Objectives: The project aimed to provide e-learning opportunities for youth to enhance or cultivate from scratch their professional, entrepreneurial, and digital skills in the Cultural and Creative Industries. The scope targeted youth with limited access to educational opportunities and NEETs. Specific Objectives: - To provide e-learning opportunities to enhance youth's entrepreneurial, digital, professional, and creative skills via interactive learning and tailor-made educational possibilities. - To provide a manual for future youth entrepreneurs that will include tips and tricks for successful innovations in CCIs. - To provide guiding materials for youth organizations/ workers/ educators to include the created results in their training curricula.
We applied for this project to address the youth and NEET unemployment rates in the EU, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project addressed two main needs: - Limited employability and training opportunities in the Cultural and Creative Industries: EPICURIOUS was focused on this sector because CCIs promote youth employability, economic opportunities, innovation, and social inclusion. - Barriers to training and education: Traditional face-to-face training often requires outreach to cities and mentoring, which poses barriers for youth in remote areas. In addition, existing online learning platforms often require payment, which makes them inaccessible for many, particularly due to the rising cost of living. EPICURIOUS has succeeded in providing free online and personalized education and ensuring equal opportunities for all young people, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographical location. The project empowered youths with creative skills and digital tools, enhancing their employability.