EMPASY Handbooks on Emotional Literacy & Participatory Techniques

The EMPASY Handbooks are practical resources designed to strengthen youth work through innovative approaches. Each handbook combines theoretical frameworks and definitions with templates, checklists, case studies, and practical examples to support professionals working with young people in non-formal education settings.

Developed through a robust needs assessment in Lebanon, Morocco, and Jordan, and implemented in a pilot training phase, these handbooks respond to real challenges faced by youth workers. They aim to equip youth workers, youth leaders and other professionals with tools to foster emotional literacy and participatory approaches. These handbooks have been produced in the framework of the EMPASY Project, coordinated by Fondazione ISMU. More information on the project and it outcomes can be found here.

EMPASY Handbook on Participatory Techniques

Participation is about empowering young people to shape decisions and processes that affect their lives. This handbook is one of the key results of the EMPASY project. It is designed as a practical resource for youth workers, youth leaders, and other professionals providing non-formal education opportunities to young people. Specifically, it focuses on participatory approaches in youth work and can be used alongside a complementary Handbook on emotional literacy.

The Handbook is structured into three sections, each corresponding to a key phase that supports users in gradually integrating new approaches into their work:

1. Laying the groundwork
2.Identifying needs through a safe space
3. Adopting strategies to respond to needs
Each section includes theoretical frameworks and definitions, as well as templates, checklists, case studies, and other practical examples.

EMPASY Handbook on Emotional Literacy

This handbook is designed to support youth worker, educator, facilitator, or mentor in developing and deepening emotional literacy. It brings together a range of tools and frameworks that center emotional awareness, empathy, and conscious communication. This handbook doesn’t treat emotional intelligence or empathy as traits you either have or don’t, but as practices. As skills that can be cultivated, reflected on, and improved with intention over time.