Innovation and Development in Erasmus+: Sharing Best Practices and Networking for Future Partnerships

ADICE kicked off the event with a brief overview of the four key priorities of the Erasmus+ program: Inclusion and Diversity, Environment and Fight against Climate Change, Digital Transformation, and Participation in Democratic Life. These priorities guide the creation and execution of projects that aim to address some of the most pressing challenges young people face today.

Inclusion and Diversity: Addressing Barriers to Participation

One of the highlights was the presentation of ADICE’s MIND project, a cornerstone of the Inclusion and Diversity Priority. This project addresses mental health issues among VET learners, a growing concern in today’s social climate. The MIND project is built around four key tools:

1. A Transnational Study that equips professionals with a deep understanding of mental health needs across Europe.
2. A Pedagogical Guide that provides practical methods for integrating mental health into professional settings.
3. A Training aimed at raising awareness and providing young people with strategies to care for their mental well-being.
4. A Digital Tool that encourages young people to practice socio-emotional skills independently.

The project sparked great interest among the participants, leading to discussions on future projects focusing on gender issues, adaptive sports for disabilities, and the integration of migrants.

Digital Transformation: The Shift to Hybrid Learning

In the Digital Transformation Priority, the emphasis is on using digital technology to enhance education and training. ADICE introduced its ePassport Project, which aims to improve hybrid and virtual mobility experiences for young people in VET programs. The project offers the following tools:

1. A Participants ePassport Platform, which helps participants build and manage their mobility project during online preparation and follow-up.
2. An eGuide for Online Departure Training, providing access to tools for preparing young people for virtual or hybrid mobility.
3. An eNotebook, facilitating ongoing communication between organizations and participants throughout their mobility experience.
4. An eFollow-up Guide to help professionals remotely monitor and support participants until their return.

These tools, available on ADICE website, enable organizations to maintain a close connection with young participants, even in virtual settings.

Volunteers Center Skopje (North Macedonia), also shared a project “ESC Ecosystems” to increase the project management tools of ESC organisations.

Discussions centered around app development, AI, and enhancing digital skills for youth workers, with a particular interest in promoting online safety for next future potential projects.

Environment and Fight Against Climate Change: Greening Digital Practices

The third Erasmus+ priority, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, seeks to promote eco-responsibility and sustainable development. ADICE presented its eGreen Project, available on ADICE website, which explores how digital technologies can be used more sustainably. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of digital tools and practices through four key components:

1. A Transnational Study assessing current digital practices and gathering recommendations for a greener digital transition.
2. A Practical Guide offering simple tools and day-to-day practices to help organizations reduce their digital carbon footprint.
3. A Training Program focused on analyzing the life cycle of digital devices and encouraging participants to design sustainable action plans.
4. An Online Quiz that allows individuals to evaluate their digital practices and receive personalized recommendations for reducing their environmental impact.

Participants were particularly enthusiastic about expanding green projects, suggesting future initiatives focusing on green competencies, eco-friendly office practices, waste reduction, and youth engagement in sustainability efforts.

Participation in Democratic Life: Fostering Civic Engagement

The final priority discussed was Participation in Democratic Life, which seeks to empower young people to engage in civic processes at local, national, and European levels. ADICE presented the MENTOR Project, designed to support youth organizations in establishing effective mentoring systems for mobility participants. The project delivers four essential tools:

1. A Transnational Study to identify mentoring needs in the youth sector, leading to the development of the Mentors+ method.
2. A Step-by-Step Mentoring Guide offering advice and strategies to help organizations set up mentoring systems.
3. A Mentor Training Program for former mobility participants or those who have lived abroad for at least three months, to prepare them for mentoring roles.
4. A Mentor-Mentee Portfolio, which facilitates the creation of mentoring pairs and helps track their progress throughout the mentoring relationship.

Fundacion Plan B Education Social also shared the “Keep Dreaming” project on mental health and youth participation that just ended with the multiplier event.

Participants were inspired to consider future projects that explore digital democracy, local youth councils, media literacy, and improving youth access to information, all aiming to strengthen youth involvement in democratic processes.

Looking Ahead: Collaborating on Future Projects

The event provided a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices. As the meeting concluded, participants discussed potential future collaborations.

ADICE will distribute its third newsletter on October 10^th. With the knowledge and inspiration gained during this meeting, partners are well-equipped to embark on new projects aligned with the Erasmus+ priorities.