The project aimed to achieve several concrete results: a four-part methodology for youth workers (theory, digital tools, activities, podcasts), training and testing with target groups, an eHUB platform and virtual classroom, a competition for the best youth initiatives (YI) in partner countries, implementation of five winning YIs, five tutorial videos and five final conferences in partner countries. The partnership believed and still believes strongly after successfully completing this project, in supporting and encouraging youth as active societal participants, fostering their proactivity, self-awareness and engagement in societal issues. The project’s objectives included mentoring youth workers, supporting youth in realizing their ideas, empowering them with tools for YI formation and fostering active participation and collective spirit. It emphasized the role of youth workers in crisis situations and aimed to provide sustainable learning outcomes through training and the eHUB platform. The project aligns with priorities to foster innovative practices, youth engagement and active citizenship.
The motivation came from observing the current state of youth in local communities. We saw a rise in mental health problems among youth, leading to inactive lifestyles. We aimed to support young people to become active participants in their communities. Encouraging youth to form collectives and implement initiatives helps them see the changes they can make. Experiencing their own success motivates them to stay active. Post-epidemic, mental health issues have worsened, with increases in anxiety, attention disorders, depression and suicide. New issues like insomnia and anxiety from homeschooling have emerged. These problems stem from social isolation, loneliness and dysfunctional family environments, along with school lockdowns, movement restrictions and fear of illness or death of loved ones. Providing youth with opportunities for personal conversation, socialization and professional treatment is crucial. Active participation helps youth connect, find common ground and raise collective spirit. Youth initiatives offer a platform for sharing experiences and creativity. Our focus is to empower youth, ensure their engagement and provide tools for youth workers to guide and mentor them.