Introduction

Youth work is often misunderstood as just "volunteering" or "goodwill." However, at the European level, it is a recognized profession with specific required competences.

To ensure quality in our projects—especially when working with marginalized youth—we rely on the European Training Strategy (ETS) Competence Model. This framework helps us define what we do and how we can improve.

2.1: The ETS Competence Model

The European Training Strategy (ETS) Competence Model defines the specific attitudes, knowledge, skills, and behaviours a youth worker needs to facilitate high-quality learning processes internationally.

The model is divided into 9 Competence Areas. For each area, you can explore it in four dimensions: Attitudes (willingness), Knowledge (understanding), Skills (ability), and Behaviours (observable actions).

> 1. Facilitating Learning

• The Core: Facilitating individual and group learning processes in an enriching environment.
• In Our Context: Creating a space where marginalized youth feel safe to learn from their mistakes without judgment.

> 2. Designing Programmes

• The Core: Designing educational programmes based on non-formal learning principles.
• In Our Context: Turning a vague idea (e.g., "inclusion") into a concrete agenda with objectives, methods, and flow.