The Cultural Threads project aims to empower young people through traditional crafts, intercultural learning, and non-formal education, promoting cultural heritage preservation, creativity, and social inclusion. From a youth work perspective, the project will foster personal growth, skill development, and community engagement, equipping participants with valuable competences that enhance both their individual potential and their role in society. 1. Main objectives of the project - Strengthening cultural awareness and heritage preservation Encourage young people to discover, appreciate, and preserve European cultural heritage through traditional crafts. Provide hands-on experiences where participants learn and practice traditional skills such as embroidery, weaving, ceramics, and woodworking. Bridge the gap between modern youth culture and traditional craftsmanship, demonstrating how heritage skills can be adapted in contemporary creative industries. - Enhancing intercultural dialogue and social inclusion Foster mutual understanding and respect among young people from different cultural backgrounds. Provide a safe and inclusive space where youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those with fewer opportunities, can connect and collaborate. Promote social cohesion and diversity by integrating elements of each participating country’s craft traditions. - Developing key competences and soft skills Strengthen participants’ creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on skills through practical craft workshops. Improve communication, teamwork, and leadership skills by engaging in peer-to-peer learning and collaborative projects. Enhance entrepreneurial thinking, showing how traditional crafts can be used for self-employment, social enterprises, and sustainable business models. - Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices Raise awareness about environmentally responsible crafting techniques, including the use of natural and recycled materials. Encourage sustainable consumption by highlighting the value of handmade products over mass production. Align project activities with Erasmus+ Green Travel guidelines, promoting low-impact transportation and zero-waste initiatives. - Encouraging active Youth participation and community engagement Empower young people to become cultural ambassadors by sharing their learning through community workshops and local initiatives. Encourage the creation of youth-led projects that integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern digital tools and entrepreneurship. Establish long-term connections between youth, artisans, and organizations to ensure the continuity of cultural exchange and learning. 2. Expected achievements from a Youth work perspective By the end of the project, we expect the following outcomes: Participants will have increased confidence and motivation in engaging with cultural heritage and non-formal education. Young people will have developed new practical skills that can contribute to future career paths in creative industries and cultural preservation. The project will foster a strong sense of belonging, inclusion, and European identity, reducing stereotypes and promoting intercultural cooperation. Participants will be better equipped to lead and organize local youth initiatives, transferring their experiences to their peers and communities. Partner organizations will have strengthened their youth work methodologies, incorporating craft-based learning into their regular programs. The Cultural Threads project will combine cultural heritage, youth development, and sustainability to create a meaningful and impactful learning experience. By equipping young people with practical skills, intercultural competence, and social responsibility, we will foster youth engagement, creativity, and long-term cultural preservation.