Supporting young people at risk of social exclusion is not only crucial for the individual, but also for the future of society. The Pathways to Inclusion project, carried out by the Finnish Oulu Deaconess Foundation and the Spanish Asociación Evangelica Nueva Vida, highlights how effective services and international cooperation can transform the life paths of young people.
The Winding Path to Adulthood
The journey into adulthood is like a forest trail in autumn—sometimes sunlight flickers gently through the trees but often roots and shadows slow each step. For many young people, the path is full of twists and heavy moments, and the world can feel cold and lonely. Each stride demands courage, and every encounter requires trust that may have faded through disappointments and uncertainty.
There are times when a young person is left alone with doubt and fear. In these moments, support and a kind, understanding gaze help to carry on. Every meeting is a chance to reignite the spark of hope, to create space for joy and the courage to continue, even when the road seems dark.
As a proverb says: “The path is not beneath your feet, it is made by walking.” Each young person’s life journey is unique, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that no step is taken without support or understanding. Because when a young person finds their place and receives help along their way, it becomes the strength and hope for the entire society’s future.
The path to adulthood can be complicated from birth, or for some, it becomes increasingly difficult over time due to challenging life situations and events. As problems accumulate, everyday life may become filled with uncertainty, substance abuse, crime, or even violence. It is typical that, at the same time, a young person’s trust in services and adults diminishes. However, every encounter is an opportunity to rebuild trust and offer support before issues escalate into a crisis.
International Cooperation – The Key to Innovation and Impact
Traditional forms of social and youth work do not always reach those who need support and if they do, their fragmented and short-term nature can extinguish even the last hope for change or remaining trust in the minds of young people. To understand complex and individual life situations, and to foster sustainable change, it is necessary to provide long-term, youth-centered services as well as individualized and flexible support.
In the Pathways to Inclusion project, the partnership between ODL and Nueva Vida allows different operating models, methods, and experiences to come together. ODL’s strengths lie in extensive experience in special youth work, trauma-informed approaches, and stabilizing interventions, while Nueva Vida brings valuable expertise on issues such as crime, substance abuse, and homelessness. This collaboration enables the sharing of best practices, the development of new methods, and their application in fresh contexts. In addition, the project cooperates with the international Eurodiaconia network, which promotes youth voices and increases advocacy and awareness at the European level.
Pathways to Inclusion is not just a project, it is a promise that every young person deserves to be met, heard, and supported. When youth participation and wellbeing are strengthened, the whole society benefits.
ODL on tukenasi elämän solmuissa – avaamassa solmuja ja solmimassa uusia tukevia liitoksia. Ammattilaisemme kulkevat rinnallasi, kun tarvitset tukea henkiseen tai fyysiseen hyvinvointiin. Meille voit tulla sellaisena kuin olet.