"Global Networks
and Youth Work"

Bulgaria, Sofia, 5th - 15th Dec. 1998
A Training Course organized by the Student Computer
Art Society - Bulgaria (SCAS) in cooperation with the
Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs - Austria (AFA)
with the support of the Youth for
Europe Programme of the European Union

The idea originated from our work with different projects and in our striving to extend the international contacts. We realized the important meaning of global networks in the youth projects’ development. During the spring of 1998 we applied for financial support in the frame of Youth for Europe. After establishing the activities we were endeavoured to find partners from different European regions and cultures.

Context

The project contributed to the idea of involving and adapting young people to the requirements of the new communication possibilities of the century. Learning the new communication facilities young people can overcome problems of place and time. Using global networks the idea of common world and united Europe becomes more real and the feeling of isolation disappears. New media and new communications are strong tools for developing youth exchanges, for international learning and distance education. The significance of the new communications, of global networks in the society and in particular for young people is very big. Like active participants in the future society, with the necessary knowledge in the information technologies, they will contribute for its social-economic and cultural development.

Target group

24 youth workers and young people from youth organizations from 13 different European nations (3 members of AFA) responsible for youth information processing, developing youth exchanges and working on international level participated at the Training Course.
Aims

To give the opportunity of young people and leaders of youth organizations to share the experience and learn more about how to use local and global computer networks in developing youth exchanges. To train leaders and workers of youth organizations in using Internet in the field of information exchange, project planning and intercultural learning.

Educational objectives

The revolution in communication and new media has a great influence on youth work and youth exchanges. New methods of establishing contacts, obtaining information, developing and evaluating projects have been developed. Youth organizations, young people and leaders have to be informed about the positive and the negative features of these methods. Comparing to other means of communication, Internet and CD’s rapidly increase the quality of the international work and decrease the costs of preparations of projects. Furthermore we intended to help in overcoming the economical, cultural and geographical barriers and the feeling of isolation of young people in Eastern Europe Countries. Because of social and political changes in Eastern Europe a lot of new-established youth organizations started to function. The old networks are broken and the new ones are built.