Youth Work

Amongst the many ways practitioners and professionals support or enhance the well-being, development, and autonomy of children and young people, youth work is generally distinguished by informal activities carried out outside school. Youth work is based on the recognition of young people’s rights to have fun, enjoy leisure activities, and participate fully in society. Their participation is through choice rather than compulsion. Youth work provides opportunities for young people to relax and socialise, to play music, games, or sports, to learn extracurricular skills, or to become involved in political campaigns. Informal youth work practice is based on engaging young people in dialogue and listening to their ideas, hopes, and concerns. Through conversations based on mutual respect with youth workers who can laugh and are willing ...