How can theatre and sport become tools for personal development and empowerment? As part of the European project YW4offenders, the study visit to Serbia gave partners the opportunity to explore how experiential methodologies can contribute in practice to supporting young people in conflict with the law.
From 7 to 9 September 2026, 23 participants from the partner organisations and professionals working in the field gathered in Belgrade and Kruševac, hosted by CEPORA. Through presentations, exchanges of experience and a visit to the Juvenile Correctional Institution in Kruševac, they gained insights into different aspects of Serbia’s juvenile justice system and the challenges associated with young people’s education and social reintegration.
From Methodologies to Skills Development
A key highlight of the final day was the experiential approach, which focused on Applied Drama and Sport for Development (S4D). Participants took part in activities demonstrating how movement, interaction and reflection can create learning opportunities without requiring advanced verbal skills or a shared language.
Both methodologies can support the development of skills such as communication, cooperation, emotional regulation and problem-solving. Within YW4offenders, they will be used with a specific focus on employability, starting with activities that build trust and strengthen group dynamics, before progressing to the development of personal, social and practical skills.
The visit to the Juvenile Correctional Institution in Kruševac also highlighted the importance of education, vocational training and preparation for returning to the community. Discussions reinforced that effective reintegration requires cooperation between correctional institutions, social protection services, educational providers and civil society organisations.
Shared Knowledge, Shared Tools
The visit marked the completion of the project’s three study visits in Greece, Portugal and Serbia. The insights gathered from the different national contexts will contribute to the development of the YW4offenders training programme and Toolkit, ensuring that methodologies and activities can be adapted to young people’s needs and the specific characteristics of each setting.