Union recognises value of global and environmental youth work

The Community and Youth Workers Union (CYWU) unanimously accepted a motion on the value of Environmental and Global Youth Work at their annual conference in May. The motion, proposed by the Warwickshire branch of the CYWU, urged that environmental and global youth work be intrinsic in the Youth Work curriculum and that the union, its membership and employers purchase goods and/or services from agencies or organisations considered as environmentally, ethically or globally sound.

The acceptance of the motion indicates a broad level of support from youth and community workers and has been welcomed by the DfES-led working group on Sustainable Development and Youth Work.

DfES working group

Following the launch of the DfES Sustainable Development Action Plan for Education and Skills in September 2004, which formally recognised the role of youth work in education for sustainable development, DfES have established a working group to take forward the actions within the plan. The working group, which includes representatives from DFID, Defra, CEE, DEA, National Youth Agency and the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services, will explore how youth work can contribute to sustainable development. The first report of the group is due by Autumn 2004.

DEA training courses

From Autumn 2004 DEA will be offering its training course on global youth work. An Introduction to Global Youth Work aims to develop understanding of the concept and practice of global youth work. This course is aimed at project workers, face-to-face workers and development educators who are new to global youth work.

The Global Trainer is a one-year advanced certificate course which provides an opportunity for trainers to examine their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, and to develop their personal and professional role as a global trainer and agent for change.

For information on the above courses, contact dea@dea.org.uk