Youth In Action Programme

The Youth in Action Programme of the European Community aims to develop the needs of young people (aged 13 to 30) in over 30 countries by providing funding and support for development of specific activities and objectives through non-formal learning with young people and their youth workers.

What Our Exchanges Are About

Every exchange is different, the duration varies between seven and ten days. The basis is that the young people take part in a programme of activities that reflect the priorities of the Youth In Action programme and demonstrate the informal learning that takes place during the experience. The funding for these programmes comes directly from the European Union and covers 70% of travel cost, there is also an allowance for food, accommodation and activities.

The most difficult aspect for the young person is the fear of the unknown.Would they enjoy the experience? Could they get over the language barriers? Would they be comfortable around other young people from a different country? Our experience has been that once the young person gets over their initial nervousness they fully enter the experience.

Encouragement For Young People

The Youth Programme has been a tremendous boost to Ballyfermot Youth Service it has enabled us to encourage young people to participate in a broader range of programmes. It has acted as a recruitment tool for us.We now have a waiting list of young people who want to take part in programmes.

The exchanges have involved young people participating in drama, arts, music, sport, peer education and leadership programmes.

Main priorities of the Youth in Action Programme

• European Citizenship
• Participation of Young People
• Cultural Diversity
• Inclusion of Young People with Fewer Opportunities

Further Information

For further information you can read our online Youth Exchange review. Read PDF