Special Issue: International Youth Day

ISSN 2704-6540

youthemploymentmag.net

Special Issue

International Youth Day 12th of August 2022

The voices of our EEA&Norway Grants' supported youth

I am…

I am the clay, the potter’s earth In your hands, to transform from dirt Into a thing of beauty.

I am the word, alone in your soul, Link me to others, to make a glorious whole Of sonnets, plays and novels.

I am the oil, dormant on the palette From where you will start To paint great works of art.

I am the note, nascent, for now, That your genius will allow Give birth to the beauty of a symphony.

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I am the outlier of society; I am uneducated; I am untrained; I am unemployed.

I am Roma, I am Rural, I am Refugee; I am voiceless in a circus of cacophony; I am an orphan in a world of families; I am grey in a palette of colour.

I am pilgrim in a foreign land Beyond my heart’s extended reach, take my hand.

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I am humanity, whose percussion and beat Form the rhythms of the universal street.

I am the project, crafted by care We are the network, linked by empathy.

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I am the sharer, do not call me donor I am your friend, not your benefactor.

I do not question, judge or condemn; Our souls share the same journey.

In another sphere I am you and you are me; United we are one, together we are the world.

Tom’s special poem for our youth Thomas Mc Grath

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Voices from our Youth ‘Intergenerational Solidarity: creating a World for all Ages’ For youth, with youth, towards youth. Youth always come first, no matter which Fund, Donor or Programme we consider. The European Year of Youth helped us to learn it. Year 2022, hopefully, will be considered an important milestone for new, innovative and constructive policies.

And this is the path we all have been following: investing on youth. With this special edition, we decided to crown the last results and successes achieved but in a different way: this issue is not a collection of the Fund for Youth Employment Projects’ activities, but a sort of showreel of youth voices. Young people that had and still have the opportunity to benefit from funded actions, such as the ones guaranteed by the EEA and Norway Grants’ Regional Funds.

And then what better day to celebrate these words than on the occasion of the International Day of Youth?

This special has been constructed thanks as well to ‘external’ contributions, thoughts and ideas, demonstrating that networking is still a mean for better policies. And this is a lesson learned through the participation of the YE Projects and the entire Fund as unique entity at some collateral initiatives of the European Year of Youth, organised by the European Union.

During the stakeholders and national coordination groups’ meetings, it has been a pleasure to experiment a huge flow of knowledge sharing.

From DG EAC to National Contact Points, there is much we can learn from each other. Personally, I had the occasion to talk with various people representing the National Agency for Erasmus+ (Youth and Sport) and European Solidarity Corps programmes, and guess what!

Some of them are representing our Donors’ countries, respectively Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You could wonder why I am mentioning them, and I can tell you that we have exchanged some thoughts and cornerstones, ideas for the general next steps of this sort of European path towards innovative youth policies. And it is important, in my opinion, to mention them since they represent the focal points into our Donors’ countries and, last but not least, the Norwegian Funds started their negotiation with the European Union into the 15 targeted countries.

And, about number, this is an important occasion to share with all of you some other data, that you will find in the infographic prepared for that special. Today, just considering the fund for Youth Employment, across 33 Projects (out of which 10 already ended and delivered their final results) we can count not only 262 partners (among lead, experts and beneficiary), but especially 18.329 NEETs/target groups engaged in active job search, 16.040 former NEETs/target groups enrolled in education and training, including work-based learning, 513 new services targeting young unemployed established, strengthened or adopted, 72 best practices identified and disseminated and 34 research collaboration activities across institutions.

Giving you these numbers is worth it as a demonstration of the real benefits guaranteed by the Regional Funds: while they are related to the Fund for Youth Employment, we have to thank all the Fund for Regional Cooperation Fund’s that contributed to that special edition with great contents.

Actually, I am really glad of what the Projects, both from the Fund for Youth Employment and the Fund for Regional Cooperation, have been doing to create, alongside us, this Special:

THANK YOU ALL !!!!

For your engagement and your energy, because you demonstrated that success stories coming from ‘our’ supported youth are tangible.

And, please, go and see the message coming from our ‘special friends’ of the Fund for Regional Cooperation, the Project Transnational partnership for social inclusion of children with developmental disabilities.

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I say ‘special’, and I am convinced that this adjective will be interpreted in a positive way, because we all know that other big challenges, for some youth, are depending on different factors alongside the socioeconomic ones.

And we do care about all, since the Regional Funds support each youth.

Those are just some of the reasons why it is important to bring together key youth stakeholders, youth representatives, from inside and outside the context of EEA & Norway Grants, in order to put in place and support the development and coordination of various activities around. Now and in the future. And we decided to celebrate this ‘direction’ in the occasion of this specific day, dedicated to our main target group. And the message that the Fund for Youth Employment would like to give, thanks to those ‘testimonials’, is that young people are not seldom hard, and they can benefit from those opportunities, such as the ones they are telling us through their stories.

Pandemic, as we unfortunately all know, has worsened the conditions of some youth, we talked about it in the last number of our YE Mag. But I don’t want to concentrate on negative effects. At the opposite, I would stress the great content of contributions here below, while at the same time remembering the theme selected to that day.

The 2022 International Youth Day is dedicated to ‘intergenerational solidarity: creating a world for all ages’ And we, as Fund Operator, believe that this special issue can be part of this tentative, this objective. And everyone that will scroll those pages will agree, for sure, with us: we need to continue to leverage the full potential of all generations, especially the youngest one, youth which are just approaching the ‘real world’, some of them faster than others. That is why solidarity across generations is important, and it is fundamental collaborating to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships.

A lot of challenges remain and new will come, but this special issue wants to be a sort of ‘call to action’ for anyone working with and for young people, such as we do, to achieve shared goals of empowering and supporting our young people, in order that no one is left behind.

We believe that those pages will reinforce this path, while continuing to raise awareness.

Hoping that there will be some ‘food for thought’, enjoy our testimonials’ voices

Gian Luca Bombarda The Fund Director

The Fund Operator warmly thanks all the Projects that contributed to this Special Issue.

