Bridges of Belonging: Exploring Youth Empowerment, Inclusion, and Identity in a Changing World
Laurea-ammattikorkeakoulu
2025
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-799-721-8
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-799-721-8
Tiivistelmä
Bridges of Belonging brings together a collection of insightful articles exploring the diverse challenges faced by young people in a rapidly changing world. Addressing youth empowerment, inclusion, and identity, this anthology delves into topics ranging from mental health and disabilities to homelessness and cultural identity. Written through the collaborative efforts of social services students and professionals from the Youth Empowerment through Co-Creative Activity Development (YEA) project, these articles provide an in-depth examination of youth participation, belonging, and community-building in today’s society.
In the fall of 2024, students from the Well-being and Inclusion course participated in a project for the YEA project, contributing articles produced during collaborative writing workshops. These articles reflect the intersection of academic inquiry and real-world experience, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges young people face and offering practical solutions for fostering inclusion, resilience, and belonging.
The YEA project, an Erasmus+ initiative, addresses the need for youth in vulnerable situations to create meaningful connections within their communities. Through co-designed leisure activities and strengthened collaboration between young people and professionals, the project works to enhance youth engagement and promote a sense of belonging. The project’s reach spans three countries—Finland, Belgium, and Italy—and its findings are a powerful testament to the importance of connection, inclusion, and empowerment for the next
generation.
By addressing these critical issues, Bridges of Belonging offers a comprehensive look at the complex interplay between youth, inclusion, and identity, while also presenting tangible solutions to build stronger, more supportive communities.
In the fall of 2024, students from the Well-being and Inclusion course participated in a project for the YEA project, contributing articles produced during collaborative writing workshops. These articles reflect the intersection of academic inquiry and real-world experience, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges young people face and offering practical solutions for fostering inclusion, resilience, and belonging.
The YEA project, an Erasmus+ initiative, addresses the need for youth in vulnerable situations to create meaningful connections within their communities. Through co-designed leisure activities and strengthened collaboration between young people and professionals, the project works to enhance youth engagement and promote a sense of belonging. The project’s reach spans three countries—Finland, Belgium, and Italy—and its findings are a powerful testament to the importance of connection, inclusion, and empowerment for the next
generation.
By addressing these critical issues, Bridges of Belonging offers a comprehensive look at the complex interplay between youth, inclusion, and identity, while also presenting tangible solutions to build stronger, more supportive communities.