Empowerment Factors for Young People in Open Youth Centers

Abstract

Objectives* To reveal the preconditions for empowering young people in Open Youth Centers Materials and Methods. Qualitative research was chosen for the study by using the method of semi-structured interview. The obtained data were analyzed by using the content analysis method. 7 social workers, who work in Open Youth Centers participated in the study. Results. Open Youth Centers aim to develop young people’s personal and social competences, to actively engage in community and social processes, to help them overcome difficulties, to solve problems constructively, to encourage them to develop their personal development, to foster entrepreneurship and to develop skills for the labor market. The study revealed that in Open Youth Centers social workers organizing many group activities for the reason develop communication, cooperation and leadership skills. Another important factor in empowering young people is psychological support. This helps young people to cope with stress, depression and other emotional problems. Involving young people in various community project activities enables them to solve their problems, to implement ideas that are important to them and to learn how to plan and organize their personal time. Third important factor in empowering young people is the creation and maintenance of social networks, which serve to encourage young people to participate in projects and initiate their own project activities. This opens the way for young people to improve their well-being, to feel needed, to become autonomous and to achieve their life goals. Conclusions. Group activities, psychological support, networking and support, and various project activities are important for youth empowerment in Open Youth Centers.