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Year of Youth The last two years and the negative effects that came with the COVID-19 pandemic have had a tremendous impact on our lives, and they have been especially challenging for young people. That is why the EU has designated 2022 the European Year of Youth. “We owe it to the generations who suffered most in the pandemic and now need to take back their lives.”, said European Commission Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas. 1 Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway support young Europeans through several programmes across Europe. The aim is to ensure that young people receive good quality offer of employment, education and training. The Fund for Youth Employment is the EEA and Norway Grants flagship programme for youth.

Unlike the ordinary programmes funded by the Grants, this €60.61 million Fund established in 2017 has a transnational focus – it helps entities across Europe pooling their efforts to find new ways of reducing youth unemployment. By 2021, €52 million have been assigned to 33 projects to empower youth, through activities such as fostering entrepreneurship, creating work opportunities for youth with disabilities and improving access to the labour market for young migrants.

“I am proud of all the great results we have achieved so far with this Fund. Today, more than 10 000 young Europeans are enrolled in education and training thanks to the EEA and Norway Grants – and we expect this number to rise considerably by 2023.”, says Henning Stirø, Managing Director at the Financial Mechanism Office (Secretariat of the EEA and Norway Grants).

Through a total of 33 projects and 262 partners, the Fund for Youth Employment aims to combat youth unemployment in Europe by tackling some of the major challenges affecting our youth: lack of jobs, risk of social exclusion, unequal social and economic development in Europe, and discrimination of vulnerable groups.

“This year’s issue of the Youth Employment Magazine is published today on the International Youth Day, and I welcome all the readers to learn more about the projects and results achieved through the EEA and Norway Grants.”, says Stirø.

Here are a few highlights of the achievements from the Youth Employment Fund so far: •

+10 600 NEETs 2 are now enrolled in education and training

•

+7 400 NEETs have searched for jobs

•

+1 600 NEETs in the process of starting their own business

•

almost 1 000 new jobs created

Raquel Torres Prol Communication Officer Financial Mechanism Office

1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_6648 2 a young person who is no longer in the education system and who is not working or being trained for work.

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International Youth Day: human rights of children and young people between today and tomorrow 2022 has been officially proclaimed as the European Year of Youth in order to give voice and space to young people, who are negatively affected by the last years of crisis and the pandemic’s impact on their lives. As we can agree, the concern on the rights of young people should be constantly raised and it should also be a formal commitment to consider young people's needs in current and future policy-making; but only in 1998 a resolution proclaiming 12 August as International Youth Day was adopted in the context of United Nations system with the aim of bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in global society.

In occasion of this important day, I would like to highlight the reflections arose during the participation to the at the second Annual Conference on the Global State of Human Rights, jointly held by European Parliament and the Global Campus of Human Rights on 15-16 July 2022 in Venice, Italy.

The Conference theme was specifically dedicated to the impact of human rights violations on children and young people and was attended by academics, experts and representatives from European Union institutions, United Nations and civil society. Also, the event was attended by children and young people from different countries, who shared their personal experience with human rights violations.

The conference was structured in three different panels, dealing with, on the one hand, the human rights challenges posed on children’s life in some of the countries affected by conflicts and, on the other, the crucial role of children and young people as actors of change.

In dialogue with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Nobel Prize laureate Denis Mukwege and others UN and EU experts, the event underlined the fate of children in armed conflicts, trafficking or others forms of violence of which they are victims.

Participants shared concern about the growing threats to human rights and democratic systems. Nowadays the civil society is facing big challenges, such as migrations, climate change, conflicts, gender gap issues, economic inequalities etc. The main victims of all these are children and young people who aren’t aware of the enormous difficulties and traumas will they develop in their growth. For this reason, the panelists and moderators agreed on the importance to strengthen their protection and promotion, in order to guarantee them a future as drivers of change.

Two main considerations emerged during the dialogue and were shared by most of the participants. First, the need to pay greater attention to the mental health of children and young people, especially after the social restrictions and economic impact caused by the Covid pandemic. This aspect is as important and crucial as it is influential on the development of skills and quality of life of children and young people who live in peripheral areas and come from disadvantaged and poor backgrounds. These latter have the right to live a life worthy and consistent with their age of development.

The second aspect is the fundamental importance of the prevention. In the last decades, the global community has experimented challenges and crisis in many countries around the world, but most of the time it has been reluctant to intervene. This conduct could generate dangerous effects and worsen the social and economic situations especially for children and young people. We have the responsibility to act as soon as possible in all aspects of life, psychological, social, economic, etc. Another crucial issue related to the prevention actions is the climate efforts, with effective ecological mechanisms we need to take now to save not only the future of our planet and all its inhabitants, but also to give hope to the youth generation.

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At the end of the two-days conference, the conclusive message is that we must act now in defense of children and youth rights. We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind”. The only way to obtain a sustainable global governance is to involve and include children and young people in the decision-making structures, bringing light on their needs and complaints.

The world is still changing and, especially after the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in our lives, it is more necessary than ever to pay attention and raise awareness to the main issues of the society nowadays which can only be resolved giving voices to the young people. This should be not only a commitment, but more a promise for future generation, for the growth and the progress of the global civil society.

References: https://gchumanrights.org/news-events/latest-news/news-detail-page/global-state-of-human-rights-secondhigh-level-conference-4836.html https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/iyd2022.html https://pmnch.who.int/news-and-events/events/item/2022/08/12/international-days/international-youthday---2022 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/EPRS/TD_Youth_Day_2022.pdf

From the Fund Operator Victoria Tokatzian

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Inclusion through sports for children with developmental disabilities

Nine international partners are encouraging social inclusion of children and young people with intellectual disabilities The beginning of 2021 coincided with the start of "Inclusion through sport for children with developmental disabilities" - an international project whereby 9 partners encourage inclusion of children and youth with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), and improve the cognitive, social and motor skills of children with ID. The partner organizations work in Ireland, Iceland, Poland, Romania, Montenegro, Slovakia, Lithuania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Olympics Romania program. The project "Inclusion through sports for children with developmental disabilities" is the result of many years of work and innovation in the field of disability. Together with our partners we will bring a new and unified approach to the big challenge of social inclusion of children and young people with developmental disabilities. We address this challenge by bringing them to sports activities where they can show their skills and abilities."

