The Power of Connection: Foundations in Nonviolent Communication

The project is designed for youth workers, youth leaders, educators, facilitators and NGO representatives who work directly with young people and are interested in improving their communication, facilitation and conflict-resolution skills.

It specifically targets 25 youth workers from Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, Italy and Poland, including participants with fewer opportunities and varying levels of experience in youth work. The project welcomes motivated individuals who want to create safer, more empathetic and inclusive environments for young people, while strengthening their own personal and professional development.

Beyond the direct participants, the project will also benefit the young people and local communities they work with, as the knowledge and methods acquired during the training will be transferred through local workshops, educational activities and dissemination events.

Who is the project aimed at?

The project is designed for youth workers, youth leaders, educators, facilitators and NGO representatives who work directly with young people and are interested in improving their communication, facilitation and conflict-resolution skills.


It specifically targets 25 youth workers from Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, Italy and Poland, including participants with fewer opportunities and varying levels of experience in youth work. The project welcomes motivated individuals who want to create safer, more empathetic and inclusive environments for young people, while strengthening their own personal and professional development.


Beyond the direct participants, the project will also benefit the young people and local communities they work with, as the knowledge and methods acquired during the training will be transferred through local workshops, educational activities and dissemination events.

Project Description

The Power of Connection: Foundations in Nonviolent Communication is an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project that addresses a growing need within the youth sector: helping young people and those who work with them develop healthier, more respectful and more effective ways of communicating.

The project brings together five partner organisations from Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, Italy and Poland, united by the belief that communication is a fundamental life skill and a key element in building inclusive, supportive and resilient communities.

Through a seven-day international training course in Luxembourg, 25 youth workers will explore the principles and practices of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a communication approach developed to foster empathy, mutual understanding and authentic dialogue. Participants will learn how to identify and express feelings and needs, listen without judgement, manage conflicts constructively and create safe spaces where young people feel heard and respected.

The training will use non-formal education methods, including experiential learning, simulations, role-plays, group reflection, peer learning and community-based activities. Participants will gain practical tools that can be immediately applied in their daily work with young people, particularly in areas such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, active listening and relationship building.

Beyond the mobility itself, the project includes a follow-up phase focused on mentoring, local dissemination activities and the development of educational resources that will support the long-term integration of Nonviolent Communication into youth work practice. By strengthening the capacities of youth workers, the project aims to create a positive ripple effect that reaches young people, organisations and local communities across Europe.

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Project goals

Our NGO’s project in Luxembourg promotes volunteering and active citizenship among youth through key phases:

  • Preparatory Phase: Promoting the project, recruiting the core team, and team-building.
  • Needs Assessment Phase: Identifying community needs and engaging decision-makers.
  • Awareness and Advocacy Phase: Showcasing needs, social media campaigns, workshops, and forming partnerships.
  • Promoting Volunteering: Orientation picnic, volunteer teams, and social media challenge.
  • Future Plans, Dissemination: Discussion event, closing ceremony, and dissemination activities. Through these efforts, we will empower youth to actively contribute to their communities.

How do these objectives contribute to the overall mission of the L’ Ecole Des Valeurs association?

By enhancing active citizenship and community engagement among youth, this project aligns with the mission of L’ Ecole Des Valeurs to foster values-based education and youth empowerment. The project supports the association’s goal of promoting inclusion, civic engagement, and multiculturalism, thereby enriching the educational landscape and empowering young individuals to actively participate in shaping their communities.

Skills obtained at the end of the project

Participants will develop a range of skills including: Identifying and addressing community needs. Expressing opinions and advocating for change. Enhancing soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Gaining confidence in civic engagement and community participation. Strengthening multicultural understanding and fostering a sense of belonging.

Parcursul educațional: 

  1. Analiza Situației Curente 
  2. Plan de Acțiune pentru Schimbare
  3. Implementarea Planului 
  4. Evaluarea Impactului Schimbărilor
  5. Reflecție și Integrare Lecții Învățate

Description of the Beneficiaries, Partner(s), and Funders

Beneficiaries

The Power of Connection: Foundations in Nonviolent Communication is an Erasmus+ Mobility of Youth Workers project that addresses a growing need within the youth sector: helping young people and those who work with them develop healthier, more respectful and more effective ways of communicating.

The project brings together five partner organisations from Luxembourg, Romania, Spain, Italy and Poland, united by the belief that communication is a fundamental life skill and a key element in building inclusive, supportive and resilient communities.

Through a seven-day international training course in Luxembourg, 25 youth workers will explore the principles and practices of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a communication approach developed to foster empathy, mutual understanding and authentic dialogue. Participants will learn how to identify and express feelings and needs, listen without judgement, manage conflicts constructively and create safe spaces where young people feel heard and respected.

