Youth Work for Mutual Understanding seminar

For the seminar 46 participants representing 27 organizations from 19 different countries travelled to Kokkola. Participants explored how youth work can bridge divides, promote empathy, and create lasting connections among young people, especially in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. Through workshops, discussions, and group activities, participants delved into these topics, sharing best practices, challenges, and success stories from their respective countries.

The first and the second day was all about getting to know each other, the organizations,  the cultures, hopes and expectations for the seminar.

Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their organizations, and the unique contexts in which they work. Through interactive sessions, the group shared their hopes and expectations for the seminar. These initial discussions laid the foundation for deeper collaboration, helping participants connect on both a professional and personal level.

The third day was dedicated to workshops

These sessions offered practical tools and insights into topics such as:

• Youth Participation
• Youth Health
• Well-being
• Youth Situations in Europe
• Nature as an Educational Space
• ETS Youth Workers Competence Module
• 
  

On the fourth day, the program included networking and study visits

On the fourth day, the seminar took a hands-on approach to networking and learning through study visits. Participants were divided into four groups, each visiting a different institution:

1. A local school
2. The school of Rock
3. The Federation of Education in Central Ostrobothnia
4. Villa Elba’s Nature School

These visits offered insights into the Finnish education system and innovative approaches to youth work. 

A Special Farewell Celebration

The evening of the fourth day brought a bittersweet close to the seminar with a farewell celebration. It was an emotional night, as participants reflected on the connections made and the knowledge gained over the week. The evening also held a special significance as it marked the retirement of Ritva Saarikettu, Villa Elba’s long-time coordinator for international and regional youth work. Ritva’s contributions to the field were celebrated with gratitude, honoring her legacy in fostering global collaboration in youth work.

Looking Forward

As the seminar came to a close, participants left with a renewed commitment to fostering mutual understanding among young people worldwide. The relationships built during this event will continue to inspire new collaborations, ensuring that youth work remains a powerful tool for promoting empathy, inclusion, and cross-cultural dialogue across the globe.

The Youth Work for Mutual Understanding Seminar was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was a stepping stone toward a more connected and compassionate future for youth work professionals and the young people they serve.