Cristian Ispas, General Manager of Motivation Romania Foundation and National Director of Special Olympics Romania: "In 1995 we created Motivation Romania Foundation to fight for the rights and independent life of people with disabilities. In 2003 we proposed a new beginning for the Special

Special Olympics partners organize educational workshops for coaches to train them to engage in team sports children with ID aged 6 - 12. The motivation and enthusiasm that the coaches gained during the two-day workshops was felt in the first trainings with the children. Already, more than 2,000 children with

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and without ID aged 6 to 12 participated in the sports trainings and events of the project, alongside over 1,000 youth volunteers, coaches and parents.

Family Health Forums for parents of children with ID provide helpful advice from health experts about healthy life styles, physical activity, recommendations for parenting or advocating for children with ID. Participating parents did not hide their excitement and gratitude for the opportunities the project creates for children with ID to be valued and involved in the community.

Sports trainings and events for children with and without ID are great for building friendships and team spirit, in addition to being necessary for children’s growth and development. Parents of participating children without ID believe that inclusion is learned and lived from an early age. They are proud that their children play, help and share successes with peers regardless of their abilities.

The European project "Inclusion through sports for children with developmental disabilities" is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation. The project is coordinated by Motivation Romania Foundation in partnership with Special Olympics Romania, SO Iceland, SO Slovakia, SO Lithuania, SO Bosnia and Herzegovina, SO Montenegro, SO Europe Eurasia Foundation and Poznan University of Physical Education.

Project’s website: https://inclusivesportsforchildren.eu/ You can contact us: Motivation Romania Foundation comunicare@motivation.ro Monica Tăutul

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Find your way to the world of work

Don't listen to those who are afraid to try new things! Many people are ashamed to ask for help, because they think it will make their worth less. But that's not true!

Towards their dreams Ever since the youth mentors of Caritas Alba Iulia have been guiding young people’s career path through the Find Your Way to the World of Work programme, countless transylvanian teenagers were able to discover their individual skills, develop their abilities and complete their secondary school studies. Many of them have passed their graduation exams, are preparing for evening classes or university, and some of them are already working. Barna Lukács, Dániel Dobondi, Noémi Tófalvi, Csilla Virág and Blanka Barabás are among them. They are cheerful young people, living in Gheorgheni, Zetea, Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul and Cristuru Secuiesc. They all have big dreams and are working hard to achieve them.

How did they get here and what are their plans? – they tell us.

Why did you take part in the project?

Barna Lukács: Because I liked the way mentors held activities for us in school. I joined the programme three years ago, at the beginning of ninth grade. I liked the brain teasers, logical tasks and board games the most.

Dániel Dobondi: I found it very interesting. Friends have told me that they went on trips frequently, the companionship is very good, and one can learn a lot.

They were right.

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Noémi Tófalvi: Because I wanted to find a job. I thought that was the only thing mentors did. Then I found that there were way more opportunities in the programme.

Csilla Virág: Because mentors – who came to our school to present the programme – aroused my interest. I started to have individual conversations with them. I was glad that I could get to know myself better and I hope I will find my way, soon.

Blanka Barabás: I joined the programme because it offered support and development opportunities.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training?

Barna Lukács: I had to move away from my home village, because there was no school, no work opportunities and my parents were divorced, too. It was hard to be alone. In all those three years I went to school, one of my biggest fears was that I would fail a subject. Unfortunately, it happened once. I was also afraid that I wouldn't have a place to live and find a job in the country.

Dániel Dobondi: I do not feel that I had any difficulties or fears worth mentioning.

Noémi Tófalvi: When I couldn't go to school, one of my biggest fears was that I would miss out on

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something I would find difficult or impossible to catch up on later.

Csilla Virág: When I went to school, transportation was my biggest problem. Traveling by bus was too expensive, so I commuted by train. I got up at 5.30 a.m., walked four kilometers to the station and the same distance back, every day. It was exhausting. I regretted not moving to a boarding school, because then I wouldn't have had to travel so much and I could have had more fun. I could have gone to folk dance classes, played football and badminton.

Blanka Barabás: When I started the programme, I still went to school. It was hard to pay attention to keep up with both.

What did our project enable you to do?

Barna Lukács: A lot of experience, expertise and useful knowledge. I was able to participate in camps, meet people and learn Romanian better. I received support to go to the dentist. Thanks to the programme, I finished school and found a job. I recently passed my vocational exams and now I am officially a car mechanic. I have been working in my profession for a month and a half and I love my job. At the moment the programme contributes to my housing, so that I can continue living and working in Gheorgheni.

Dániel Dobondi: Multi-faceted development in the fields of communication, getting to know people, working in a team, adaptation and acceptance.

Noémi Tófalvi: I had the opportunity to meet new people in the thematic clubs and camps where I gained experiences that will be useful in life. During individual conversations and other programmes, I had the opportunity to set new goals and get to know myself better.

Csilla Virág: Thanks to the programme, I was able to take extra math lessons, which I really needed, otherwise I wouldn't have passed my final exams.

Blanka Barabás: It showed me the importance of caring and listening to each other; that there is something good in everyone, including me; that blossoming is not a sin; that it is okay to belong to a community, to be open, accepting and accepted. At the same time, I had the opportunity to finish a hairdressing course, which is the first step towards the life I want to live.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

Barna Lukács: I learned self-control, gained confidence and got to know myself better. I developed my personal and communication skills. I learned to notice when people are struggling with problems and to help them, too. I can concentrate and work in a group better.

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Dániel Dobondi: Whenever I went to a session, I always learned something new and met people. I know that all these experiences and contacts will benefit me in the future.

Noémi Tófalvi: The programmes taught me communication, camera handling techniques, CV writing, job searching strategies and prepared me for job interviews. I have improved my self-awareness, increased my self-esteem and I am mindful of valuing others.

