This master’s thesis deals with the issue of significance of youth work for the personal development and the life course of young people who have gained this kind of experience. The theoretical part describes the key characteristics of young people and youth as a social phenomenon. Furthermore, the theory of the life course as a sequence of transitions with the characteristics of de-standardization and individualization of modern societies is presented. The synthesis of definitions and key findings from the field of youth work for young people is added and in the final section of the theoretical part, the theory of positive youth development and the ecological systems theory of development are described.
The empirical part explores the significance of experience of animation and scout youth work of youth leaders for their life course in different areas. The qualitative research method is used; semi-structured interviews have been made with 16 young people, 8 scouts and 8 animators, aged from 20 to 29. The findings of the survey show that the participants place great importance and significance on their youth work experience for their life in general. As the main benefit of youth work, the participants view the applicability of its various aspects in their own personal lives and stress the ways they have been able to draw from their youth work experiences to enrich their lives. They also consider it as an alternative form of education or one that could complement formal education, and as the connective tissue between different structures and institutions. The respondents state that they have acquired many competencies through youth work, emphasizing organization skills, team work, soft or interpersonal skills such as communication, conflict resolution and skills relating to creativity and good physical condition. On a personal level a number of positive effects of youth work have also been indicated, recognised in acquisition and development of assertive and pro-social characteristics such as patience, perseverance, better self-esteem and transition from self-centred focus to the outer-world focus. In the field of social development at different levels (at the group, community, national and international level) the participants indicate the establishment of a number of social networks, which are of great importance to them, and the acquisition of the awareness of social responsibility and active citizenship. Young people see the significance of youth work for one’s professional development particularly in the acquisition of competences which are sure to help them in their professional fields, but not necessarily in getting work, especially if their professional work is not directly related to youth work.
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