Ljuba & Drago: A Mobile Youth Centre for Underserved Urban Areas

Good practice example from Slovenia

Ljuba & Drago is a mobile youth centre operating in Ljubljana, Slovenia, designed to respond to the lack of safe and engaging spaces for young people in underserved urban areas. It shows how youth work can become more accessible when it moves directly into the neighbourhoods where young people spend their time.

The centre operates as a converted bus that functions as a flexible and inclusive space for social interaction, creativity, learning and support. By entering urban "grey zones" where structured youth activities are limited, Ljuba & Drago creates opportunities for young people who might otherwise remain outside organised programmes.

A central strength of the initiative is its participatory approach. Young people are involved in co-designing both the interior of the mobile centre and its programme of activities. This ensures that the space reflects their interests and needs, while also strengthening their sense of ownership and responsibility.

The initiative follows a clear "for youth, by youth" principle. Young people are not seen only as beneficiaries, but as active contributors to decision-making, activity design and implementation. This helps create a programme that is relevant, flexible and closely connected to local realities.

One notable activity focused on reducing excessive mobile phone use by offering creative and hands-on alternatives. Through activities such as sewing and craft workshops, young people had the opportunity to develop practical skills, spend time together and engage in meaningful offline interaction. This approach does not simply criticise digital habits, but offers attractive alternatives that support creativity, focus and social connection.

The key lesson from Ljuba & Drago is that bringing services directly into young people's environments increases accessibility and engagement, especially when combined with participatory design. A mobile youth centre can become more than a service delivery model; it can become a trusted space that grows with the needs of the community.

Ljuba & Drago offers a strong example of how youth work can respond to urban exclusion. Its mobile model demonstrates that safe and inclusive youth spaces do not always need to be permanent buildings. They can also be flexible, creative and present where young people need them most.