Youth centres
A broad network of youth centres and branches, operated at the municipal or regional level, welcomes young people mainly between the ages of 12 and 26. Young people are free to visit these spaces for meeting friends, taking a break, getting information, talking to an educator or taking part in excursions and various activities such as sports, cooking or dancing, etc.
They are supervised by professionals from the education sector, called socio-educational youth workers or “educators” in accordance with the quality assurance system introduced by the ministry responsible for youth in 2017.
The work of the youth centres is part of non-formal education. The educational approach encourages personal development, autonomy, initiative and contribution to society.
The participation of young people in the activities offered in the youth centres is voluntary, without any financial contribution, except for some specific activities. Youth centres are run by non-profit associations or municipalities. The costs of these services are shared for up to 50% by the ministry and 50% by the municipalities in which they are located.
Housing support services
These services offer affordable housing to young people and provide personalised support in managing their accommodation, acquiring everyday life skills, and dealing with administrative and budget-related matters linked to independent living.
Leisure activity services
These services offer activity programmes for children and youth, including holiday camps. They also provide opportunities for young people to volunteer through child and youth activity programmes.
Educational animation services
These services offer specialised educational activity programmes in a specific area and individualised support aimed at developing skills in a specific field of activity of the service.
Training services
These services offer training programmes for young leaders of leisure activities.
Information services
These services create and disseminate reliable, neutral and accessible information for young people and conduct awareness campaigns.
All the above-mentioned services operate under agreements with the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth and are, in principle, 100% state-funded.