By implementing the project, we wanted to prevent the exclusion risks that we had associated with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, by ensuring that young people and youth workers acquired practical and transferable AI competences. We aimed to achieve, first, an in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence, including the ability to use AI tools in daily personal and professional life, in youth work and in awareness and communication actions. Second, we wanted to provide young people with a concrete AIncrease Tool Kit in artificial intelligence, designed as an accessible resource that could be learned and reused beyond the mobility activities. Third, we wanted to boost AI capacities in youth communities, by motivating participants to transfer the Tool Kit locally and transnationally, while also strengthening awareness of ethical and responsible use, so that AI adoption supported integrity, fairness and informed decision-making.
We applied for the project because we had observed that the fast digital transition and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence had increased pressure on young people and youth workers, and it had created a risk of exclusion for those who lacked advanced digital skills. Through our context analysis and partner focus groups, we identified priority needs that affected both youngsters and youth workers, including low digital literacy, limited understanding of how AI worked, weak awareness of ethical and social implications, and uncertainty about employability in a changing labour market. We had also found that many young people perceived AI learning as too expensive or difficult and that high-quality free training opportunities had remained scarce, which increased inequality between those who accessed advanced tools and those who did not. The project addressed these needs by preparing youth workers to integrate AI into youth work and by providing young people with free, practical and responsible-learning resources to reduce marginalisation risks.