From 9th to 12th March, partners and participants of the That’s Clear! project gathered in the vibrant city of Málaga, Spain, for an international training course dedicated to inclusive communication and plain language.
Hosted close to Málaga’s historic centre, surrounded by narrow streets, seaside views, and the warm Andalusian atmosphere, the training became much more than a professional meeting. It was a space for exchange, reflection, creativity, and connection between people coming from different countries and professional backgrounds. Teachers, youth workers, educators, facilitators, communication professionals, and youth services staff shared experiences, practices, and challenges linked to communication and inclusion.
The programme combined theory, participatory workshops, simulations, and practical exercises, all focused on one essential question: How can we make communication more accessible and inclusive for all young people?
Throughout the training, participants explored the multidimensional nature of communication, reflecting not only on spoken and written language, but also on body language, visual communication, emotions, and social barriers. One of the first workshops invited participants to communicate without words, using gestures, drawings, and expressions to better understand how misunderstandings emerge and how communication can take many forms.
Another important focus of the training was understanding the barriers faced by young people with low literacy skills, language difficulties, learning disorders, disabilities, or migrant backgrounds. Through immersive exercises, participants experienced what it feels like to navigate information in an unfamiliar language or through inaccessible communication materials. These moments created strong empathy and meaningful discussions about inclusion in youth services.
The modules dedicated to plain language and universal design offered practical tools to simplify communication materials and make them clearer, more accessible, and easier to understand. Participants worked together to rewrite complex texts, analyse communication practices, and co-create mini toolkits that they could later bring back to their organisations.
The training focused also on youth participation and co-creation. Participants explored methods to actively involve young people in improving communication strategies within organisations. Theatre, storytelling, roleplay, and non-formal education methods were discussed as powerful tools to create safe and inclusive communication spaces.
The final sessions encouraged participants to think long-term: how can inclusive communication become part of an organisation’s everyday culture rather than a temporary initiative? Through collaborative activities and strategic planning exercises, the group reflected on sustainable practices, organisational change, and the importance of small but consistent actions.
Beyond the workshops themselves, the Málaga experience was also about human connection. Shared meals, walks through the historic centre, conversations by the sea, and informal exchanges created a strong sense of community among participants. The welcoming atmosphere of the city, from the port area to the lively plazas and cultural spaces, offered the perfect setting for dialogue, inspiration, and exchange.
The That’s Clear! training in Málaga reminded all participants that inclusive communication is not only a professional skill, but also a way of building relationships based on empathy, accessibility, and mutual understanding. One clear word, one conversation, and one shared experience at a time.