In November 2024, youth workers from all across Europe came together in Benalmádena, Spain, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion. The project was designed to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to promote equality, diversity, and respect for human rights in their daily work with young people. It aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to help create safer and more supportive communities for LGBT youth. Representing Copernicus Berlin, a German NGO known for its work in education, inclusion, and international youth exchanges, one participant found the experience both inspiring and transformative.
The week-long training combined interactive workshops, real-life case studies, and intercultural learning. The focus was not only on understanding the realities faced by LGBT youth but also on building the confidence of youth workers to support them effectively. The Erasmus+ program once again demonstrated its unique power to connect people across borders and inspire cooperation for positive social change.
The Local Context in Germany
Germany is often seen as one of the more progressive European countries when it comes to human rights and equality. Yet, even in an open and democratic society, young LGBT people still face challenges. In many smaller towns and rural areas, acceptance is not as strong as it is in major cities like Berlin or Hamburg. Young people who identify as LGBT sometimes struggle with prejudice, misunderstanding, or the fear of not being accepted by their peers or families.
Before the training in Benalmádena, many youth organizations in Germany, including Copernicus Berlin, recognized the need for more structured educational activities focused on inclusion. While legal equality had advanced, social acceptance still required active effort. Teachers, youth workers, and volunteers needed better tools to create safe environments where all young people could express themselves freely and without fear.
The German participant representing Copernicus Berlin joined the training with the goal of deepening their understanding of inclusion and learning practical ways to empower both young people and fellow youth workers. The project was seen as an opportunity to strengthen ongoing initiatives in Berlin and to bring home new ideas for promoting empathy, awareness, and inclusion through everyday youth work.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The training in Benalmádena was a journey of discovery and learning. It gathered participants from more than ten countries, all working in the field of youth empowerment, social inclusion, or education. The international atmosphere was one of openness and respect, creating a safe space for sharing both professional experiences and personal reflections.
The workshops were based on non-formal education methods, encouraging active participation, creativity, and teamwork. Each session was designed to build awareness, challenge stereotypes, and develop empathy. One of the most powerful activities was a role-play exercise simulating the experiences of LGBT youth in different social settings—at school, at home, and within peer groups. This exercise gave participants a deeper understanding of the emotional and social barriers faced by many young people.
Local Spanish organizations also played an important role during the training. Participants visited community centers that worked with young people from diverse backgrounds. These visits highlighted how inclusive youth programs can make a tangible difference when they focus on dialogue, art, and collaboration. The Spanish approach showed that inclusion does not always require large funding or complex structures—it starts with small, consistent actions rooted in empathy.
Cultural evenings added another layer of learning. Participants shared their traditions, stories, and songs, discovering both similarities and differences among European cultures. These moments created lasting friendships and reminded everyone that inclusion is not just a professional goal—it is a human experience.
Post-Project Action in Germany
Returning to Germany, the participant from Copernicus Berlin was eager to put new knowledge into practice. The first step was to design a local workshop series called “Colors of Inclusion”. The initiative focused on training youth workers and educators in Berlin on how to create inclusive environments for LGBT youth. The workshops combined storytelling, interactive games, and open discussions—methods inspired directly by the activities used in Benalmádena.
Colors of Inclusion also introduced a peer-to-peer element, allowing young participants to share their experiences and ideas. The goal was not only to teach but to listen—to make sure that the voices of young people were heard and respected.
The project further evolved into a community partnership. Copernicus Berlin collaborated with local schools and youth centers to host awareness events and exhibitions that celebrated diversity and acceptance. The NGO also developed educational materials in simple, youth-friendly language, helping teachers and youth workers explain complex topics like gender identity and discrimination in accessible ways.
Impact on Youth and the Community
The results of Colors of Inclusion soon became visible. Youth workers who attended the workshops reported feeling more confident in addressing sensitive topics. They learned how to handle difficult situations, such as bullying or exclusion, with empathy and understanding. For many of them, it was the first time they had received structured training on LGBT inclusion.
Young participants also showed positive changes. They became more aware of diversity within their own communities and began to take initiative in promoting respect and equality. In one Berlin school, students created a mural celebrating unity and diversity, inspired by the Erasmus+ experience shared by Copernicus Berlin. In another, a small student-led group started organizing monthly discussion sessions about inclusion and human rights.
The project also influenced local cooperation among NGOs. Seeing the success of the workshops, several organizations in Berlin expressed interest in joining future initiatives. This network-building helped create a stronger local movement for inclusion—one that continues to grow and evolve.
Most importantly, the project proved that youth work is not just about activities or events. It is about building trust, empathy, and mutual respect. When young people feel safe and supported, they are more likely to become active citizens and contribute positively to society.
Reflection and Future Vision
Looking back, the Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion training in Benalmádena was more than just a professional exchange—it was a reminder that inclusion begins with human connection. The participant from Copernicus Berlin returned home with a clearer vision of how empathy can be used as a tool for education and transformation.
The experience showed that change happens step by step. Every inclusive workshop, every open conversation, and every act of kindness contributes to building a fairer world. In today’s fast-moving society, where differences can easily divide people, youth workers have a unique responsibility to lead by example and to show that diversity is not a challenge—it is a strength.
The journey from Benalmádena to Berlin became a story of growth, courage, and shared values. For Copernicus Berlin, the project reaffirmed its mission: to empower young people to understand, respect, and embrace one another. The long-term goal is clear—to continue building communities where everyone, regardless of their identity, can thrive in an atmosphere of equality, dignity, and hope.