Csilla Virág: I got to know myself better. Mostly because of the conversations I had with the mentors, but also because of the self-awareness tests, board games and vocational camps where I could try out different professions. I don't know yet what I want to learn in the future, but I do know what I don't. Beauty industry, for example, is not for me. I am interested in environmental protection. I love the nature and try to take care of its purity. I pick up the rubbish when I see it lying around. I admit that there was a time when I was littering. I also like numbers, and I like working with people. I would like to have a job where I can add something to the world.

Blanka Barabás: I learned that existence is not equal with life.

What are your plans for the future?

Barna Lukács: I would like to enroll for an evening course in interior design. This takes two years. After that, I can take my final exams. Then I want to get a driver's license, buy a car and a house. I would like to work abroad.

Dániel Dobondi: I would like to graduate and get a very good, secure job.

Noémi Tófalvi: I have bigger and bigger plans, such as working abroad as an Au Pair, travelling, meeting new cultures, volunteering.

Csilla Virág: I would like to go to a university, but I don't know yet what faculty to choose. I would like to move to Cluj Napoca. It seems scary, but cool at the same time. In the summer I would like to do some seasonal work: waitressing or sales, because they are in demand. But I would also like to go to camps. I would like to learn to drive a car.

Blanka Barabás: In the future I would like to work in my own beauty salon and publish my book.

How are young people living in Europe today?

Barna Lukács: I think, there are a lot of opportunities for young people in Europe today, including jobs and projects. Everyone lives differently, but if one would like to work, can find a job. At the beginning it’s hard, but if you have the drive, the strength and the will, you can progress. It's hard when you have no place to live and earning a living is a constant problem. Another difficulty for many of us is !12

constant problem. Another difficulty for many of us is the lack of experience and poor language skills.

Dániel Dobondi: In my opinion, young people today are not in their best period. They are always staring at their phone screens. I find that there is little physical contact in between people. We become more and more absorbed by the digital world without noticing how deep we are. Today for young people it’s important to earn a lot of money in a short time with little effort.

Hard school subjects and the graduating exams are some other difficulties.

Noémi Tófalvi: Europe offers many opportunities for young people to travel and develop. But in terms of work, it is difficult for a young person without experience: they earn low wages, they find it difficult to support themselves and hardly have any time for fun and rest.

Csilla Virág: Today, a young person has to meet a lot of expectations. They are expected to behave like an adult, to know what they want, where they would like to continue their studies, what kind of profession they want to choose. In a short time, under serious pressure, we are supposed to make important decisions we are not ready for. We do not know enough about ourselves or our educational options.

We are alone in this situation. Luckily, there are mentors! Without them, I would never ever thought to go to a university. There are some universities whose representatives visit the secondary schools and present their institutions’ faculties, indeed, but their number is so low. Beside this, the majority of them hold the presentations in Romanian, which many people barely understand. This is also a difficulty for many young people.

Blanka Barabás: I think it's hard to be a young person today, yet an invaluable condition. This programme has been the best opportunity for me so far!

each other and the world.

Csilla Virág: I dare you to ask for help! I don't like it either, but sometimes you have to admit that it's necessary. And when an opportunity like this comes along, don't let it pass you by!

Blanka Barabás: If you dare to dream, dare to act!

Join in!

Written by: Júlia Orbán Translated by: Andrea Árkosi

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before the project?

Barna Lukács: It's worth joining, because you'll only learn and have great experiences. The mentors are helpful and you can always count on them. They provide lots of opportunities. It's good to have them!

Dániel Dobondi: I would say, go for it! Don't listen to those who are afraid to try new things! Many people are ashamed to ask for help, because they think it will make their worth less. But that's not true! On the contrary: you will be more and you can only improve!

Mentors help a lot. Don't be afraid, they don't bite. You won't regret it if you take the plunge.

Noémi Tófalvi: My message is to develop yourselves, to spend as much meaningful time as possible with yourselves, to take time to get to know and understand Special Issue: International Youth Day

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Find your way to the world of work

Many young people struggle to move and do not have many goals to strive for. My message to them is to study and find a purpose in life that they really want to achieve.

Gyuri a professional welder and also more I joined the program because it offered many opportunities that appealed to me. Gabor, my mentor, and the other youngsters in the group, with whom I also connected, were nice. At that time, I did not always get along with my classmates and other young people living in the dormitory. I think that since then also thanks to the program - I have managed to overcome the integration difficulties. The other difficulty for me was studying. Not professional subjects, because I liked them, but rather maths.

Fortunately, I received tutoring, so I could also pass the maths exams. It was very good in the program that I could participate in all kinds of sessions. In one of the camps, for example, we shot together a video clip. I think during this period my determination to get a job in my profession and become a welder became stronger. Fortunately, the company, where I did my practice during the school hired me to work after I got my degree, and I was able to gain significant experience here. It is important for me to be able to share the advantages and disadvantages of the welding Special Issue: International Youth Day

profession with children who still need to decide where they want to continue their studies after elementary school. For example, back then I decided based on videos that I liked this profession.

I thought I would give it a try, it wouldn't be a problem. If a child applies for this profession, it is good if he is aware that he can earn good money, but it is quite physically demanding. It's a good feeling when I met a child on a career orientation day, and a year later he was already attending our school. I am proud that I have become a good professional and have been able to work in my profession in Germany for a few months. Many young people struggle to move and do not have many goals to strive for. My message to them is to study and find a purpose in life that they really want to achieve. If they do that, they can be successful.

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Find your way to the world of work

I had a thousand reasons not to be at school “My dream is to one day be completely integrated.” These are the words of 22year old Ivan Borisov, a young Roma man born and raised in the Bulgarian capital.

It is rare that you’ll hear such words from a young person from a vulnerable group.

His awareness, however, only amplifies his ambition to develop and improve himself.

Ivan graduated from the Professional High School of Textile and Leather Products where he put in a lot of effort into becoming a straight-A student and where he achieved good results. His good skills and dexterity led him to participate in quite a few dressmaking contests, he was sewing and traveling around the country and at some point he even started imagining how this would one day be his profession.

