In November 2024, youth workers from all over Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, to take part in the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion. The project was a week-long learning experience designed to equip participants with practical skills and a deeper understanding of how to promote equality, inclusion, and respect for human rights in youth work. Organized under the Erasmus+ framework, the training encouraged professionals to address challenges faced by LGBT youth and to create supportive, inclusive community spaces. Among the participants was a representative from Asociación Go Green, a Spanish NGO dedicated to social inclusion and sustainable development. The training became a turning point that strengthened their mission to build communities where every young person feels valued and safe.
The project’s core goal was clear: to empower youth workers to lead by example. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative exercises, participants developed tools to integrate inclusive values into their everyday work. The program focused not only on professional skills but also on personal reflection, showing that real inclusion begins with empathy and understanding.
The Local Context in Spain
Spain has made important progress in recent years in advancing equality and LGBT rights. Legal recognition and public acceptance have improved, especially in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. However, smaller towns and rural areas still face social challenges. Many young people outside of big urban centers continue to experience discrimination or lack of awareness about diversity. Before the Erasmus+ project, youth workers from Asociación Go Green had observed that some schools and local organizations struggled to include LGBT topics in their educational activities.
In many communities, discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation remain sensitive. Teachers and youth workers often feel unprepared to handle these subjects, even though young people themselves are eager to learn and discuss them. This gap between awareness and action can lead to exclusion, misunderstanding, and isolation for many young individuals.
For Asociación Go Green, participating in the training in Benalmádena was an opportunity to strengthen their ongoing work on inclusion. The organization had already been focusing on social equality and youth empowerment through environmental education, but this project allowed them to explore the intersection between sustainability, human rights, and diversity. It also came at an important time for Spain, as the country continues to promote policies supporting tolerance and education on social values.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The training course in Benalmádena provided an inspiring and inclusive environment where participants could share experiences and learn from one another. The sessions were built around non-formal education methods—interactive games, storytelling, and group reflections—that helped participants connect theory with real-life practice.
The atmosphere during the training was warm and open. Participants quickly realized that inclusion is not just about policies or laws—it is about people and the way they treat each other. One of the most powerful activities was a simulation that put participants in situations similar to those faced by LGBT youth, such as dealing with stereotypes, misunderstanding, and fear of judgment. This exercise made everyone reflect on how small actions—listening, supporting, or simply using respectful language—can change someone’s experience completely.
During the week, participants also had the opportunity to visit local organizations in Spain working with LGBT communities. They met with volunteers who shared their stories and projects, from safe spaces for young people to educational campaigns in schools. These visits showed how local initiatives, even when small, can make a big difference in people’s lives.
What stood out most for the representative from Asociación Go Green was the diversity of perspectives. Participants came from different countries, cultures, and social contexts, yet everyone shared the same goal: to make youth work more inclusive. These international exchanges created a network of understanding and solidarity. By the end of the training, the group felt united by a common mission—to stand for equality and help others do the same.
Post-Project Action in Spain
After returning home, Asociación Go Green was inspired to put the lessons from Benalmádena into practice. The organization launched a new local initiative called “Youth for Equality”, aimed at promoting inclusion and awareness in schools and youth centers across Andalusia.
The project began with a series of workshops for youth workers, teachers, and volunteers. These sessions focused on creating safe environments where young people could express themselves freely. Using methods learned during the Erasmus+ training—such as storytelling, empathy exercises, and open discussions—the workshops helped participants explore how to support LGBT youth more effectively.
The initiative also included community events that celebrated diversity through art and dialogue. Local young people were invited to paint murals with inclusive messages and to share their personal stories about acceptance and friendship. The idea was to show that inclusion is not just a topic for discussion—it can be expressed through creativity, collaboration, and kindness.
Another important outcome of the project was the development of a practical guide for educators and youth workers. The guide, created with input from participants and local experts, offered simple steps and resources for integrating diversity and inclusion into youth programs. It became a useful tool for schools and organizations that wanted to promote positive values but did not know where to start.
Impact on Youth and Community
The “Youth for Equality” project quickly began to have an impact in the community. Teachers who took part in the workshops reported feeling more confident in addressing sensitive topics and guiding students through conversations about diversity. Youth workers from different organizations started collaborating more closely, sharing ideas and supporting one another in developing inclusive programs.
For young people, the project opened new possibilities for self-expression. Many participants said they felt more understood and accepted, which helped them build confidence and stronger social connections. Some students even took initiative to create their own small campaigns in their schools, organizing awareness days and creative projects focused on empathy and respect.
At the local level, the project also fostered partnerships between schools, municipalities, and NGOs. These collaborations helped spread the message of inclusion to more areas of Andalusia, ensuring that the effort would continue beyond a single initiative. The Erasmus+ experience thus became a spark for long-term community change—proof that education and cooperation can lead to greater equality.
Reflection and Vision for the Future
Looking back, the Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion training in Benalmádena was not just a professional experience—it was a personal journey of growth and reflection. For the representative of Asociación Go Green, it reinforced the belief that inclusion starts with understanding and empathy. It showed that everyone, regardless of their background or role, has the power to make a difference in creating safer and kinder communities.
The project also highlighted the importance of international cooperation. Learning from other countries’ experiences helped identify new strategies for education and advocacy in Spain. It proved that inclusion is not a goal achieved once and for all—it is an ongoing process that requires dialogue, openness, and continuous learning.
Today, Asociación Go Green continues to expand its “Youth for Equality” project, reaching new schools and community centers across the region. The organization’s long-term vision is to integrate inclusion into all areas of youth work—from environmental education to cultural exchange—because equality and sustainability go hand in hand.
The story of this Erasmus+ project is one of hope and progress. It reminds everyone that inclusion is more than a word—it is an action, a mindset, and a promise to treat each person with dignity and respect. From Benalmádena to every corner of Spain, that message continues to inspire youth workers to build bridges of understanding and create a world where diversity is celebrated every day.