Exploratory Research 2
Exploratory Research Phase 2 gathers insights from interviews with marginalized youth and youth workers, highlighting challenges, barriers to inclusion, and the role of empathy in youth engagement.
Youth Workers
The following quotes come directly from youth workers who participated in our interviews. Their perspectives shed light on the realities of working with marginalized youth, the challenges they face, and the strategies they believe are essential for fostering inclusion and empathy in their work.
Ace and Eleanor interviewing Dirk from Meer Moerdijk
“In youth work, we always say: everyone should be able to participate, so whether you have a fat wallet or you have almost nothing, everyone should be able to join in.”
Joseline’s interview with Edisona
“To begin with, I consider dealing with these challenges often depends on empathy, collaboration, cultural competency, and a deep commitment to their empowerment. Basically develop genuine, authentic relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.”
Joseline interviewing Petra
“For instance, Roma youth internalize negative stereotypes and prejudices, leading to a lack of pride in their identity.“
Ace and Eleanor interviewing Marieke from Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland
“Let’s work together, instead of past each other.”
Ace and Eleanor interviewing Davita
“There should be enough help coming from society to give these marginalized children the same chances and opportunities as their peers.”
Juno and Jana interviewing Rachella from Oprichter Foundation Global Inclusion
“What I ultimately want to say is: be genuine, be sincere, be heartfelt. Don’t just see it as a task — work with your heart. Because the heart speaks to the heart.”
Ace and Jana interviewing Eddie
“Also, let people sometimes talk to someone who is just listening more than judging them and giving them a solution, just listening to them. This is very important. Just listening.”
Ace and Eleanor interviewing Adil and Jeroen for JOU, Utrecht
“You have to seek each other out times of peace, so that you can find each other again in times of war.” – Adil
“I always try to work a bit like a sort of friend [….] I try to keep the rules to a minimum, like ‘hey, I’m here for you, I’m here for all of you, not for the school, so more out of a friendly manner.” – Jeroen
Youth
The following quotes are taken directly from the youth we interviewed during the exploratory research phase. Their voices offer authentic insights into their lived experiences, challenges, and hopes, forming the foundation for the inclusive practices we aim to develop through Mosaic of Minds.
Eleanor’s interview with Muzzy
“Gain their trust by starting slowly.”
Eleanor and Juno interviewing Raidan
“I like that you guys are two young people talking, just find more young people around your age. That- that’s great. I think you guys are doing good in that. I don’t know. I think I’d be less open if it was an older guy. I’ll try to impress them a bit, you know.”
Jana’s interview with Venny
“A lot of people are being closed of, you stay home more. In Uganda you have way more community and you can make contact with way more people. Everyone knew each other. A lot of loneliness.“
Jana’s interview with Alexandra
“They need to understand that every student has their own stories some worse then others, some are coming from a war countries for example. Those people need more atttantion than me for example. I didn’t need more attention I just wanted to learn but some others did.”