How is the experience at the Exchange Forum in Skopje, North Macedionia? What are participants' perspectives on the whole event? What have they gained, and what are their key takeaways? We’ve launched a short blog from the Exchange Forum, giving voice to various participants to share their insights and reflections. Curious to learn more? Read our blog for highlights from the second day of the Exchange Forum!
Written by: Eeva Sinisalo-Juha, Humak University, Finland
The Exchange Forum on EYWA raised fundamental questions about ownership and implementation that continue to challenge our understanding of European youth work collaboration. Throughout the discussions, I noticed a persistent pattern: conversations repeatedly circled back to funding mechanisms and the recognition of youth work, yet rarely addressed the crucial question of how to participate in these dialogues without the feeling of underestimating. There is a cap between European discourse and our local. This disconnect becomes particularly evident when attempting to explain that these frameworks don't necessarily align with the realities of Finnish municipal youth work. While NGOs might find relevance in these discussions, their volume in the Finnish youth work landscape is anyway significantly smaller.
The EYWA framework itself remains both important and intriguing, prompting critical questions about Finnish engagement. Why aren't Finnish actors more actively involved? Should we be? This Hamlet-like dilemma – to be or not to be part of EYWA – reflects broader uncertainties about our position in European youth work networks.
Fortunately, there was something easier to understand and more inspiring on offer. Rilke's presentation on the European Academy on Youth Work proved particularly valuable and engaging, offering insights that must be shared with youth work students and lecturers at Humak. This knowledge transfer feels essential for bridging the gap between European developments and Finnish education in the field.
As well Laszlo's presentation on the Partnership's activities served me as a timely reminder about the wealth of resources and materials available that remain underutilized. The current development work focusing on mental health support for both young people and youth workers resonates strongly with contemporary needs and could offer fresh perspectives for Finnish youth work practice.
Yet, once again, we find ourselves confronting the recurring challenge of national-level implementation in Finland. The question persists: implementation of what, exactly? This ambiguity around concrete action steps continues to complicate our efforts to translate EYWA frameworks into meaningful local practice.
Following the session of national reflections, it became apparent that all countries are actively developing their own strategies regarding EYWA implementation. We too are part of this movement, though we're still navigating without a clear destination. We don't yet know precisely what we're aiming for, which makes our position both challenging and full of potential. It would be beneficial to initiate some form of dialogue at the national level – let's give it a try! This uncertainty shouldn't paralyze us but rather motivate us to shape our own approach to European youth work collaboration.
What truly energizes me is the widespread interest in youth work research that emerged throughout the discussions. Reflecting on how times have changed during my 40-year career in youth work, it's remarkable to witness research-based approaches (rather than based on feelings) now being recognized as fundamental starting points – YES! This shift represents a profound transformation in how we conceptualize and value our field. The youth work research framework continues to foster excellent collaboration opportunities, and this momentum is genuinely inspiring for future developments.
The Forum has clearly achieved its objectives, with participants leaving for their diverse youth work environments visibly empowered and ready to amplify the message of youth work's significance within their own contexts. The energy in the room was palpable as colleagues prepared to return home as advocates and champions for our field. One final word for the organizers captures the spirit of this gathering: KIITOS! (=THANK YOU!) Thank you for creating this space for critical reflection, shared learning, and renewed commitment to European youth work development.