Developing detached youth work in Malta and Romania

Abstract

The Erasmus+ project on Detached Youth Work arose as a result of a number of inter-related factors. Key Action 2 of the Erasmus+ programme supports strategic partnerships in the field of education, training and youth with a view to promoting cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices. In opening the door to strategic partnerships, Erasmus+ greatly enhances the possibilities for developing innovative youth work practices and for sharing experiences across Europe. The project also reflected the ambitions and aspirations of the partner organisations. In the case of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, which initiated and coordianted the project, it served to expand and strengthen the services it provides for young people in Malta, while also fulfilling a commitment in the national youth policy, “Towards 2020 - A shared vision for the future of young people” to provide "outreach and detached youth work services to address, in particular, the needs of socially excluded and at risk young people". All the partner organisations involved in the project were committed to the concept of detached youth work and the benefits that could accrue to young people, youth organisations and society in general if it were practically and effectively implemented ‘on the ground’. Detached youth work was new territory for both Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the Centre for Sustainable Community Development (CSCD), Romania, but the YMCA George Williams College and Stichting Jong Rotterdam had relevant experience in the field. This combination of experience and inexperience proved both fruitful and challenging and the outcomes of the project will, I believe, greatly benefit not only the partner organisations and the young people with whom they work, but also help promote detached youth work practice as a valuable and important, if demanding, aspect of youth work. [excerpt from Foreword written by Miriam Teuma, Chief Executive Officer Aġenzija Żgħażagħ].