1. Integrating foreigners into the local community: the project brought expats together, fostering synergy, supporting them in finding accommodation and jobs, and organising events to encourage their participation. This approach managed to enhance social cohesion, promote the sense of European unity, and facilitated the integration of expats into the host community. 2. Creation of a multilingual information centre through Handshake web app: with the project we provided comprehensive info about the city, including accommodation, job opportunities and admin procedures. This digital tool contributed to facilitate access to essential information while boosting social inclusion and engagement among citizens. 3. Inclusion of diverse groups: the project managed to address the needs of young people who had faced social, cultural, and economic obstacles. By offering a tool that facilitated their search for work, study or leisure opportunities, the project promoted social inclusion and integration. 4. Increasing social activism: Through the organisation and promotion of intercultural events, the project encouraged active citizenship and fostered the daily commitment of all citizens to improving their cities.
The motivation for applying for this project stems from the recognition of the challenges faced by young foreigners in settling quickly in big cities. These challenges include bureaucratic hurdles, accommodation issues, employment difficulties, lack of social integration, and limited opportunities for peer interactions. Such difficulties often lead to demotivation and prompt individuals to leave the city. The Handshake project aimed to address these needs by promoting social inclusion in metropolitan areas. It envisioned the development of an app, offline events, and a social inclusion guide for major European cities. The project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 UN Agenda and the EU Youth Strategy. It was also meant as a first opportunity for french and italian partner to deal with Erasmus+ projects