The project’s main objective was to improve the quality, innovation, and recognition of youth work by providing youth workers with a practical tool to promote inclusion and diversity in their work with young people. Specifically, the project aimed to: - Develop an inclusive educational board game based on Multiple Intelligences theory. - Train youth workers to apply the tool in formal, non-formal, and informal learning settings. - Support young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, by making learning playful and accessible. - Strengthen cross-border cooperation between Latvian and Bulgarian organisations and their local networks. - Promote non-formal education and increase recognition of youth work at local and European levels. - Build the capacity of the partner organisations working in the youth field.
Both partner organisations: SARVA (Latvia) and JAGADAMBA (Bulgaria) shared a strong interest in innovative youth work approaches, non-formal education, and in the practical application of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory. JAGADAMBA had already had an experience of applying MI theory in their events and trainings. Thus, it was decided to partner up and design a cooperative board game, by incorporating the theory of 8 Intelligences. The partners aimed to create an inclusive and playful learning tool that would empower youth workers and support diverse young learners. At first, this project aimed to contribute to increasing quality, recognition and innovation in the field of youth work (quality time with youngsters, innovative methods, developing competencies) At second, the project addressed the educational and social needs of young people facing learning difficulties, including structural limitations of the education system, individual learning needs that have been neglected, diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and physical, mental, or sensory impairments. These challenges often led to early school leaving and increased risk of young people becoming NEETs (not in education, employment or training).