In Palermo, the European project CARE4YOUTH engaged numerous young migrants in an innovative path to social inclusion through sports and training activities. The pilot programme, carried out simultaneously in Italy, Spain, and Serbia, was developed through a participatory process involving youth workers, educators, and young people from all three partner countries.
Over the course of six activity days – three focused on training and three on sports – participants had the opportunity to socialise, develop key competences, and feel part of the host community.
Training Days
- Day 1 – Non-formal education activities aimed at developing emotional intelligence, empathy, conflict management, and creative thinking, using tools such as storytelling and roleplay.
- Day 2 – Focus on teamwork and effective communication, with collaborative games and non-verbal communication exercises.
- Day 3 – Reflection on the concept of an inclusive community, through presentations and cooperative games to foster intercultural awareness and social cohesion.
Sports Activities
- Days 1 and 3 – Five-a-side football matches, designed to promote team spirit, mutual trust, and inclusion through play.
- Day 2 – Nature walk at the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve: a scenic excursion combined with group games, shared moments such as the game “Schiaccia Sette”, and swimming in the sea.
All training materials – including templates, session agendas, methodological guidelines, activity sheets, and more – are freely available in the online e-toolkit: https://care4youth.eu/
It is a valuable resource for youth workers, educators, local authorities and organisations interested in replicating or adapting the CARE4YOUTH programme in their own local context.
Co-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. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.