The project - the European University Residence Network (EURN) - has its origin in the historical significance of university halls of residence and colleges in European education. The aim of the project to improve the effectiveness of non-formal learning with the young people who frequent the eight residences in the 6 participating countries. The results and impact of this project in the target audience will be on average 800 young people and 18-20 youth workers. To improve the effectiveness of non-formal learning, we will focus on four main priorities: more attractive education programmes run throughout the academic year in each residence that link academic excellence with a demanding job market; participatory approaches and ICT Methodologies shared on a public website and exchange platform to share experiences, insights, evaluations and good modes of practise; work on improved processes of recognition and validation of competencies acquired by the young people in the university residences; and finally aim for a more modern, dynamic, committed and professional environment inside the organisation, enhanced by the professional development and input of those working or active in the university residences. This will be carried out about real-time exchange (transnational meetings), virtual exchange (website, email, skype) with durable deliverables of a website and a guideline publication, also available in e-format. The impact will be far reaching: immediate effect will take place in the average 800 young people involved directly or indirectly in the eight residences and in the youth workers. Each will commit to organising a series of activities which will promote the development of young people in three main areas: Academic and Professional Input; Social awareness; fulfilled lifestyle Input – transmitting Soft Skills. Among the youth workers, we will share professional development plans through toolkits, tips, experiences, etc. This information will be shared on the website and a summary on the guideline of EURN. Dissemination of these results will reach 125 Halls of Residence which have an overall estimate of 17,000 students from 27 different universities in over 30 different cities across Europe through EUCA (European University College Association). The long term benefits will mean greater professionalism in organising and running non-formal learning platforms for young people and effectiveness of marketing and reviving the university halls of residence as a source of professional, academic, social development of young people - something which will always envisaged in the European historical context.
Context/background of the project: EURN (European University Residence Network) is a two-year strategic partnership between six countries (Ireland, Finland, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria and Portugal) to work together and share entrepreneurial skills/methods and joblink possibilities for young people. Each country worked closely with young people and shared and exchanged their experiences and insights in three transnational meetings and online through the EURN website/blog (www.eurn.org) and social media platforms. The conclusions were published in the EURN guidelines. The strategic partnership was created to encourage cooperation between University Residences. University Residences or Halls of Residences have a significant role for young people as a non-formal learning platform during their time in college. These Residences, apart from being places for accommodation, hold youth activities and support young people. All organisations in the strategic partnership are directly involved in managing University Residences. Objectives: 1. Develop content and skills to promote entrepreneurship in young people. Support and involve young people in entrepreneurial actions. 2. Create links between the academic world and the job market. Devise methodology and platforms that strengthen this link. 3. Recognition and validation of the competencies acquired young people. 4. Professional development of the management team in the residences. Improve cooperation between management and the young people. 5. Share content and exchange experiences on an online platform. Number and profile of participating organisations: • Ireland: Brosna Educational Centres Ltd is a registered charity that operates educational initiatives around Ireland: university residences, youth clubs, and adult education centres. (www.brosna.ie) • Austria. Studentinnenheim Währing, Verein für Bildungsinitiativen und Sozialhilfe is a non-profit association based in Vienna (www.waehring.or.at) • Slovenia. Kulturni center Vintgar. Fundacija Sursum is an non-profit and non-governmental organization, which was founded in 2007 in Ljubljana • Portugal. Residência Universitária dos Álamos is a youth association, non-profit, a university residence, a revitalizing cultural center promoting social solidarity activities (www.alamoslisboa.org) • Finland. Kulttuurin ja Kehityksen Edistämisyhdistys Ry (KKE), founded in 2006 (www.kke-finland.org) • Hungary. Budapesti Kulturális és Képzési Egyesület. A national NGO (www.fliget.hu) Description of undertaken main activities: Sep-Nov 2014: Preparatory Phase. Dec 2014: Transnational meeting (Ireland) Jan-Sep 2015: Implementation of objectives and plan of action. Evaluation. Oct 2015: Transnational meeting (Austria) Nov 2015-May 2016: Implementation of objectives. Dissemination. Evaluation. June 2016: Transnational meeting (Finland) July-Aug 2016: Final reflections. Evaluation. Results and impact attained: Direct impact: 163 young people and 20 youth workers benefited directly from the project. Indirectly through sporadic involvement of young people in the project: 302 other young people. Dissemination: 25 University Residences (estimating 750 young people from 32 different universities in over 20 different cities across Europe). Qualitative impact: higher standard in methodologies, improved strategies, greater involvement of young people, improved evaluative methods, professionalization of youth workers, stronger links between the young people and the job market. Long term benefit: Continuation of access to virtual resources and online publication and Improvement in good practices of cooperation and setting goals.