Young people across the world face a variety of challenges, but some grapple with obstacles so severe that they are left on the margins of society. These individuals, identified with the term Highly Vulnerable Young People (HVYP), often encounter compounded difficulties. These barriers limit their potential and also exclude them from transformative opportunities, such as international youth programmes like Erasmus+ mobilities. For youth workers and professionals, understanding these barriers – and how to dismantle them – is essential to fostering true inclusion.
Who Are Highly Vulnerable Young People?
HVYPs are young individuals who face multiple overlapping challenges, often stemming from a mix of social, economic, and systemic barriers. These hurdles may include long-term issues such as poverty, discrimination, or unstable living conditions. As a result, HVYPs require targeted support to access opportunities that others may take for granted.
International mobility programs, like those offered through Erasmus+, can provide life-changing experiences for them as well. However, without systemic change, many remain excluded due to challenges such as financial barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and social stigma.
The Barriers to Inclusion
For highly vulnerable young people, participating in programs designed to foster growth and inclusion can feel out of reach. The obstacles they face often fall into the following categories:
- Financial Struggles: Many HVYPs lack the resources to cover program fees or even secure essential travel documents. Funding gaps and limited co-financing options exacerbate the problem.
- Bureaucratic Challenges: Refugees, care leavers, and other vulnerable groups often face disproportionate difficulties in obtaining documents like visas or passports.
- Information Gaps: A lack of accessible information, often compounded by language barriers or geographical isolation, leaves many HVYP unaware of available opportunities.
- Social Stigma: Discrimination against groups such as LGBTQIA+ youth or Roma communities discourages participation and creates unsafe environments, even in initiatives intended to promote inclusion.
- Rigid Program Designs: Programs that fail to consider the unique circumstances of HVYP – such as unstable living conditions or health challenges – risk unintentionally excluding them.
- Lack of Long-Term Support: Even for those who participate, the absence of follow-up care or guidance can limit the long-term impact of these programs.
These challenges form a web of exclusion that prevents vulnerable youth from accessing the transformative benefits of mobility programs.
Why Inclusion Matters
For highly yulnerable young people, inclusion isn’t just about participation – it’s about equity and empowerment. Programs like Erasmus+ offer opportunities to build self-esteem, develop intercultural skills, and foster personal growth. These benefits can set the foundation for a brighter future, helping them overcome systemic disadvantages.
However, achieving true inclusion requires more than good intentions. It calls for systemic changes that remove barriers and create accessible pathways for all young people.
A Guide to Action
The Guide to the Definition of Highly Vulnerable Young People is a valuable resource for youth workers, organizations, and policymakers striving to improve inclusion. Developed by the International Network for Inclusion, led by Associazione Joint, this guide brings together insights from 26 organizations across Europe.
It highlights key challenges and presents seven practical examples of how HVYPs have successfully participated in youth mobility programs. Accompanied by an e-book featuring 13 innovative practices from Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges, it serves as an essential toolkit for creating inclusive opportunities.
Moving Forward
Empowering HVYPs is not just about creating opportunities – it’s about removing the systemic barriers that keep them out. Inclusion is a continuous effort that requires collaboration, innovation, and commitment.
By implementing the strategies outlined in the Guide and embracing the principles of equity, youth professionals can transform lives, ensuring that no young person is left behind. Together, we can build a world where every young person has the chance to thrive. Inclusion is more than a goal – it’s a responsibility. Let’s unlock the potential of all young people.
Would you like to gain deeper insights and discover best practices for enhancing inclusion in Erasmus+ programs? Read our article How to improve the inclusion of youth mobility? and stay updated by following Future is YOUth on Facebook or Instagram.