From 6 to 11 November, the Commonwealth is supporting Youth Work Week 2023 and inviting all Commonwealth countries to celebrate the achievements of youth workers and youth work.
About Commonwealth Youth Work Week
The theme is “Youth work in every place and space“, and Commonwealth Youth Work Week aims to put a global spotlight on youth work and illuminate the contributions of youth workers wherever they are.
Across the Commonwealth, this powerful workforce of millions turns up daily to youth centres, schools, hospitals, prisons, street corners and parks, and almost any location you can bring to mind. These are our youth workers – entrusted with the vital mission of supporting, protecting, and mentoring our young people.
The week seeks to recognise the huge responsibility youth workers take on and the sacrifices they make – often with little recognition and reward for their passion, commitment, and excellence.
Youth work has the power to make transformative changes to young people’s lives by harnessing social, cultural, academic, legislative, and political interventions to help them thrive. But this is only possible with the involvement of youth workers. And if they can access suitable training and career development.
Building on the Commonwealth Youth Workers’ Conference
During this Commonwealth Year of Youth, the week builds on the outcomes of the successful Commonwealth Youth Workers’ Conference hosted by the UK’s National Youth Agency (NYA) in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat in July.
Youth Work Week is also an opportunity to continue exploring strategies to improve support mechanisms for youth work professionals and volunteers and boost the impact of their work. It will:
- Raise awareness of youth work, its principles, values and ethos – particularly concerning youth workers’ role during the global pandemic;
- Build partnerships with youth workers’ associations and others in the sector;
- Develop platforms for networking and promoting the ambition for youth work; and
- Advocate for enhanced commitments and investments to empower and engage youth workers.
Key Activities during Youth Work Week
- Monday 6th
We start the week celebration with a big launch, and announcement of the capacity grant winners.
Online registration - Tuesday 7th
Launch of Caribbean Youth Work Alliance.
An initiative aimed at advancing youth development practices and policies in the region, focusing on building the capacity of those who work with young people. - Wednesday 8th
Regional Dialogue Series – ‘Building a strong workforce for the Youth Sector: Current and future of Youth Work’
Board members facilitate regional conversation among member Associations at their respective regional levels to promote and enhance regional collectivism. - Thursday 9th
Country activity with member associations. - Friday 10th
Youth Work Week Bonding Event. A bonding event to enrich the working relationship among youth workers. - Sat, 11th – Sun, 12th
Country activity with member associations.
A Briefing for stakeholders about youth work in the Commonwealth can be found here: Youth Stakeholders Information Pack
For more information about the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers’ Associations (CAYWA) and further youth work resources, please visit https://www.caywa.global/
