Mladezhda hosted a hands-on event that turned theoretical knowledge from Budapest into local solutions for rural and urban communities. The workshop focused on the importance of community-driven support for neurodiverse individuals and youth with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Youth and youth workers play a crucial role in advocating for the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals and supporting those with SEND within local communities. They can raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster inclusive environments where neurodiverse individuals feel valued and supported. This topic is particularly important today as society increasingly recognizes the diversity of human experiences and the need for equitable opportunities for all, regardless of cognitive differences.
Workshop Goals
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Equip youth workers to lead inclusive youth projects.
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Address stigma around learning and social differences.
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Strengthen local youth networks.
Key Activities
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Group puzzle challenge to demonstrate diverse thinking.
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“Stigma Stories” theatre performance.
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Workshop on inclusive language.
During the youth exchange, participants acquired valuable tools such as empathy training, active listening skills, and inclusive practice methods. These competencies are instrumental for supporting neurodiverse youth, and many expressed plans to implement them by organizing workshops and community events, developing resources for local schools, and engaging in peer-to-peer awareness campaigns.
Participant Reflections
“Inclusion is not only about what you offer, but how you make someone feel seen.”
Outputs
Participants developed a proposal for an inclusive youth club to be submitted to the local municipality. They also committed to promoting inclusive strategies in youth work as a way to empower neurodiverse individuals and create environments where they can thrive academically and socially.
Non-formal education played a key role throughout the workshop, offering flexible, participatory spaces where youth could engage through group activities and mentorship. It became clear that non-formal education can bridge accessibility gaps and serve as a platform for confidence-building, self-expression, and community inclusion.