Douth 21st century methodology – innovative methodologies for innovative youth work

As part of the DouYou(th) project’s blended learning methodology, our partners have developed three handbooks in English that introduce and explain the key innovative approaches in youth work. These manuals serve as core learning resources for youth workers, educators and civil society organisations seeking to apply creative, participatory and future-oriented methods in their work with young people.

The handbooks cover the following methodologies:

1. Artivism – Creativity as a tool for social change
This manual explores how artistic expression can become a powerful driver of civic engagement. It introduces youth workers to creative activism techniques, participatory art, visual storytelling and low-threshold methods that help young people express their views, challenge inequalities and engage communities in meaningful dialogue. The handbook was developed by Act for Society Centre from Albania and can be downloaded here.

2. Doughnut Economy – Rethinking sustainability and justice
Based on Kate Raworth’s model, this manual helps practitioners understand and apply the Doughnut framework in youth work. It offers tools for exploring ecological boundaries, social foundations, systems thinking and local action planning, enabling young people to connect global sustainability challenges with their own realities and design community-based solutions. The handbook was developed by SIT  – Center for Counseling, Social Services, and Research from Kosovo* and can be downloaded here.

3. Social Entrepreneurship – Youth ideas that create impact
This handbook guides youth workers through the basics of social entrepreneurship and innovation. It provides step-by-step methods for developing problem statements, designing solutions, creating simple business models, and supporting young people to turn their ideas into socially beneficial initiatives that respond to community needs. The handbook was developed by Growunited from Germany and can be downloaded here.

After producing the English versions, the partner organisations will translate all three manuals into project partner languages (Serbian, Albanian, Bosnian, German and Dutch) and create short instructional videos to complement the learning process.