BEHIND THE WHEEL: international Erasmus+ training for youth workers in Bernāti

From 17 to 25 August 2026, in Bernāti, South Kurzeme municipality, the association "Keep the Change" is implementing the international Erasmus+ training course for youth workers "BEHIND THE WHEEL". The project is carried out within Keep the Change's Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of youth (project No. 2026-1-LV02-KA151-YOU-000390742).

The training brings together 29 youth workers, trainers and other professionals working with young people from eight countries — Latvia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Georgia, Albania, Slovakia and Lithuania.

Over nine days, Bernāti becomes an international learning environment where participants not only expand their professional knowledge and learn new non-formal education methods, but also turn to a question that is becoming increasingly important in youth work: how to support young people's wellbeing while also being aware of the youth worker's own emotional state, energy and influence on the learning process.

Who is "behind the wheel" in youth work?

The title "BEHIND THE WHEEL" is based on the idea that a youth worker is often at the wheel of the learning process. The way a youth worker communicates, leads a group, reacts in difficult situations and manages their own emotions and energy directly shapes young people's experience and wellbeing. That is why the project focuses not only on methods for working with young people, but on the youth worker themselves.

How do I react in stressful situations? How does my energy affect the group? How do I create an environment where a young person feels safe to be themselves? How do I notice a young person's needs? And how do I care for others without losing contact with myself? These are only some of the questions participants explore during the project.

From self-awareness to practical tools

During the project, participants address young people's wellbeing and the challenges they face daily — stress, emotional overload, pressure and difficulties understanding and regulating their emotions. At the same time, youth workers examine their own professional role and how to build a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The programme combines non-formal education, coaching, mindfulness, reflection and embodiment-based approaches. Participants practically try out various methods that help develop self-awareness, better understand emotions and needs, notice bodily reactions, manage their energy and improve communication and group facilitation skills.

Significant attention is also given to facilitation — how to create a deeper learning process in which a young person is not just a participant in an activity, but actively engages in their own learning and growth.

The methods learned during the project can then be adapted and used in everyday work in youth centres, youth exchanges, schools, non-governmental organisations and other youth work settings.

Understanding yourself first, to better support others

One of the project's core principles is that quality work with young people begins with the youth worker's own self-awareness. Andra Štāle, director of Keep the Change and trainer of the course, emphasises:

"When working with young people, we very often focus on the question — which method should I use? But sometimes a much more important question is: who am I as I walk into the room? A youth worker is not just a person leading an activity. Through our communication, energy, reactions and ability to be present, we influence the whole group process. That is why in this project we want to start with the youth worker — with the ability to understand ourselves, our emotions and needs better, so that we can then support young people more consciously and with higher quality."

International exchange between eight countries

The project brings together representatives of eight partner organisations: "Keep the Change" in Latvia, "eSquare" in Germany, "Foundation for Sports and Education reGeneration" in Poland, "Asociacion Cultural Mediterranea" in Spain, "Creative Youth Platform" in Georgia, "Eagles Wings Albania" in Albania, "Youth Initiative Cana" in Slovakia and "Tavo Europa" in Lithuania.

The international environment allows participants not only to learn new methods, but also to compare youth work experience in different countries, share practical examples, discuss young people's current needs and build new international partnerships for future cooperation.

The aim of the training is to strengthen youth workers' capacity to support young people's wellbeing, emotional resilience and self-awareness, while developing their own professional skills to consciously guide learning and group processes.

"BEHIND THE WHEEL" is implemented within Keep the Change's Erasmus+ accreditation in the field of youth. Through international projects, the association continues to create an environment where youth workers and young people can learn, share experience, develop professional and personal competences and gain practical tools for their further work.

Co-funded by the European Union. This publication reflects only the views of the author(s), and not necessarily those of the European Union, the European Commission or the Agency for International Programs for Youth, which are not responsible for any use of the information it contains.

Information prepared by: Andra Štāle, director of the association "Keep the Change".