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First Steps into Changemaking: Discovering Purpose, Creating Social Change

2026-1-SI02-KA152-YOU-0003968042026Mobility of young peopleongoing
Countries: SI|HR|PT|RO|MK · Grant: €25,034
Physical and mental health, well-beingQuality and innovation of youth workPreventing radicalisation

Objectives

The project builds on the experiences and outcomes of the previous project Champions of YoEUth Dialogue and responds to identified needs of young people, youth organisations, and the youth sector in the context of contemporary social challenges. At the societal level, the project addresses the increasing social polarisation among young people, an increasingly conflictual and toxic communication climate, and the growing passivity of young people in youth work, where young people often remain mere participants rather than co-creators and carriers of processes. The project responds to these challenges through youth work practice that is based on a gradual developmental approach from the inside out – from personal identity and relationships towards active social engagement. A particular emphasis is placed on supporting the transition of young people from the role of participants to the role of Changemakers / Youth Leaders in the Making, supported by mentorship and youth-led approaches. Needs addressed by the project: At the level of young people, the project supports the development of personal identity, self-confidence and communication skills, strengthens the ability for constructive dialogue (also in digital environments), includes young people with fewer opportunities, and contributes to strengthening European awareness and active citizenship. At the level of society, the project contributes to creating spaces for dialogue, overcoming social bubbles and polarisation, and increasing the participation of young people in local and wider communities. At the level of partner organisations, the project supports the development of new youth leaders who are equipped to work with dialogue, conflict and group dynamics and are ready to take on greater responsibility within their organisations. At the level of the youth sector, the project contributes to revitalising the concept of youth-led youth work and strengthening the quality of youth work as a relevant response to contemporary social challenges. Project objectives: 1. To empower young participants in understanding their own identity, relationships and communication. 2. To encourage young people to engage courageously in social dialogue and to cooperate in searching for shared solutions together with those who think differently. 3.To support partner organisations in developing new youth leaders who will remain actively involved in youth work after the end of the project. In this way, the project directly contributes to the objectives of the Erasmus+ programme and Youth Exchanges by promoting non-formal learning, intercultural dialogue, European values, active citizenship, and the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities.

Project partners (5)