The training will use non-formal education methods, including experiential learning, simulations, role-plays, group reflection, peer learning and community-based activities. Participants will gain practical tools that can be immediately applied in their daily work with young people, particularly in areas such as emotional regulation, conflict resolution, active listening and relationship building.

Beyond the mobility itself, the project includes a follow-up phase focused on mentoring, local dissemination activities and the development of educational resources that will support the long-term integration of Nonviolent Communication into youth work practice. By strengthening the capacities of youth workers, the project aims to create a positive ripple effect that reaches young people, organisations and local communities across Europe.

Funders: ERASMUS +

Partner Organisations

  • L’École des Valeurs (Luxembourg) – Applicant and coordinating organisation, responsible for overall project management, coordination and hosting the training course.
  • ARDOR – Romanian Association for Debate, Oratory and Rhetoric (Romania) – Contributes expertise in communication, critical thinking, dialogue and youth participation.
  • Asociación Sociocultural Almar (Spain) – Provides expertise in training, personal development, inclusion and Nonviolent Communication-related methodologies.
  • Associazione Culturale Bubburriga (Italy) – Supports the project with experience in youth empowerment, non-formal learning and intercultural cooperation.
  • Wałbrzyskie Stowarzyszenie Młodzieży – WSM (Poland) – Contributes knowledge in youth engagement, community development and international youth projects.

Together, the partner organisations work to promote quality youth work, inclusion, lifelong learning and active citizenship across Europe.

Funders

The project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, under Key Action 1 – Mobility of Youth Workers (KA153-YOU). Erasmus+ supports international cooperation, non-formal learning and professional development opportunities that strengthen the quality and impact of youth work throughout Europe.

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project goals

The overall goal of The Power of Connection: Foundations in Nonviolent Communication is to strengthen the capacity of youth workers to foster empathy, constructive dialogue and meaningful human connections within their communities.
The project aims to equip participants with practical knowledge, skills and tools that will help them create safer, more inclusive and supportive environments for young people through the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
Specific objectives include:

      • Enhancing participants’ understanding of Nonviolent Communication, including its four core components: observations, feelings, needs and requests.
      • Developing key interpersonal competences such as active listening, emotional regulation, empathy and authentic self-expression.
      • Strengthening conflict resolution skills and promoting constructive approaches to communication and relationship building.
      • Providing practical non-formal education methods that youth workers can apply directly in their activities with young people.
      • Promoting inclusive and respectful learning environments where diversity is valued and every individual feels heard and understood.
      • Supporting the professional development of youth workers and improving the overall quality of youth work practices within partner organisations.
      • Encouraging the dissemination of NVC principles through local workshops, educational activities and community initiatives implemented after the mobility.

By empowering youth workers with these competences, the project seeks to create a long-term positive impact on young people, organisations and local communities across Europe.

Develop future-ready skills in artificial intelligence, data literacy, digital technologies, entrepreneurship, communication, and financial education.

Empower young people to lead, creating opportunities for students and young
professionals to become facilitators, mentors, and role models.

Promote inclusion and equal opportunities, ensuring that girls and young
people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds can access high-quality
STEM learning experiences.

Bridge education and the future of work by connecting young people with
emerging technologies, industry experts, and real-world challenges.

Build a sustainable learning community where young people learn from one
another, collaborate on meaningful projects, and contribute to positive social
impact.

Our vision is simple: to help every participant become not only a user of technology, but a confident creator of the future.

PepinTEEN has its origins in Romania, where it was created and developed by Școala de Valori together with ING Hubs Romania. The educational model developed within PepinTEEN forms the basis for the implementation of the programme in Luxembourg through L’École des Valeurs.

How do these objectives contribute to the overall mission of the L’ Ecole Des Valeurs association?

The project’s objectives align closely with L’École Des Valeurs’ mission to promote personal development and social inclusion through education. By enhancing youth workers’ leadership skills, the project strengthens their ability to mentor and inspire young people. Tailored training ensures youth workers are equipped with practical tools to support youth empowerment effectively. Focusing on inclusion, the project guarantees equal opportunities for disadvantaged participants. Ultimately, it helps build confident leaders who foster active citizenship and stronger communities, core values of the association.

Skills Obtained at the End of the Project

The project will significantly enhance the leadership capacities of 30 youth workers across six countries, enabling them to communicate effectively, build strong teams, evaluate outcomes, and make informed decisions. Participants will gain confidence to organize and lead more youth activities, becoming role models and mentors in their communities. The training’s focus on inclusion ensures that youth workers with fewer opportunities can fully participate and benefit. Through intercultural exchange and practical experience, the project fosters sustainable networks and innovative approaches in youth work. Ultimately, it contributes to creating a new generation of informed, motivated, and capable youth leaders who drive positive change locally and beyond.

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