As part of the EmpowerCanvas initiative, Highlights e.V. hosted an interactive online training that brought together youth workers from across Germany to share and experience creative methods for building resilience among at-risk youth. The session centred on the Resilience Board Game, a powerful tool designed to prompt meaningful conversations about emotions, challenges, and strengths, and to create a safe space for self-expression. Participants also practiced mindfulness exercises, giving them practical techniques for promoting self-regulation and emotional balance in their work.

The training was intentionally inclusive, attracting both aspiring youth workers and experienced practitioners from schools, community organisations, and local initiatives. This diversity enriched discussions and highlighted how adaptable the tools are across different youth contexts. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive: over 80% rated the training as highly relevant to their professional needs, while 90% found the resources—particularly the board game and mindfulness practices—extremely useful. Clear instructions, hands-on application, and opportunities for direct practice left over 75% of attendees feeling confident in integrating these methods into their own programs.

By the end of the session, participants not only left with new tools but also with a renewed sense of connection and purpose. The training underscored the value of experiential learning and reinforced the belief that, with the right approaches, youth work can create environments where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to build resilience.