Global Education Map for Youth Educators: Paths of Inclusion and Sustainability

The GE4YOUTH project, acronym for Global Education for Youth Workers, aims to improve the quality, innovation, and recognition of youth workers’ efforts in using Global Education methodologies to prevent and combat the marginalization of at-risk young individuals. With the collaborative work of six partners (PRISM Impresa Sociale srl, IERFOP, GROWTHCOOP, I&F, PELICAN, and Diversity Hub) from five EU countries (Italy, Spain, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Poland), the project focuses on achieving three main outcomes: a detailed map of the best Global Education practices adopted by youth workers, two training courses tailored for beginners and experts in Global Education, and an innovative digital platform to consolidate all the content.

We are delighted to share with you the first of these outcomes—the Global Education Map for Youth Workers!

This comprehensive survey starts with a general definition of Global Education, founded on international principles such as those outlined in the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and UNESCO’s guidelines. The educational process aims to foster a critical understanding of global challenges, promoting empathy, solidarity, and encouraging responsible actions for a sustainable and peaceful world. Through qualitative research and literature analysis, the map identifies key themes addressed by youth educators in partner countries, including human rights, active citizenship, gender equality, intercultural dialogue, and fair trade.

Particular attention is dedicated to both existing and missing approaches in implementing Global Education among youth educators. Interviews and questionnaires have identified the most excluded youth groups and the least addressed topics. Vulnerable groups include NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youths, socio-economically disadvantaged youths, LGBTQA+ individuals, those with disabilities, Rom-Sinti youths, unaccompanied minors, political refugees, and ethnic/cultural minorities. The less explored topics concern gender equality, human rights education, and other global challenges.

The map represents a significant step in raising awareness and providing training tools for youth workers, promoting intercultural awareness and educating young global citizens to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. The mapping results have guided the development of specific training modules for youth workers, suitable for both beginners and experts in the Global Education approach.

The map is available in two languages, English and Italian, and comes in two versions: a comprehensive report with European comparisons (available in English) and a summary of the main results (available in both English and Italian).

This initiative was made possible thanks to the Erasmus+ KA2 program: Cooperation Partnerships for Youth, which aims to prevent the marginalization of disadvantaged youth and enhance social cohesion through digital tools. By focusing on empowering youth workers in contact with disadvantaged target groups, the GE4YOUTH project is creating a world where all young individuals have access to quality education and training, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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