The 3 main intellectual outputs (IOs)

To address the needs and gaps in the knowledge and skills of professionals working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), including coordinators of reception centers, heads of departments of local social services, trainers, and individuals responsible for training programs, the consortium developed a training program. This program aimed to equip professionals with the necessary tools to:

• Address the specific needs of UASC and strengthen their resilience.
• Better tackle and facilitate the active participation of UASC in their acculturation process, social integration, and inclusion in hosting communities.
• Ensure proper, specific, and up-to-date information is provided to UASC.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer collaboration among UASC.

The needs of professionals, as well as UASC, were thoroughly investigated in detail in IO1, forming the knowledge base for activities within IO2. Another innovative element envisioned by the consortium was the development of tools to help young people express themselves, become self-aware, and develop personal and professional skills. For many UASC, discussing their backgrounds can be challenging, so storytelling or other creative approaches, for example, can assist them in overcoming traumas. Training in such methods would help professionals communicate better with UASC using creative approaches that offer advantages such as reducing language barriers, increasing engagement, and providing better experiences. Training activities could focus on brainstorming and creating non-formal activities for young people to help them feel more comfortable expressing themselves. Ideas in this area included theatre techniques, role play, simulation games, or activities built with the support of digital tools such as mobile phones.