Students from IU International University of Applied Sciences in Augsburg have joined forces across disciplines to address the issue of youth homelessness through innovative awareness campaigns. This project, a joint effort between Social Work and Media Design students, was implemented in cooperation with Stadtjugendring Augsburg, the city’s youth council.
Over the course of the semester, the students worked in multidisciplinary teams to conceptualise, design, and produce a range of campaign materials focused on the social problem of youth homelessness. The aim was to highlight the challenges faced by young people without stable housing and to reduce the stigma often attached to homelessness. Campaign outputs included poster series featuring real testimonials, short videos for social media, and proposals for public installations such as a symbolic “suitcase wall” representing personal loss and mobility, as well as interactive workshops for local schools. These were developed with input from both practitioners in social services and experts in communication and design.
The results were presented at a closing event in Augsburg, where representatives from local youth services, social organisations, and the municipal administration were invited to review and discuss the campaigns. The presentations featured creative concepts intended to reach young audiences, raise public sensitivity to the issue, and offer practical avenues for support or engagement.
Project supervisors from IU noted that the initiative provided students with an opportunity to apply their academic learning to a real-world challenge, while also gaining insights into professional collaboration and civic engagement. The cooperation between Social Work and Media Design brought together different perspectives, enabling a holistic approach to both the content and delivery of the campaigns.
Local partners expressed their appreciation for the students’ commitment and the fresh perspectives brought to a persistent social issue in Augsburg. The campaigns are expected to inform ongoing public communication efforts in the city and provide resources for organisations actively working with homeless young people.
For more information about the projects, see here.
