Youth workers and young people are coming together this week to showcase the impact youth work has in breaking community barriers during Youth Work Week 2012.
Youth Work Week is an annual celebration of youth work organised by the National Youth Agency (NYA) since 1993. This year, for the first time the NYA has partnered with the Commonwealth Secretariat, making it a truly international celebration, bringing together 54 countries across six continents.
In recognition of this partnership, Youth Work Week has adopted the Commonwealth Secretariat’s 2012 theme, Connecting Cultures. The campaign aims to highlight the role of front line youth workers in supporting young people and communities across the Commonwealth, to foster positive relationships and a sense of belonging.
In addition to events and celebrations being organised locally, local authorities and youth organisations have been submitting case studies to the National Youth Agency to showcase the value of youth work to their local community. The case studies, live on the NYA website, demonstrate how this year’s theme can be interpreted and delivered through a variety of ways including, community cohesion, arts, sport, intergenerational projects, training, mentoring and supported community development.
The individual impact of youth workers within communities will be celebrated with the Youth Worker Award. After being nominated by their co-workers and local community, four finalists have been invited to attend a ceremony in London on 8 November, where the winner is to be announced and presented with the national award.
NYA is also inviting MPs across England to ‘Give an Hour’ to a youth work project in their constituency. By dedicating their time to youth work, local leaders will be able to see first hand the invaluable role youth workers play in their community.
Fiona Blacke, National Youth Agency chief executive, comments: “This year, we will not only be celebrating the value of Youth Work in the United Kingdom, but across the globe – demonstrating that youth work not only spans local, but national and international boundaries.”
“At a time when Local Authorities are making critical budget decisions, we want to highlight the importance of great youth work. It seems fitting that, through youth work, local leaders connect with youth workers in their community, and with young people themselves. We have no doubt MPs will find it a hugely rewarding experience and one that they will want to share.
“We have been closely monitoring the local media and receiving event listings and case studies and have been encouraged by the number of fantastic events and activities that are being organised this year to ensure youth work gains the profile it deserves.”
For further information on Youth Work Week and the Youth Worker Award visit the website here.
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