based on real-life experiences of youth workers in Germany and the netherlands
Essential Steps for Improvement
01
Cultural Competence Training
“Extremely important to me was the course on the sociocultural specifics of Romani people for educators and teachers, which was taught by Romani people. In addition, discussions and meetings with experts, both from minority and majority societies, who shared their knowledge and
experience” Marie said.
02
Long-term Funding and Resources
According to the findings of Joseline and Tomas from the interviews, youth workers in Germany expressed concerns that many projects are short-lived, meaning progress made with marginalized youth is often lost when funding runs out.
03
Networking and Collaboration
According to Markus, building networks and direct contacts with youth welfare institutions would facilitate greater collaboration and resource sharing. Similarly, Marieke, a youth worker from the Netherlands, highlighted the need for effective communication, suggesting, “Let’s work together, instead of past each other,” to ensure that the youth receive the support they need.
04
More Qualified Staff
According to Marcus, “Additional staff would also be essential, providing support for social workers involved in projects or initiatives that require close and consistent engagement with marginalised youth.”
05
Feedback Mechanisms
Studies emphasize the importance of regular check-ins, peer feedback, and youth-led feedback systems in enhancing program effectiveness and fostering youth engagement. According to a study by **Rhodes et al. (2020), involving youth in the feedback process increases their sense of ownership and empowerment, which leads to better participation and outcomes.