DEVMIGRA “Development of Mediation Skillset for Youth Workers for Migrants”– is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in the Field of Youth project with the aim of empowering youth workers and young migrants through skills development, integration support, and non-formal education methodologies. The project specifically targets vulnerable young migrants and refugees aged 18–25 and seeks to strengthen the capacities of organizations and youth workers supporting them.
As part of the project’s implementation, partners from 4 countries, Spain, Italy, Jordan and Lebanon, conducted national research activities to identify successful practices that support migrant and refugee youth through education, employability, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and empowerment. In Lebanon, the research focused on analysing innovative initiatives that have demonstrated measurable impact in supporting vulnerable Lebanese and migrant youth, particularly Syrian refugees. The purpose of this research was to collect evidence-based approaches and practical methodologies that could later inform the development of the DEVMIGRA training toolkit and manual for youth workers.
The Lebanese research therefore served as an important foundation for identifying replicable methods and tools that can be adapted across different contexts and organisations working with migrants.
The research process involved mapping and reviewing projects implemented by national and international organisations in Lebanon, analysing their objectives, methodologies, results, innovative aspects, and empowerment outcomes. The selected practices were assessed based on their relevance to migrant youth inclusion, skills development, community engagement, and long-term sustainability. This process resulted in the identification of three key best practices that represent diverse but complementary approaches to youth
empowerment.
The first identified best practice was the “STEAM Education: A Key to Higher Education for Vulnerable Syrian and Lebanese Youth” initiative implemented by Kayany Foundation and HOPES-LEB in the Bekaa region. The project focused on strengthening access to higher education and improving employability among vulnerable Syrian and Lebanese youth through innovative STEAM education. Two“Young Makers Labs” were established to provide practical, hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The
initiative combined curriculum modernisation, teacher training, coding, digital fabrication, and project-based learning methodologies. More than 120 youth and 20 teachers benefited from the project, which demonstrated how experiential learning and modern educational approaches can enhance critical thinking, confidence, and practical problem-solving skills among young migrants and vulnerable youth. The project also highlighted the importance of empowering teachers and integrating innovative learning methods into formal education
systems.
The second best practice identified was the CHASE project – “Capable, Hopeful, Accepted, Safe and Engaged Youth in Lebanon” – implemented by the Danish Refugee Council and its partners in North Lebanon and the Bekaa. The project adopted a holistic “Graduation Approach” aimed at improving the social and economic empowerment of Syrian refugees and conflict-affected youth. CHASE
combined social protection, technical skills training, mentorship, financial inclusion, and community engagement activities to support both youth and their families. Reaching around 720 vulnerable youth and their households, the project demonstrated the importance of addressing immediate protection needs while simultaneously building long-term self-reliance and resilience. One of
the key findings from this initiative was that youth empowerment is more effective when accompanied by psychosocial support, mentorship, community cohesion activities, and family-level interventions.
The third best practice identified was the “Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL)” programme implemented by UNICEF Lebanon in partnership with INJAZ Lebanon, Nawaya Network, and DOT Lebanon. Since 2016, the programme has supported Lebanese and non-Lebanese youth through innovation labs, entrepreneurship training, incubation support, mentorship, and digital skills
development. The programme reached over 12,000 youth across Lebanon and supported hundreds of youth-led enterprises and initiatives. The GIL programme demonstrated how innovation, entrepreneurship, and design thinking
methodologies can provide young migrants and vulnerable youth with sustainable economic opportunities and pathways to employability. The initiative also highlighted the importance of mentorship networks, innovation hubs, and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems in supporting refugee and marginalised youth.
The findings from these three best practices significantly contributed to the development of the DEVMIGRA toolkit and training manual. The research provided practical examples of methodologies that successfully combine non-formal education, mediation skills, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, psychosocial support, and labour market integration. Several key approaches identified through the Lebanese research were integrated into the project outputs, including experiential and project-based learning methods, mentorship
and peer-support mechanisms, innovation and design-thinking approaches, community engagement activities, and holistic empowerment models that address both personal and socio-economic challenges faced by migrant youth.
The research also highlighted several important lessons for youth workers and organisations working with migrants. First, successful interventions require a holistic and inclusive approach that goes beyond technical training to address psychosocial wellbeing, confidence building, and community participation. Second, practical and hands-on learning methodologies are highly effective in increasing youth engagement, motivation, and retention. Third, mentorship and continuous support systems play a crucial role in helping young
migrants navigate educational, professional, and social challenges. Finally, creating safe and inclusive spaces for innovation, dialogue, and participation empowers migrant youth to become active contributors to their communities and economies.
Through this research, the DEVMIGRA project succeeded in grounding its toolkit and manual in real experiences and proven practices from Lebanon and other partner countries. The identified best practices now serve as practical references for youth workers, educators, and organisations seeking to improve the inclusion, employability, and empowerment of migrant and refugee youth
through innovative and sustainable approaches.
For more information about the
DEVMIGRA project and to access the project resources, visit:
Project Manual and Toolkit:
Funded by the European Union. Views
and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily
reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture
Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held
responsible for them.
Scope
International
Intervention Sectors
Refugees
Training & Capacity Building
Organisation
Date
Countries
Italy
Jordan
Lebanon
Spain