I got out of some sort of downwards spiral.

Abstract

In this thesis I examine youth who come from vulnerable situations that get help from a youth empowerment program called Back to Basic. Within this organization they try to help youth who get stuck in their daily lives by coaching them using experiential learning and system-orientation. Youth and their families get help with improving communication, learning life skills and focusing on their futures in terms of work or school. Back to Basic notices that many youth that struggle are from divorced families. Therefore this research specifically focuses on participating youth from divorced families. I look into their lives, their vulnerable situations and how Back to Basic helps them. Throughout this study I consider theoretical approaches of youth empowerment, social support, resilience, coping and social vulnerability. I analyse the working methods of Back to Basic and see how these are put to practice. This study combines theory with empirical data from interviews and participation in Back to Basic meetings.