However, in school Ivan found not only his professional calling, but his big love too. She was sixteen, he – seventeen. And unlike most young people their age, who would continue studying, they got married.

“This is what’s accepted in our community, there is no going back once you’ve been with the girl, this is an exceptionally important moment in Roma tradition and our parents were very adamant that we get married”, says Ivan.

“I had to quit school and start taking care of our home and my wife. I was only in the 9th grade when we got married.” Soon after, their daughter was born.

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I had a thousand reasons to quit and give up, but I haven’t.

Because I knew exactly what I was doing and what I wanted to achieve, what I owe to myself and my family.

“I had a thousand reasons to quit and give up, but I haven’t. Because I knew exactly what I was doing and what I wanted to achieve, what I owe to myself and my family. A lot of my classmates dropped out and stopped going to school at an even earlier point because they weren’t literate enough and didn’t know Bulgarian well. This was the main reason they couldn’t continue, they couldn’t understand the lessons. But I wanted to continue, I had made it this far. In the end, when I saw the diploma in my hands, I started crying from happiness, it was simply amazing and at the same time motivated me all the more to continue with my education”, shares Ivan.

Soon after he graduated, the young man saw the advertisement for free English lessons which the Trust for Social Achievement was offering through their “First Steps for Professional Development” project. At first, Ivan didn’t believe the offer was real and thought it was some kind of hoax. Still, he decided to send in the required documents and soon after he was contacted back. “I was very happy as I could see my dreams come true one after another, I completed A1 Special Issue: International Youth Day

successfully, and I decided that if the course continued with the higher levels, I would definitely sign up”, says Ivan. While continuing to study English, the boy passes on the acquired knowledge to small children whom he knows through the church near where he lives.

“I’ve felt my parents’ support throughout my entire journey. But I’m very grateful to the foundation too, and especially to Olya Georgieva. When you’re not doing so well or you’re losing motivation, it’s very important to have someone listen to you and give you the necessary strength to continue, to believe that you can achieve more”, says the young man. At present, Ivan works as a cook. Very soon he’ll have a Master’s degree in Psychology. What he wishes for himself – to continue not giving up.

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StayOn

Interview to Damien Donovan, Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland What did learn you while participating in our project?

I learned many new skills through the StayOn project, like manual handling, teamwork, problem solving, health and safety at work, and communications. I received my safe pass training too, and found out about other supports that are available to me. I learned a lot about myself and what I want for my future, by participating in this project.

Why did you take part in our project?

I took part in this project because it offered a training workshop that I knew could really help me to find a job in the construction industry. I received great coaching support too and I was able gain new skills, update my CV, make a plan for my personal development and quickly look for full-time employment.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

My biggest concern was gaining employment - the job market here is competitive. There are many different health and safety requirements that are needed for this type of work (construction), and it can be really expensive to get all of these. The cost of living in Ireland is now very high, and it is hard for young people with families to support, to get the money needed for all of these things before even looking for a job.

What did our project enable you to do?

The StayOn project enabled me to get some of the health and safety training that I need to find work in the construction industry. The coaching was very helpful and I was able to make a plan for my future that will help me to get a reliable job that I enjoy doing to support my family. Even after participating in this project, I know that my coach and the Meath Partnership team will support me if I need more help.

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What are your plans for the future?

My short-term plan is to find reliable work that I like to do, and that provides a steady income to support my family. In the near future, I hope to start my own construction business where I can help other young people by employing them for permanent full-time work.

How are young people living in Europe today?

The cost of living in Ireland today is expensive. Rent prices are very high, and childcare and fuel costs are beginning to be unmanageable for a lot of people. It can be very hard for young people to get full-time work. It is difficult to find full-time work the construction industry because many job contracts are for short periods of time. I am not sure about the rest of Europe, but I think that many young people are finding the situation difficult.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

There are a lot of supports for young people who want to make better lives for themselves, and the StayOn project helped me to realise this. Participating in this project has provided me with necessary skills for employment, helped me to see my potential and given me new hope for my future, and for my family’s future. If you get the chance to take part in the StayOn project – do it, you won’t regret it!

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Interview to Marta Silva, Terceira Island– Azores

StayOn

Why did you take part in our project?

For the help and support they promised and gave me, namely in the active search for employment, in the creation of a curriculum that would differentiate itself, in the support in the steps of my application process for microcredit support and also gave me solutions to increase my schooling.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

My biggest goal is to be an example for my children, but with the requirements they ask nowadays, which are 'experience' and 'a minimum schooling of 9th or 12th grade', it's very difficult to get a job, because I was called to participate in interviews, and ended up running out of arguments when they asked me about my qualifications, which in my case is the 4th year.

What did our project enable you to do?

Stayon project gave me new tools and a constant support in my application for microcredit support to open my business, through the preparation of the CV, preparation of a dynamic presentation of my business plan and preparation for the interview. At the moment I am in the final stage to receive this support and I hope it will be successful.

What did learn while participating in our project?

The project offered me two very important trainings "Digital Skills for Opening My Own Business" and "Entrepreneurial Skills", which were all linked to the process I was in and, therefore, I was better prepared for the microcredit support interview, as I was able to answer questions about possible partnerships and how to use digital platforms for business organization (balance of accounts).

What are your plans for the future?

It is the opening of the business itself, a retrogamming retail shop with the aim of buying and selling old technologies and board games and repairing those same technologies (consoles, playstation and laptops).

How are young people living in Europe today?

In Europe I don't know, but here in Portugal the life of young people is very complicated in my opinion.

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Even those who have just finished their studies don't get jobs because they ask for people with experience, but for us young people, to have experience someone has to give us an opportunity. Besides, these difficulties then don't allow us to leave our parents' house and we end up starting our lives later than we would like.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

That young people accept every opportunity that passes through their hands because sometimes there are no second chances. And to all those who have doubts, this project has a special focus on the person themselves and that is why it is worth it. !18

Cowork4YOUTH analysis As an analysis and research project, Cowork4YOUTH is mainly focused on academic research and policy recommendations.

