earticle

영어

This study aimed to explore how youth participating in the Youth Council, one of the representative youth participation organizations, perceive changes in their core competencies through their involvement. While previous studies have examined the positive functions, effects, and meanings of youth participation organizations, few have investigated adolescents’ subjective perceptions of changes in their core competencies. To address this gap, this qualitative study involved six adolescents in their late teens who were serving as youth council members at a youth facility in City G. In-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The findings revealed five dimensions of perceived changes in core competencies: improved communication competence, including opinion coordination, communication skills, and confidence in public speaking; enhanced social-emotional competence, such as interpersonal skills, social development, and self-esteem through accepting others’ opinions; strengthened collaboration competence through achieving better outcomes and engaging in intergenerational networking within the local community; development of critical thinking skills; and career development in areas of personal interest. Based on these results, the study discusses implications for promoting youth participation and strengthening adolescents’ core competencies.