The primary objective of the project is to empower disadvantaged youth, particularly NEETs, migrants, and refugees, by equipping them with essential digital skills to improve their employability and social inclusion. In today's fast-evolving digital economy, many young people lack access to the necessary training to become competitive in the job market. By implementing this project, we aimed to bridge that gap through targeted digital literacy and coding courses. Moreover, the project sought to establish an open network of tech professionals and digital education schools, fostering long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing. This network would help youth build not only technical skills but also critical connections in the industry, increasing their chances of sustainable employment. The ultimate goal is to create a pathway for these young people to transition from marginalized backgrounds into active and contributing members of society, thereby addressing the broader issues of digital transformation, employability, and social integration at both national and transnational levels.
The rationale for applying for this project is grounded in the critical need to address the widening digital skills gap, particularly among disadvantaged youth, including NEETs, migrants, and refugees. As Europe and Türkiye move towards an increasingly digital economy, a significant proportion of young people lack the necessary digital competencies to participate fully, which greatly hinders their employability and social integration. Türkiye, for example, records one of the lowest levels of digital literacy within the OECD, a challenge further exacerbated by limited access to resources for disadvantaged groups. This project sought to respond to these needs by providing targeted digital skills and coding training, fostering employability and social inclusion. Furthermore, it aimed to establish a transnational network of tech professionals and digital education institutions, dedicated to supporting these vulnerable groups in becoming more competitive in the labor market. By addressing both the skills gap and social exclusion, the project aligns with broader objectives of fostering digital resilience, inclusivity, and collaboration across borders.