In November 2022, a youth worker from Belgium representing the NGO ASUL had the chance to take part in an inspiring Erasmus+ project called “Digital Tools to Spark Creativity.” This international training, which took place in Benalmádena, Spain, brought together participants from several European countries to explore how digital creativity can support youth inclusion, employability, and personal development. The main aim of the program was to help youth workers gain new competences in ICT and visual content creation. These skills would then be used to better guide young people in their communities through the challenges of the modern labor market and a fast-changing digital society.
At the time, Belgium was facing several issues related to youth and technology. While the country has many digital resources, not all young people have equal access to them. Some youth, especially those from immigrant families or low-income households, struggle to connect with opportunities in the digital world. They may lack the necessary skills or confidence to use technology creatively and professionally. In some regions, youth centers are not fully equipped to offer digital workshops. Schools often focus on academic content and do not always provide room for creative expression. This leaves many young people without space to explore their voice, talents, and ideas. For youth workers, this creates a challenge. They want to offer more but sometimes do not know how to use the latest tools or make learning fun and interactive.
The training in Benalmádena offered something different. It was not a usual seminar with lectures and theory. Instead, it was a space for exploration, practice, and sharing. The youth worker from ASUL discovered how non-formal education methods could be combined with technology to create engaging learning moments. One of the most important experiences was learning how to use digital platforms like Canva and Biteable to make posters and short videos. These tools were simple but powerful. They allowed participants to quickly express important messages and ideas in ways that were fun and creative. There were also group activities that focused on collaboration and storytelling. People worked in mixed international teams to produce campaigns around topics like youth inclusion, environmental awareness, and mental health.
One special moment was the visit to a local Spanish youth center that used video editing and graphic design to help young people tell their stories. Many of these young people had faced challenges like unemployment or school dropout, but they found a way to speak up through visuals and creativity. This example showed how digital content creation can open new doors and give meaning to personal experiences. It was clear that youth work is not only about teaching skills but also about building confidence and helping people see their own value.
After returning to Belgium, the youth worker decided to start a new initiative at ASUL inspired by everything learned during the project. The idea was to create a space called “Creative Corners” where young people could meet weekly and learn how to express themselves through visual media. With support from local volunteers, ASUL organized a series of open workshops for youth between 14 and 20 years old. Each session focused on a different skill, such as making social media graphics, creating digital posters, or editing short videos on topics important to the participants. The goal was not only to teach technical skills but also to invite the young people to choose their own themes and lead their own projects. This made them more involved and motivated.
The workshops were especially popular among youth who felt left out of traditional school environments. They appreciated that there were no strict rules, no tests, and that their opinions mattered. One group of participants decided to work on a campaign to raise awareness about online bullying. They made a video using free tools and wrote a script based on real stories. Another group focused on climate action, designing digital flyers that were later shared in their neighborhoods and schools. These actions helped the participants feel proud and useful. They started to believe that they had something important to share with their communities.
The impact of this local action grew beyond what was expected. Teachers from nearby schools contacted ASUL to ask about possible collaborations. Some students brought their new skills into the classroom, using visuals in their presentations and class projects. Parents said that their children were more excited about learning and more confident when talking about their future. The municipality invited ASUL to present the project at a youth fair, and other NGOs started asking how they could do something similar.
What started as a short training experience in Spain became the start of a wider change in how digital creativity is used in youth work. The youth worker felt more confident and energized to lead, not only with technical tools but also with a deeper understanding of how to make learning personal and meaningful. It became clear that when young people are given the right tools and space to explore their ideas, they can surprise everyone—including themselves.
The Erasmus+ project also had an emotional impact. It reminded everyone involved that creativity is not a luxury or an extra skill—it is a basic human need. It allows young people to build their identity, connect with others, and imagine a better future. Especially in a world that often feels confusing or competitive, creative expression gives a moment of clarity and strength.
Looking into the future, ASUL plans to grow the “Creative Corners” initiative and create a digital platform where young people can share their work and connect with others across Europe. There are also discussions about organizing a mini youth festival with creative content made by participants. The idea is to continue building a community that believes in the power of digital creativity not only for education or work but for joy, belonging, and empowerment.
The journey that started in Benalmádena was not just about learning how to use new tools. It was about seeing the potential in people and believing that every voice, no matter how small or quiet, deserves a place to be heard. Creativity opens the door—and youth workers, like those from ASUL, can help hold it open for others.