지역사회 청소년참여기구 활동 경험의 의미와 한계에 관한 포커스그룹 인터뷰 연구 = A Focus Group Interview Study on the Significance and Limitations of Youth Participation Activities of Local Community-based Participatory Youth Organizations

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study aims to explore the significance and limitations of youth participation activities of local community-based youth organizations and derive implications for future development and improvement. For analysis, focus group interviews were conducted with youths and youth workers who were actively involved in community-based youth organizations. Interview participants consisted of 13 youth members from a youth participation committee, youth councils of youth centers, and a youth self-governing body and 6 youth workers from youth centers and organizations. The key findings are as follows. The significance of youth participation organization activities can be summarized as changes perceived in various dimensions. First, changes in social interaction were observed, leading to enhanced communication skills, debate abilities, coping skills for unpredictability, and leadership development. Personal changes included learning in new areas, improving lifestyle habits, and contributing to career development. The participating youths were also able to experience changes such as improvements in the environments and conditions from actively engaging in school and community activities. Throughout this process, the youth were recognizing a shift in perception towards becoming key players in youth facilities' operations and community transformations. On the other hand, a number of limitations and challenges encountered in the process of participating in the activities were identified including issues arising from the participation organization’s ways of operating, difficulties in balancing between the activities and academic duties, low accessibility and poor physical conditions, a low level of awareness and reputation, challenges in coordinating with schools, and government driven operations. Base on these results, the study suggests some implications for further development of community youth participation organizations.