Youth work is an educational process adapted across various settings to support a young person’s personal, social, and educational development. It allows them to explore their values, beliefs, ideas, and issues while developing their voice, influence, and place in society, starting from the school environment. Youth workers engage in detached youth work that is reaching out to young people within their own space, engage in conversations and gather information about their different needs so that the necessary actions to satisfy those needs can be taken. Youth work in schools vary in outcomes based on the characteristics and needs of each individual school. This can be achieved through:
- Creating a safe space for young people to share their concerns or ideas comfortably.
- Promoting democratic participation and active citizenship, allowing young people to diplomatically voice their concerns in supportive environments.
- Encouraging voluntary work and entrepreneurship.
- Addressing issues such as bullying, insecurity, decision-making, team spirit, social skills, group dynamics, self-expression, and diversity.
- Serving as an accessible information hub for young people, primarily providing information about careers by liaising with the guidance teachers, SFCE career advisor and referring to other agencies /entities.
- Organising extracurricular activities or youth clubs during break time or after school hours. These clubs may also target specific vulnerable groups.
- Collaborating with other school staff, including PSCD teachers and pastoral teams, to organise activities such as seminars, workshops, and live-ins.