How Family Engagement Helps Young People to Thrive

Описание: Million's Inspiring Journey: From Struggling Student to Youth Worker Changing Lives

Discover how youth work transformed Million's life and strengthened the bond with her Eritrean refugee mother. This powerful story shows how family engagement in youth programs helps young people from migrant backgrounds thrive in the UK.

Million's Story: Breaking Down Barriers Through Youth Work

Million, daughter of an Eritrean refugee mother, faced communication challenges growing up in London. Her mother's childhood was cut short by becoming a refugee, creating a generational gap that affected Million's school performance and family relationships. Through dedicated youth work intervention, Million and her mum learned to understand each other's perspectives and work together toward success.

Today, Million is a trained youth worker supporting young people from diverse migrant backgrounds, proving the transformative power of family-centered youth programs.

Learn more about this project and discover our other resources here: https://wonderfoundation.org.uk/past-...

Why Family Engagement in Youth Work Matters

Youth work provides essential opportunities for young people to:

✅ Develop life skills and build confidence

✅ Create safe spaces for play and social connection

✅ Shape their communities

✅ Access enriching activities they might not otherwise afford

Especially crucial for:

Young people from migrant families

Children with fewer opportunities

Communities with limited extracurricular options

WONDER Foundation's Groundbreaking Research

Our two-year research study revealed critical insights about youth work and family engagement:

📊 Key Findings:

84% of youth workers engage with families of young people in their programs

This vital family work is unmeasured, invisible, and unfunded

Youth workers receive no formal training for family engagement

Migrant parents value youth work but often don't understand how to engage

Young people report that youth worker support for family relationships is powerful

The Gap We're Addressing

Youth workers are passionate about helping young people flourish, delivering projects informed by lived experiences and aspirations. However, they often lack:

Resources for effective family engagement

Strategic approaches to work with migrant families

Training and support for family-centered work

Recognition and funding for this essential aspect of youth work

Supporting Migrant Families Through Youth Work

Migrant parents face unique challenges:

Youth work concepts may be completely unfamiliar

Cultural differences in understanding youth programs

Uncertainty about how to best support their children's participation

Need for guidance on navigating UK youth services

Get Involved: Supporting Young People from Migrant Families

Are you a youth worker, organization, or community group working with migrant communities?

Partner with WONDER Foundation to ensure every young person from a migrant family maximizes the benefits of youth work.

📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Thank you to our funder, Sir Halley Stewart

These videos have been made by the WONDER Foundation, and funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust. The views expressed within this report are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Trust.

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