Blog

On 24 October 2023, partners from different countries gathered in Estonia for the official kick-off meeting of the YOUTH BUILD project—an inspiring and collaborative initiative designed to strengthen the psychosocial resilience of young people in vulnerable communities.

Hosted in the vibrant and scenic environment of Estonia, the meeting marked the beginning of a shared journey to empower youth with the emotional, social, and psychological tools they need to overcome adversity and thrive.

The kick-off meeting brought together project partners, youth workers, and representatives from participating organizations. The day focused on:

• Presenting the project vision and goals: to enhance resilience, self-esteem, and mental well-being among vulnerable youth.

• Clarifying roles and responsibilities: ensuring smooth coordination among all partners.

• Planning the first steps: developing the Resilience Assessment Compass, designing Strengths-Based Coaching Cards, and structuring the Resilience Champions digital platform.

Each partner shared their expertise and expectations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and cultural sensitivity in all activities.

Young people from marginalized backgrounds, those facing socio-economic challenges, trauma, or disabilities often lack access to support systems that help build resilience.

Through YOUTH BUILD, we aim to change that by:

• Assessing youth resilience levels accurately and compassionately.

• Providing tools to recognize strengths and develop coping strategies.

• Creating inclusive spaces for emotional expression and personal growth.

• Empowering youth to lead, advocate, and support their peers.

What Comes Next? (Early Project Steps)

Following the meeting, the partners will begin working on:

✔ Designing the structure of the Resilience Assessment Compass (not yet created).
✔ Brainstorming ideas for the Strengths-Based Coaching Cards.
✔ Setting up communication tools and shared working spaces for the team.
✔ Planning future meetings and online sessions.