The direct beneficiaries are identified in the proposal as the long-term unemployed and young NEET mothers. The structure of the project, however, is such that these direct beneficiaries are to be engaged at a later stage.

We feel, however, that our contribution to the European Youth Year goals is not limited to our end beneficiaries. Cowork4YOUTH also provides an opportunity for two young scientists to enter the world of academia through their PhD research within the project. This is also important within the framework of the Unlocking Youth Potential analysis and research projects’ general goals.

We have therefore decided to conduct an interview with one of the PhD students doing their research through the Cowork4YOUTH project. Dimitris Manoukas is conducting his PhD at Pantion University’s Institute for Urban Environment and Human Resources, the lead partner of the project, on the subject of sustainable employment, collaborative workspaces, and platform economy. He has a background in Cultural Studies, Creative Education, and Cultural Management and has a particular interest in creating impactful digital and physical grassroots communities.

Cowork4YOUTH

As an Analysis & Research project, one of Cowork4YOUTH's main goals is the evaluation of policies for youth employment, as part of the drive to contribute to the development of capacity in impact studies. How do you see the role of your PhD within this framework? Is there a need for more capacity in your specific field?

The focus of my research will be on peripheral/rural and underdeveloped urban areas following a placebased methodology. Place-based development policies are partly a response to the perceived failures of previous regional policies and focus on addressing untapped economic potential and reducing social exclusion through the provision of integrated goods and services tailored to local needs and enabling social innovation and equal redistribution of resources.

"Regionality" (or “peripherality”) will be a key variable, as it will allow local specificities to emerge within a global digital market. In recent years a new way of thinking about the process of local economic development has developed. Around the world, local and national governments have moved away from traditional approaches that emphasized the provision of large-scale infrastructure, aimed at compensating for the consequences of industrial restructuring and low growth.

Tell us a bit about your thesis. What is the subject and how does it tie in with the Cowork4YOUTH project's overall themes?

My research will focus on practices such as social digital platforms and (rural) co-working spaces as "intermediate spaces" for training, skills development, and promoting the profile of young job seekers (selfbranding). The thematic axes on which the proposed thesis will be based are intertwined with Cowork4YOUTH’s research scope: sustainable employment, co-working spaces, and platform economy. The indicative research hypothesis can be summarized as follows: through state-public, European or private policies, coworking spaces promote sustainable employment by supporting the reintegration of young NEETS into the labor market.

Key to this is the promotion of the platform economy and its potential to help NEETS develop the skills to promote their potential and themselves (selfbranding). Policy-making through qualitative research is what I pursue as a result.

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The new approaches tend to emphasize the identification and mobilization of endogenous potential, i.e., the capacity of places to develop based on their resources. However, the new approach applies not only to areas with obvious economic advantages, such as large cities but to all regions. I see the scope of my PhD as supplementary to this new rural development approach that brings together collaborative initiatives in peripheral areas along with supporting sustainable employability for the local young population. This field in rural development and impact studies, standing in the crossroads between coworking practices, digital upskilling, and peripherality, is relatively new in the academic field, so I aspire to initiate a discussion not only among academics but stakeholders as well.

How has your experience working with the project been so far?

I have been involved in the program for about six months now. As I have always been inspired by the idea of research collaboration and the sharing of ideas and data, my experience in the initiative can only be described as rewarding. The coexistence of different partners from EU countries offers me the opportunity to approach my research questions in a multidisciplinary way and with a local perspective.

Academic thinking is not fruitful when it is only confined to one institution and one community. What I take from my experience so far is that systematic research collaboration highlights the multifaceted nature of the research questions involved. Moreover, networking between partners proves to be extremely important both for the emergence of potential case studies and the impact of this cooperation on the local stakeholders in question. I look forward to moving on to the methodological design stage and conducting fieldwork in collaborative spaces that we have identified together.

As a young person looking to enter academia, how do you feel that the Cowork4YOUTH project will affect your future career?

Through my PhD research I aspire to evaluate and compare policies on promoting sustainable employment through coworking spaces. I also expect to highlight the differences between the different regionalities and the effectiveness of the policies under study. I am curious to approach possible internal differences in the category of NEETs and their access to employment opportunities. Different perceptions of self-branding might come up as well.

My ideal goal would be to propose policy formulation on the promotion of employment and platform economy with a social-oriented and sustainable approach. These being some expected results, I strongly believe that the Cowork4YOUTH experience will prove an invaluable asset for my future academic and professional career. On the first hand, networking with academics all over Europe while conducting Special Issue: International Youth Day

fieldwork in collaboration with various institutions could possibly provide me with future opportunities to work in research both in Greece and abroad. On the other hand, I believe that my engagement with policy assessment through Cowork4YOUTH will also grant me the opportunity to be actively involved in policy making. I consider academia a way for meaningful social impact so I am really interested in getting involved with institutions and spaces such as the ones that will constitute my case studies. I will take advantage of my research experience in order to support the mobilization of endogenous potential for local communities.

The coexistence of different partners from EU countries offers me the opportunity to approach my research questions in a multidisciplinary way and with a local perspective.

Academic thinking is not fruitful when it is only confined to one institution and one community.

What I take from my experience so far is that systematic research collaboration highlights the multifaceted nature of the research questions involved.

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SEPAL

I realized that every single day I should learn at least one new thing, and to take things step by step.

Interview with Cristina Voinea Why did you take part in our project?

Although I have finished both the bachelor’s degree and the master's degree in the field of social work, for more than a year I was not able to find a place to work because all the jobs that I applied for required a minimum of 2 years of experience. Fortunately, at the beginning of this year (2022), I found out about the SEPAL Project which, in my opinion, represents an opportunity for the young people in my community (Suceava, Romania).

Bucovina Institute team, the Lead Partner of the project helped me a lot to get involved in social activities such as volunteering (getting in touch with people from vulnerable groups such as people at risk of poverty, migrants and refugees, and people with disabilities).

