The Breaking the Cycle project aimed to promote youth engagement and active citizenship in Europe, with a particular focus on including marginalized youth who are at risk of dropping out of school. Through a grassroots, learner-centered approach, we sought to raise awareness about the importance of completing education as a pathway to a better future. Our main objectives were: 1. Promoting Active Citizenship and Youth Empowerment - Increase the ability of partner organizations to foster youth empowerment, active citizenship, and social responsibility. - Encourage youth participation, initiative, and problem-solving through innovative, learner-centered methods. - Develop both hard and soft skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion. 2. Community Development and Social Inclusion - Strengthen the skills of adult educators in non-formal education. - Enhance student engagement in education and civic life. - Reduce school dropout rates among marginalized youth. - Foster safe and inclusive environments that encourage youth to continue their studies.
BTC aimed to tackle high educational dropout rates, youth unemployment, and social exclusion among young people in Europe, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. We adressed: -High NEET Rates & Social Exclusion:In 2021, 13.1% of youth (15-29) were NEET. BTC aimed to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship through essential skills training. -School Dropout & Educational Inequalities: With 9.7% of youth (18-24) leaving school early, BTC used non-formal education and digital learning to aid marginalized groups. -Post-COVID Employment Challenges: Youth employment fell by 2.3% from 2019 to 2020. We promoted economic resilience by providing skills modules. -Essential Skills for Employment & Entrepreneurship: Many educational systems overlook the mix of hard and soft skills needed in the modern labor market. We offered training to develop these competencies. -Active Citizenship & Social Innovation: By connecting youth with EU networks and local stakeholders, BTC encouraged civic engagement through workshops and peer-led initiatives. -Non-Formal Educational Approaches:Traditional education often fails marginalized students. We employed virtual training and gamified learning to engage at-risk youth better.