Language creates worlds
Words as Worlds is an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership exploring how language shapes identity, belonging and the ways in which we relate to others.
Words can build connections, open spaces for dialogue and allow people to express themselves. They can also create boundaries, reinforce power imbalances or exclude certain voices. In youth work, the language used can influence who feels heard, understood and able to participate.
The project brings together organisations from Germany, Spain, France and Ireland to develop youth work practices that are more attentive to linguistic diversity. Particular attention is given to young people from multilingual, migrant and minority backgrounds, as well as to regional and endangered languages.
Our objectives
Words as Worlds aims to:
- increase understanding of the connections between language, identity, inclusion, exclusion, power and discrimination;
- strengthen the skills of youth workers facilitating multilingual groups;
- create safe and inclusive learning spaces that respect different linguistic identities;
- develop creative non-formal education methods through storytelling, theatre, slam, media, podcasts and the arts;
- support the visibility of minority languages and linguistic heritage;
- build stronger alliances between youth organisations, linguistic communities, educators and local stakeholders.
Main activities
The project begins with local needs analysis and alliance building in all four participating countries. Surveys, interviews and meetings are used to identify the linguistic barriers experienced by young people and youth workers.
Two international training courses bring together approximately 27 youth workers. The first training course, held in Mühlhausen, Germany, in February 2026, focuses on creating initial educational tools. The second training course in Spain allows participants to test, evaluate and improve these tools.
Between the two training courses, webinars and online peer-learning meetings allow participants to exchange experiences, explore specific topics and continue developing the project resources together.
The tools are then tested through local youth activities in Germany, Spain, France and Ireland. Observations and participant feedback are used to adapt the methods to different cultural, linguistic and educational contexts.
The role of Association Petite Graine
In France, Association Petite Graine focuses particularly on the Occitan language, linguistic diversity and the realities of rural communities.
Petite Graine contributes to the needs analysis in Occitanie, develops alliances with local stakeholders and supports the integration of the project tools into local youth activities. The association also organises workshops that explore language as an expression of identity, culture, memory and belonging.
Petite Graine has an important role in the local integration and advocacy phase. The objective is to turn the project’s European learning into practical, accessible activities adapted to young people and local communities.
Expected results
Words as Worlds will produce:
- a trainer-ready methodology for youth workers and facilitators;
- a toolkit containing at least ten practical activities;
- linguistic context reports from Germany, Spain, France and Ireland;
- webinars and online learning resources;
- local activity models that can be reused by other organisations;
- a stronger European network of organisations supporting inclusion and linguistic diversity.
In the longer term, the project will help youth organisations recognise linguistic barriers, facilitate the participation of young people from diverse backgrounds and create spaces in which different languages and identities can be heard and respected.
Partners
- eSquare e.V., Germany, coordinator
- KAMM Artistic Europe, Spain
- Association Petite Graine, France
- Eurobug, International Youth Work Training and Collaboration Limited, Ireland
Words as Worlds is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.
Project reference: 2025-1-DE04-KA220-YOU-000362491
.jpg)
.jpg)