Moreover, I benefited from free supported employment services (information, counseling, and evaluation), taking part in an apprenticeship stage, where I was supervised by the professionals from the NGO, learning how to do the office (paper) work, but also the work on the field. Therefore, I managed to put into practice the knowledge and the skills that I gained in my five years of studying. They immediately observed my potential and they offered me the great Special Issue: International Youth Day

news that they would want to be part of their team…

And guess what? Right now, I am a proud employee who has the chance to contribute to the community!

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET)?

Being unemployed aroused negative feelings concerning the fact that I could not contribute to my family income and welfare. I did not feel comfortable depending on my parents, and for the fact that time was passing, and I was not able to find a job in the field that I studied for five years. Moreover, the fear of my parents and I also was that I would end up working in an unskilled field and my years of study would be useless.

What did our project enable you to do?

Among others, the SEPAL Project helped me to become more responsible, to be more realistic, to work in a team and to integrate into that team, to be altruistic, empathetic and to help my colleagues and the others around me, to be more self-confident, but also to assume failure, not to blame others for it.

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What did you learn while participating in our project?

The SEPAL Project, concerning my personal development, offered me the chance to get to know myself better. I realized that every single day I should learn at least one new thing, and to take things step by step. In terms of professional skills, I managed to gain experience in working with people, I understood that the communication is very important both at individual and group levels and that in order to function better in a team, I need to learn to be more disciplined and more organized. Moreover, I had a very fruitful experience at the CEFEC Academy in Lithuania as a NEET, where I gained new experiences and information about social entrepreneurship and green economy.

training (NEET). Youth unemployment is more sensitive to the cycle than adult unemployment. As they are new entrants with limited work experience, young people are less likely to find a job, are often employed on a contract basis temporary or part-time contract or are on a traineeship and are easier to dismissed when the economic cycle is precarious.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

Although it might seem daunting to some, it can be a really rewarding experience that opens up new horizons. The experience gained is a great asset to your CV, it will show that you are willing to try new things and that you are not afraid to work hard and take on responsibility.

What are your plans for the future?

At the moment, I would like to believe that I have found my place, both at personal and professional level, and that I did find a balance and a stability in my life. My plans for the future are to make a career in my field, to gain more and more knowledge and experience, and I think Bucovina Institute offered me a great start and a great opportunity to start my professional path.

How are young people living in Europe today?

The transition of young people from education to work is hampered by specific difficulties. As a result, there are relatively low employment rates, a high unemployment rate and high rates of young people who are not in employment and not in education or Special Issue: International Youth Day

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SEPAL

Interview with Irini Stogianof Why did you take part in our project?

Because I wanted to take part in a procedure that would allow me to become more active socially and, most of all, would help me find a job.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET)?

I could not feel as an active member of the society. I could not work and I felt almost sad, as I was not able to take full advantage of the energy that every young person of my age exposes and use this energy, either entering the work field or taking part in the education process.

What did our project enable you to do?

I became able to recognize my faults and my shortcomings and tried to correct them. I also learned to empathize with other persons, to have deeper understanding of others’ faults and negative personality traits. I also developed my communication skills and I concluded that I would like to work as an office worker, too.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

Taking part in the project made me feel more complete. I learned to respect every person, to realize that I may experience in my life the problems other

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people now face and also, I learned to hear more and to talk less. Mostly, I learned to obey to the hierarchy systems and to realize that every person I meet, every circumstance I face will lead me to a greater lever of happiness and self-satisfaction. More specifically, in the work field, working as a clerk in a shop that makes handmade jewels, I learned to classify documents, to be a good and patient seller and to pack the sold items as gifts. These were my main responsibilities during my employment at the shop.

What are your plans for the future?

I am actively looking for a job, either as clerk in a jewel shop, or as an office worker. Koi.S.P.E. Diadromes helps me a lot in the procedure of searching for a job.

I became able to recognize my faults and my shortcomings and tried to correct them. I also learned to empathize with other persons.

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How are young people living in Europe today?

Some of the young people live in poverty and do not have the necessary income to have a decent life. Others have good life standards, having the necessities that enable them to have a satisfying life. Others live a luxurious life. I wish all people, mostly young ones, be able to have a satisfying life, opportunities to become active members of the society and flourishing life standards.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

I would tell them to never give up and to always try to express their feelings and thoughts, enabling in this way other people to realize who truly they are and in which job or education position they would thrive.

Also, I would suggest getting involved with an occupation that will let them feel satisfied, acquire a life purpose and feel joy while working. As a result, they will feel happy and self-fulfillment and quench their thirst for development, their need for well-being and their desire to offer.

Taking part in the project made me feel more complete. I learned to respect every person, to realize that I may experience in my life the problems other people now face and also, I learned to hear more and to talk less.

Interview done by the WISE expert Sengkergki Dimitra

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SEPAL

Interview with Carlos Quirós Why did you take part in our project?

I had no job and didn’t know how to look for it. I didn’t know what job I might like and had never done a job interview. That made me stuck and not moving forward at all. I took part in the project because I saw it as an opportunity to improve my employability.

Being able to train in a field I liked and having a job opportunity that would lead me to find a job that I liked as it finally was.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

Before joining the SEPAL project, as a young person who was neither studying nor working, I was afraid that I would not be able to change this situation by myself and find a job that I would like or a company that would give me an opportunity. The Spanish labor market is very complicated and without experience or training I did not see how I could have an opportunity to get a job.

What did our project enable you to do?

Through the Project I gained confidence in myself and my chances of finding a job. I began to work on basic skills to find a job, such as writing a resume or designing my professional path. I learned how to do a job interview and I trained as a forklift driver, which was a job that had always interested me, I was able to share my experiences with other young people who had the same problems as me, they helped me find a training that I liked and that allowed me have a job opportunity being accompanied by the technical team (WISE) throughout the process from when I started looking for a job until I found it.

What did learn while participating in our project?

