STAR 2.0 Focus Groups: Gathering Insights

Throughout the first months of 2025, all partners of the STAR 2.0 project conducted national focus groups with youth workers in their respective countries. These sessions - held in Ukraine (online), Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and in Czech Republic - represented a crucial step in the development of the project’s training programme. Designed to evaluate and improve the structure and content of the ten-module course, the focus groups offered a space for dialogue, feedback, and collective reflection.


     

The STAR 2.0 Training Programme

The STAR 2.0 training programme is built around ten modules aimed at equipping youth workers with the tools and knowledge needed to use street art as a tool for social inclusion of young people. The modules cover a wide variety of topics, from digital skills and Inclusion & participatory theory to logistics of street art production, public space, and much more.

The goal is to help youth workers develop not only technical skills but also the capacity to co-create artistic projects with young people in their communities. The focus groups offered an opportunity to analyse the programme structure and its  relevance and usability, gathering first hand impressions from those who are going to use it in the future.




Key Insights from the Focus Groups

Discussions across the five countries revealed a strong need for training content that is accessible, well-organised, and adaptable to different contexts. Participants emphasised the importance of flexible learning pathways, allowing youth workers to engage with modules based on their time, interests, and specific needs.

There was widespread support for interactive formats and diverse materials, such as short videos, case studies, and practical toolkits. Many also encouraged distinguishing between essential content and optional in-depth resources, to make the learning experience more efficient and customisable. Another recurring theme was the importance of real-world applicability. Many participants expressed interest in learning through storytelling and real-life examples. Video interviews with artists, project walkthroughs, and short documentaries were frequently mentioned as preferred formats. There was also a strong desire for clarity on legal and logistical aspects of street art, with youth workers pointing out the need for accessible explanations on regulations and  permits.







The collaborative nature of the programme was frequently acknowledged as a strength. In several focus groups, it was suggested that the content should encourage cooperation among youth workers and artists, as well as foster opportunities for peer learning. The creation of a digital space for discussion and resource sharing was proposed as a way to extend this collaboration beyond the training itself. Participants also underlined the need for cultural adaptability. Given the variety of  countries targeted by the training programme, there was a clear call for the training to be sensitive to different social dynamics and local histories.


 


Looking Ahead

The feedback gathered during these focus groups serve as a key resource for refining the STAR 2.0 training programme. The consortium is now working towards integrating the insights into the final version of the modules, ensuring they are relevant, adaptable, and aligned with the needs and interests of the youth workers.