perspectives it’s always a key reason to participate in those kind of activities.
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned about working with NEET youth?
The most important and interesting thing I have learnt during this course is the importance of not judging NEET youth. It’s easy not to understand them of tent to forget that there are always deeper reasons behind their decisions. I often heard people saying that someone who is not working or studying it’s just a lazy or unmotivated person.
However, in this training course I understood that these young people might be dealing with mental health issues, financial struggles, families traumas or just lack of opportunities. And I hardly believe that this is an incredibly and valuable lesson that I will always carry with me. I develop my empathy and patience.
I’d also like to highlight the idea that there is always a solution, and the importance of the people who are committed to helping them. Youth workers, community leaders or educators undoubtedly play a key role that deserves a greater recognition. In that case I felt hopeful and with renewed energy to try to do my best and support that young people as well.
3. Which activity or session did you enjoy the most, and why?
My favorite activity from the training was the philosophical mountain walk. We had to discuss a deep topic with one person for five minutes, then switch and talk to another participant while walking through nature. It was simply but this activity completely changed my perspective.
Firstly made me feel comfortable and confident sharing my points of view with other people. Secondly made me also realize how different people’s opinions can be. There were people I couldn’t agree more with and others who had a completely different point of view and I think that’s the whole point.
It wasn’t a debate or a competition of ideas. It was a safe place for reflection and active listening where every opinion was valuable. It also allowed me to get to know my colleagues on a deeper and more meaningful level.
4. How will you use the knowledge and skills from this project in your work back home?
Thanks to this experience I feel much more prepared and motivated to become actively involved in initiatives that support NEET youth.
Before joining this training course I sometimes felt insecure about whether my help is enough or if I had any tool to make a change. Now I feel that every step is useful and that there are a lot of ways to contribute. Starting with social media, we have a powerful platform to share content and raise awareness. I would like to collaborate with local organizations and use my free time to help as much as possible in different iniciatives with fresh ideas such as non-formal education.
Also I would like to use my skills in reintegrating these individuals into societies through motivational speeches or boosting their self confidence. I want to be someone who listens, empathic, truthful and who create a safe place for them.
5. If you could describe this experience in 3 words, what would they be?
Inspiring, hopeful and transformative
Inspiring because I met incredible people with different stories, cultures, and visions but with a common goal; create a better future for NEET youth. I can learn different perspectives and I will use them once I return.
Hopeful because it showed me that even in the face of serious global challenges, there are solutions, and there are people committed to making them happen. There are more solutions than I imagined, they just need to be implemented.
And transformative because it changed the way I see both NEET youth and my own role in society. I leave this project not only with new knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of myself and of the kind of impact I want to make.
| Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. |
