At Youth Work Ireland, we believe youth work is about much more than helping young people overcome challenges, it’s about supporting them to understand the world around them, question inequality, and take action to create change. That belief sits at the heart of our Youth Work for All campaign, which champions inclusive, equitable, and empowering youth work for every young person, no matter their background or circumstances.
One way we’re putting this into practice is by reconnecting our work with the principles of critical social education. This approach gives young people the tools and confidence to make sense of their experiences, explore how systems shape their lives, and amplify their voices on the issues that matter most to them.
Critical Social Education
Critical social education is a values-driven approach that encourages young people to think beyond their individual circumstances and see how their lives are connected to wider social, political, and economic systems. Youth workers work alongside young people, helping them explore their own views, develop their voice, and become active participants in shaping their communities and futures.
In practice, that can mean supporting young people to:
- Examine inequality and discrimination.
- Build solidarity and collective action with their peers.
- Use creative tools like art, campaigning, and storytelling to express themselves and influence change.
Why It Matters to Youth Work for All
The Youth Work for All campaign is all about making sure every young person has accesc to youth services so they feel included and have opportunities to thrive. Critical social education is central to this vision because it:
- Empowers young people to understand and challenge the barriers they face.
- Supports youth workers to create inclusive, collaborative spaces where all voices count.
- Drives systemic change by connecting young people’s lived experiences to wider conversations about policy and rights.
By embedding this approach, we move beyond simply “providing services”, we help young people lead conversations, influence decisions, and build the kind of society they want to live in.
Taking Action Together
Across Youth Work Ireland, we’re supporting youth workers to bring these ideas into practice through workshops, training, and shared learning. Together, we’re building the confidence, skills, and language needed to embed critical social education in everyday youth work.