Social inclusion is an overarching priority across all sectors of the Erasmus+ programme. Among others, the objective of Erasmus+ programme is to promote – in particular through innovative and integrated approaches – ownership of shared values, equality, social inclusion, diversity, and non-discrimination. Often, the priority is given to projects that support youth workers in developing and sharing effective methods in reaching out to marginalised young people, in preventing racism and intolerance among youth, and in addressing the risks, opportunities, and implications of digitalisation.
How white is youth work in Europe?
Aga Byrczek is a youth worker, trainer, project designer and coordinator, and volunteer coach. In her blog “Youth work in Practice” you can find articles related to interculturality, diversity, inclusion, human rights, and global education. Aga shares her thoughts on racism in the Erasmus+ sector from the point of view of a youth worker. How to talk about equality and racism? Why are there so few trainers who are coming from the racialized community? Why having anti-racism as one of the objectives of Erasmus+ (and previously youth in action) for at least over 15 years, still there is no representation of the community almost at all?
“…one of the important things we must do as white people to battle with racism is to educate ourselves and ask ourselves these uncomfortable questions I am asking. Do we have a systemic problem with racism in the Erasmus+ activities? And why there is no representation of POC?”
The article “How white is youth work in Europe?“ is an invitation to reflect on the topic of race and white privilege, with emphasis on the Erasmus+ activities. You can find the article HERE.
In the blog of Aistė Šlajūtė, the founder and director of ‘Eurobug’, a Youth NGO in Ireland, you can find a very interesting article: “Reflections on ‘race’ and racism within the context of the European Youth Work sector“. You can find there some tips on how to build an anti-racist culture within our existing environments and based on the experience of youth workers.
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Find here ideas for ”Outdoor Activities for Inclusion”
