Members of the Epeka Association attended a professional seminar organized by the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth  on the topic of dealing with extraordinary circumstances and crisis situations in the youth environment. The seminar was intended for youth workers, volunteers, pedagogical staff, mentors and project managers, who often encounter situations that require a quick and thoughtful response in their work.

Content highlights of education

The purpose of the event was to strengthen the competences and readiness of all those who work with young people and to encourage the exchange of experiences and good practices in the field of safety. The program included:

  • Security at events: Vlado Ilić (General Police Directorate) presented danger indicators and ways of self-protection in the event of attacks.
  • Support in mental distress: Dr. Nadja Hriberšek (UPK Ljubljana) led a lecture and workshop on how to effectively help young people in mental distress.
  • First aid: Til Brežnik (Slovenian Medical Students’ Association) presented the basics of first aid with practical examples.
  • Legal framework and institutions: Prof. Dr. Katja Filipčič (Faculty of Law, UNI LJ) presented the new law on the treatment of juvenile offenders and the importance of cooperation between institutions.
  • Practical experience: Participants exchanged experiences from youth centers and learned about preventive approaches to working with young people used by organizations such as the Zone and Bakery of the Magdalene Network Maribor.
  • Dealing with violence: Damjan Habe presented approaches to coping with violent behaviour of young people in the context of non-formal education.

Objectives and significance of the event

Education addressed a wide range of challenges – from dealing with young people in psychological distress and cases of violence to substance abuse and ensuring safety in youth spaces. With this event, the Youth Office of the Republic of Slovenia confirmed its commitment to preventing radicalisation, increasing security in youth institutions and strengthening support networks for all those who work with young people.

The seminar offered a valuable space to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to create a safe and supportive environment for young people, especially those with fewer opportunities and those in social or mental distress.