The aim of YES-SI was to empower young people to develop their own changemaker projects, recognise their potential and actively contribute to their community. They were encouraged to drive their personal and collective development through civic innovation. Young people were able to experience that they can shape a better future through their ideas and visions. Concrete measures included: inspiring activities to expand their skills, building new networks and teaching practical skills to shape social change themselves. By working with partner organisations, they learned to turn ideas into sustainable projects. The training course modules imparted knowledge, values and motivation so that they could take responsibility for local and global challenges. The project also provided training material for youth workers to offer innovative methods to support young people. With offers such as the YES-SI Changemaker Labs and the crowdfunding game, common values such as social justice and sustainability were strengthened and implemented in local initiatives.
By promoting social and civic engagement and democratic participation, the YES-SI project not only strengthens the European Youth Strategy 2021-2027, but also addresses key societal challenges such as climate change, migration and social inequalities. Young people, especially NEETs (young people without employment, education or training), are disadvantaged by poverty and social exclusion and have fewer opportunities to actively participate in social life. At the same time, many young people want to actively contribute to shaping the future, for example through movements such as "Fridays For Future". This is where YES-SI came in to support young people and youth workers with innovative, digital concepts and to promote their active participation in a sustainable and inclusive society. The transnational approach of the program with partners from five countries (DE, ES, EL, IT, IRE) also strengthened the European sense of community. Professional support has helped particularly disadvantaged young people to confidently represent their interests and get involved in networks to initiate change in their environment.