Between 16 and 25 March 2026, youth workers from several European countries gathered in Kaunas, Lithuania, for the training course “Youth Work in the AI Era.” The mobility brought together participants from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain and Lithuania to explore how Artificial Intelligence is shaping youth work and how it can be used responsibly in practice.

The training aimed to develop AI literacy, raise awareness of ethical challenges, and provide strategies for integrating AI into youth work while maintaining human-centered values. The programme focused on practical learning, critical thinking, and responsible use of AI tools in educational and youth environments.

Exploring AI in Youth Work 

Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive workshops and collaborative activities focused on:

• selecting appropriate AI tools for youth work

• improving prompt-writing strategies

• recognizing AI threats, including fake videos and images

• understanding AI ethics and digital citizenship

• integrating AI into youth services and educational activities

The programme included hands-on exercises such as SWOT analyses, roleplays, AI vs. human Turing tests, and the creation of digital toolkits and campaign videos. These activities encouraged participants to reflect on both opportunities and risks connected to AI.

As shared by participant Stilyan Ivanov:

“The training course ‘Youth Work in the AI Era’ gave us the chance to learn how to pick the right AI tools, improve prompts, recognize AI threats and integrate AI into youth services. The whole exchange was a unique experience… I would recommend it to everybody not only because of the new skills you would acquire but also for the many friendships and stories you would take home.”

Learning Through Collaboration 

The project gathered youth workers with different backgrounds and experiences. Group work played a central role in the learning process, allowing participants to exchange practices, explore ethical dilemmas, and co-create solutions for integrating AI into youth work.

The intercultural dimension was also an important part of the programme. During the intercultural evening, each country presented its traditions, food, and culture, strengthening connections between participants and creating a welcoming learning environment. The schedule also included time for exploring Kaunas and informal networking.

As Gabriela Kulincheva shared:

“The training offered a helpful baseline for understanding how we can begin to navigate and utilize AI tools in our professional lives, though the content remained quite general. The cultural experiences and networking added significant value to the overall week.”

Beyond the Learning Sessions 

Outside the training room, participants explored Kaunas — a city known for its rapid development and rich cultural heritage — and took part in cultural activities and city visits. These informal experiences played a key role in building friendships, strengthening intercultural understanding, and enhancing the overall learning journey.

The project also emphasized dissemination and knowledge-sharing, encouraging participants to transfer what they learned to their organizations and local communities after the mobility.

What They Take Home 

The training course “Youth Work in the AI Era” highlighted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in youth work. Participants gained:

• basic understanding of AI tools for youth work

• awareness of ethical considerations

• practical ideas for integrating AI into activities

• intercultural learning experience

• new partnerships and collaborations

Despite challenges, the project provided a valuable starting point for youth workers to navigate AI responsibly and creatively in their professional practice.

Projects like this continue to show that learning about AI is not only about technology — it is about people, collaboration, and preparing youth work for the future.