The main objective of the ROOTS project was to improve the employability of young people living in rural and remote areas. We wanted to help rural youth develop key skills such as digital project management, entrepreneurship, leadership and career planning. This would reduce barriers to employment, build confidence and inspire young people to create opportunities in their local communities. Another important aim was to strengthen the capacity of youth organisations to effectively support rural youth. We also wanted to encourage the exchange of knowledge between different regions by promoting cooperation between Greece and Italy. Through the development of a tailored curriculum, interactive training sessions and active community engagement, we aimed to equip young people with practical skills, create a cross-border peer network and raise awareness among local stakeholders of the potential of rural youth.
The ROOTS project was created to address the urgent need to improve the employability of young people living in rural and remote areas of Europe. Many young people in these regions face high unemployment, a lack of local opportunities and limited access to training. We applied for this project because we wanted to equip rural young people with skills relevant to today's labour market and help them create new opportunities in their communities. Through ROOTS, we aimed to address skills gaps such as entrepreneurship, digital literacy, leadership and career planning. The project also responded to the wider European goals of reducing youth unemployment and promoting inclusion. By developing a specific curriculum, providing interactive training and fostering local and cross-border networks, ROOTS helped young people build confidence, gain practical tools for employment or self-employment and feel more connected to their communities. The project strengthened cooperation between Italy and Greece and created a model that can inspire other rural areas across Greece and Italy.