The objectives we achieved by implementing this project are the following: O1 Increased the level of inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities in non-formal learning activities of the 4 partner organizations by using the design thinking methodology; O2 Increased the level of networking and peer learning opportunities for youth workers from RO, HU, CZ, and MK to share and exchange practices to enhance youth inclusion in the context of digital transformation; O3 Built capacities among the 4 partner organizations to use digital means and tools to address social inclusion among young people with fewer opportunities and; designed, organized, and finalized a KA2 type of project.
We applied for this project to address the needs of our youth workers, staff, and the young people we work with. The motivation behind the project stemmed from the context generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which left young people more isolated and increased social inequalities, widening the gap for those facing fewer opportunities. With this project, we aimed to meet the needs of young people in overcoming some of the challenges they face post-pandemic. Another need that we have addressed with this project was the adaption of the youth work to the current tendency of the digital transformation. The four organizations had youth workers experienced in delivering non-formal learning experiences for youth with fewer opportunities, but their experience incorporating digital means into their youth work was limited, as well as reaching young people with fewer opportunities through digital means was more challenging, regardless of their obstacles. To address these needs, we considered that the design thinking methodology would be appropriate for our staff and youth workers to better understand youths' needs and devise creative solutions, as the methodology places the target group, namely the young people, at its center.