The project was designed to contribute to an increased quality of youth work through creation of new educational material and by providing formative and experiential opportunities for young people in the form of small-scale social projects based on entrepreneurial principles. A main focus has been the promotion of active citizenship, young people’s sense of initiative and social entrepreneurship. The project further addressed digital transformation by promoting social entrepreneurship with a positive use of the media, encouraging media literacy and digital marketing. Inclusion and diversity played a central role in all activities. Specific objectives addressed were - to promote digital entrepreneurship competences and social engagement of young people, ideas for innovative career paths and NFE opportunities - to foster quality youth work by providing educational material for youth workers to support young people in social projects - to strengthen capacities of youth work organizations in the fields of social entrepreneurship and digital media, and the inclusion of youth with fewer opportunities - to raise awareness on the potentials of youth participation for social innovation
Young people today face multiple challenges, including economic downturns, precarious employment, and the fallout from recent pandemics, which disproportionately affect them (Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe, 2020, EC). While strides have been made in reducing youth unemployment, there's still a need to improve job quality and the socio-economic landscape. Financial constraints, lack of experience, and limited knowledge about funding hinder young individuals from pursuing self-employment. Efforts to overcome these barriers and promote innovation can unleash young people's potential. However, the pandemic has exacerbated challenges, particularly in employment and social engagement. Yet, the crisis has highlighted the transformative power of digital media and entrepreneurial innovation for learning and professional development. The YISEM project has focused on digital entrepreneurship to empower young people to shape a more equitable future. Entrepreneurial skills not only drive business ventures but also foster problem-solving and risk-taking abilities. Post-pandemic societies demand adaptability and ingenuity from youth. Thus, inclusive approaches to digitalization and entrepreneurial support are crucial.