Learning platform

Step 2 of the We Are Streetwise Five-Step Model is about mapping the talents of the young people we work with. At a stakeholder meeting in Marseille, partners explored how to do this well, and here we share some of the most interesting tools they came up with.

How labels shape young people, and what trainers can do about it. Labels can shape how young people are seen, treated and how they see themselves. We Are Streetwise challenges stigma by focusing on strengths, potential and positive roles, helping young people build a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

Look back together, then adjust. Evaluation is not about judging outcomes, but about reflecting on the journey together. By looking back on progress, challenges and lessons learned, young people gain ownership of their growth and identify the next steps in their development.

Make progress visible, for the young person and for you. Monitoring helps make growth visible. By setting clear goals, celebrating small steps and regularly reviewing progress together, young people build confidence in their ability to create positive change.

An approach for mental, physical and financial resilience. Every young person has different strengths, challenges and ambitions. Through tailored support, We Are Streetwise helps build mental, physical and financial resilience by focusing on what each young person needs most, at a pace that works for them.

Change starts with talents and dreams, not with problems. By exploring young people’s talents, dreams and strengths, We Are Streetwise builds motivation, ownership and a foundation for meaningful growth.

Trust is built on the street, one visit at a time. It starts with presence. By meeting young people where they are and showing up consistently over time, youth workers create the relationships that make every other step in the Streetwise journey possible.

Financial literacy is about more than budgeting. Understanding how we think about money, risk and future consequences helps young people make better decisions and navigate an increasingly complex financial world.

Why good street work needs a strong ecosystem behind it. We Are Streetwise highlights that effective youth work goes beyond individual relationships. Strong support structures, collaboration between organisations and a solid connection between practice and policy are essential to create lasting impact for young people.

The impact of youth work is often real long before it is visible. Through relationships, trust and small everyday interventions, youth workers help create positive change that may go unnoticed, but can make a lasting difference in young people’s lives.