Approximately 360 participants from 105 centers across the country provide customized programs for each position, job, and region.
About 360 workers from 105 youth centers across the country gathered together to discuss youth issues and policies and strengthen their capabilities as youth support managers.
The Youth Foundation’s Central Youth Support Center announced on the 5th that it had successfully completed a total of four sessions of the ‘2024 Youth Center Employee Capacity Building Collective Training’.
Hosted by the Youth Policy Coordination Office of the Office for Government Policy Coordination and organized by the Youth Foundation’s Central Youth Support Center, the purpose of this training was to revitalize youth services by strengthening networking and competency training for youth center workers across the country, while helping workers grow and prevent burnout. I did it.
In particular, this year’s training was divided into ▲1 center director group (supervisor) ▲1 team leader group (middle managers) ▲2 managers group (practitioners) and conducted programs such as insight special lectures and mini talk shows, which were designed to meet the capabilities required for each position. This is a result that reflects the voices of those in the field who say that the difficulties are different from those of others.
In the center leader group training, a special leadership lecture was provided to learn about the leader’s attitude and specific action methods that a general manager of the center should have, and the team leader group discussed the importance of text-based communication and how to use effective collaboration tools to increase performance as a middle manager. A lecture was given on
The manager group invited Kim Min-seop, author of ‘I Hope for the Best for You’, and had an opportunity to sympathize with the power of kindness, which is the desire to help someone and wish them well, and to think about the mindset they should have as a youth support manager.
During the networking program ’Mini Talk Show’, which received the most response from all levels, we continued to have progressive discussions by sharing concerns and rewarding points as workers and actively suggesting solutions.
A manager from the South Chungcheong region who participated as a panelist said, “Although it is difficult to change the world, it seems like a job that can present a turning point in a young person’s life,” eliciting sympathy from workers.
The ‘Healing Program’ increased satisfaction by allowing workers to choose between indoor and outdoor activities according to their preferences.
A worker from the Yeongnam region who participated in the outdoor room escape game held at Donuimun Museum Village in Seoul said, “The cooperative activity of the escape game served as an opportunity to become closer and closer to managers in other regions through discussing and solving problems together. “He said.
Youth center workers who participated in the training said, “It was more beneficial than last year with a variety of activities such as more fruitful networking, case sharing sessions, and healing programs,” and “I felt a sense of belonging and pride by sharing concerns and cheering with youth center workers across the country.” “He said.
Song Gyeong-won, head of the Youth Policy Coordination Office of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, who hosted the training, said in a congratulatory speech, “We ask that the Youth Center serve as a companion for young people,” and added, “We at the Office for Government Policy Coordination will work together to consider and help workers with their needs.” He said.
Park Joo-hee, Secretary General of the Youth Foundation, said, “Through this training, I hope to confirm that there are colleagues across the country who have the same concerns as me, and to have time to support and support each other.” He added, “The Youth Center is a window to listen to the voices of local youth.” “As always, the Youth Foundation Central Youth Support Center will communicate with the youth center and create a place for continuous exchange,” he explained.
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Youth Development Expert
Editor (E): Welcome to this special interview segment. Today, we have with us Dr. Sarah Lee, an expert in youth development and capacity building. Sarah, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sarah Lee (S): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: We recently learned about the successful completion of the ‘2024 Youth Center Employee Capacity Building Collective Training’ held by the Youth Foundation. Can you give us an overview of what this training entailed?
S: Absolutely. The training brought together around 360 workers from 105 youth centers across the country. The aim was to enhance their capabilities in supporting youth by providing customized training programs tailored to specific job roles and regions. This comprehensive approach ensures that the unique challenges faced by different positions—like center directors, team leaders, and managers—are addressed accordingly.
E: That’s impressive! I understand that the training sessions included various engaging formats such as special lectures and even a mini talk show. How did these formats contribute to the learning experience?
S: The diversity in training formats was crucial for engagement. For example, the center director group learned to cultivate a leadership attitude critical for managing a center effectively, while team leaders focused on improving their communication and collaboration skills. The mini talk shows, which encouraged discussions among participants, proved particularly popular. They allowed workers to share real concerns and collaboratively work towards solutions, fostering a sense of community and support.
E: It sounds like networking was a key component. Can you elaborate on the networking opportunities presented during this training?
S: Certainly! During the training, networking was facilitated through activities like the mini talk shows and group exercises. Participants had the chance to connect with peers from different regions, share their challenges, and celebrate successes. This collaboration is vital because youth support workers often face similar issues, and sharing experiences can lead to innovative approaches and solutions to common problems.
E: Participants mentioned feeling a sense of belonging and pride. How important is this feeling in the context of youth work?
S: It’s incredibly important! A strong sense of belonging helps prevent burnout and can lead to higher job satisfaction. When workers feel connected to a larger community, they are more motivated to support the youth they work with. This sense of pride can significantly impact their effectiveness as youth support managers and ultimately improves the services offered to young people.
E: In the report, there was an emphasis on preventing burnout among workers. What strategies can organizations implement to support their employees in this regard?
S: Organizations can implement a variety of strategies. First, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, like the training we discussed, can help workers feel more competent and confident in their roles. Secondly, incorporating wellness programs, such as the ‘Healing Program’ mentioned in the report, which offered activities tailored to individual preferences, can help maintain workers’ mental health. Encouraging open communication and creating a supportive work environment where staff can express their feelings and concerns is equally essential.
E: The impact of kindness in youth support work also emerged during the training. Why do you think this perspective is valuable?
S: Kindness and compassion are fundamental in the field of youth work. When staff model these values, it sets a tone for how young people interact within the centers. It creates a safe and nurturing environment, which is especially crucial for youth who may already be facing significant challenges. Additionally, fostering kindness helps create a positive culture among staff, building a supportive community that benefits everyone involved.
E: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for these valuable insights. It’s clear that initiatives like the Youth Center training are instrumental in empowering workers and enhancing youth services across the country.
S: Thank you for this opportunity to discuss such an important topic. I truly believe that by supporting youth workers, we can make a real difference in the lives of young people.
E: Thank you again, and we hope to see more great developments in youth support initiatives in the future!