The St. Francis de Sales Institute, the formation and training arm of the Don Bosco Foundation, has successfully delivered the Safe and Sound safeguarding training, co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme under Key Action 2. This international training initiative focused on strengthening safeguarding practices among youth workers and promoting safer environments for young people across Europe.
Held at Paradise Bay Resort between the 24th and 27th of February, the training brought together youth workers engaged with young people in both voluntary and professional capacities. Participants came from a variety of contexts, including religious and non-religious environments, where they provide educational, social, and emotional support. The Erasmus+ training created a valuable space for exchange and collaboration.
The course focused on safeguarding, peer leadership, and the protection of young people, with the aim of strengthening participants’ competences and supporting the creation of safe and empowering environments for youth. Particular emphasis was placed on practical safeguarding measures and real-life application within different youth work settings.
Partner organisations included KROV (Serbia), Stichting Don Bosco (The Netherlands), and Domka (Slovakia), each represented by five participants. The international dimension of the Erasmus+ training enriched the experience through the sharing of diverse perspectives, practices, and safeguarding approaches.
Facilitated by experienced professionals in youth work and safeguarding, the training combined theoretical input with practical application. Participants engaged in role-playing scenarios, group discussions, and collaborative exercises aimed at reflecting on their contexts and strengthening their safeguarding practice.
This safeguarding training responds to a clear need for structured formation opportunities, particularly for those accompanying young people in various capacities. Through a non-formal and participatory methodology, the Erasmus+ training addressed sensitive topics in an accessible and engaging manner.
The Safe and Sound project represents an important contribution to enhancing the quality of youth work and advancing safeguarding standards across Europe.