I have learned many things, from how to make a resume, how to look for a job, how to manage problems at work or how to do an interview... and I was also able to obtain a forklift driver's license, which was a job that I had always liked, So when I got my license we started looking for job offers, we called many places, I applied for several interviews and finally I was able to get a job, which is the one I have today and I hope to have for a long time.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are mainly to be able to keep the job I have today. In addition, I would be excited to be able to have more driving licenses, such as a truck Special Issue: International Youth Day

license, to have the opportunity to improve in the company and be able to earn more money and, if everything goes well, to be able to go live with my partner and start a family.

How are young people living in Europe today?

The life of a young person in Europe is very complicated, the salary is very low for the hours and responsibilities that are asked of us. Keeping a job is very difficult because it is very easy to fire yourself and hire someone who has a lower salary. They ask us for a lot of experience in our first job, it is very difficult for a single person to become independent because the rental price is very high, a lot is demanded of us and the opportunities that are given to us are very few.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

Be patient that everything comes and if you have the opportunity to be part of a SEPAL-type project, do so.

It was very difficult for me to find a job; I didn't even know where to start looking. thanks to the support I had, I was able to train as a forklift driver and then they helped me find a job. !25

SEPAL

Volunteering keeps him away from delinquent behavior because all of his previous friends and neighbours remain in the criminal surroundings.

Volunteering allows you to try out new roles "What would I do if I didn't volunteer? I would be at home, loafing in the backyard, and now I'll learn something new", says Gabrielius Stulgis, a participant of the project SEPAL. We met him at the Open Youth Centre of the Joniškis A. Raudonikis School of Art. It all started back in May, when a WISE counsellor of project SEPAL unexpectedly met Gabrielius at the youth center, where he was visiting and talked to him about his future plans and asked what kind of help he needs.

project could also support him. The Youth Centre staff member suggested signing up for the Youth Voluntary Service Programme. This is how Gabrielius' journey has started on 1st of July as a Youth worker.

New activities and roles he hadn't tried before just flourished. Gabriel participated in the Joniškis City Festival parade, he was selling goods at the outdoor cinema, played with children at the day camp, and travelled to Vilnius to learn about the historical heritage of Lithuania.

It turned out that on-the-job training and volunteering was the perfect option for this boy, and that the SEPAL

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At the moment we met him, Gabrielius was so fascinated by the idea of the on-the-job training during volunteering that he would like to stay in this role for 6 months or more.

Volunteering keeps him away from delinquent behavior because all of his previous friends and neighbours remain in the criminal surroundings.

He also dreams of spending some of his time to volunteer at football camps and to encourage children's interest in sports. He himself attends training daily and participates in football competitions of Lithuanian second football league.

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L.I.K.E.

Interview with Tony Why did you take a part in our project?

I wanted to feel better. The loneliness was depressing me, I wanted to stop isolating and start socialising with other young people. To learn about their interests and find my own.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

My biggest worry was that I would never be able to get a job. One of my biggest fears was that I would not be able to be part of a team. The thought of being different made me think that my presence and personality would annoy everyone around me and I would not be accepted. I had been in situations many times in the past where me and my illness were an object of ridicule and teasing by others and this had built up a constant feeling of timidity when communicating. Thanks to the "Hidden Likes" Youth House, I regained my self-confidence and realized that I could be accepted for who I am and there is no room for fear.

What did our project enable you to do?

The project has given me the most important and valuable thing for me - to get out of my house, and communicate freely with others. I found that talking to people my age is enjoyable and creates a sense of freedom. The activities in the house have shown me that I can take responsibility and feel good about it.

They have improved my daily life and taught me a routine and discipline that I did not have before.

I also found a new hobby, sports, which is now a new part of my life.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

I have learned that the comfort zone of home can be quite uncomfortable, as illogical as that might sound.

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me with the social situations I feared so much. The safe place of my isolation from the world exacerbated my problems to some extent. Thanks to the house, I learned that they were just fears in my head. Now socializing and the group activities in the house are my favourite thing. Every day I learn something new about the world and myself and it makes me feel complete and realize that even though I am different I have a place in this world.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future are to get a job and develop and educate myself so that I have more knowledge and ability to be useful to others. I also think I am ready for a relationship and starting a family when the right person for me comes along.

How are young people living in Europe today?

Young people in Europe have a good standard of living. Thanks to the Internet and social networks, they have access to all kinds of information and enrich their interests, but I think this limits their social life and real contact with people in person. All the new professions like IT professionals and home office jobs give them the comforts of home, but they lose the touch with nature, the sun and primary valuable human relationships.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

People, brace yourselves and hurry! A man said, "Haste is the path to maturity". Hurry up and be bold.

Do not wait around to do something, to gain experience, to enrich your culture. Get out of the house, no matter how scary it seems. Seek help. Come to the "Hidden Likes" youth house. Find your environment among people and the world will quickly become a very pleasant place for you.

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L.I.K.E.

Now I feel stronger than ever, with no fear of life.

Simona story My name is Simona and I am 24 years old. I found out about "Hidden Likes" Youth House from social networks. I was going through a difficult time in my life when I knew I needed to find a job, take care of myself, get out of the house and socialize with people, but all of that seemed impossible. When I accidentally came across a Facebook post about the house and the activities, I decided to call them since I had already tried almost everything else. I was introduced to the psychologists and the group activities and immediately knew this was the place where I could find friends, help and support SPOC and "Hidden Likes" Youth House is much more than an organization. The house is a family. A family that accepts you for who you are, despite your differences. They are there for you every step of the way and every important decision you have to make, when you feel completely hopeless and miserable and have lost the will to live and fight for yourself. When I feel lost, I go there and choose life. I know they are there waiting to help me stand on my own.

The house is full of peace. You get security, support and stability. It is filled with love, peace and support.

At its studio you can be an architect, a sculptor, a psychologist, a doctor, a writer, an artist, a craftsman or just yourself, the way you are. Everyone can find

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their talents. Your words, decisions and choices are very important and special for the house once you become part of it. Going there quickly becomes your favorite moment of the week. It’s a place where your happiness, interests and love are put first. You come to the realization that you have your life in your own hands. And you should not just let it flow, but you have to fill every moment with meaning, with a desire for education, with a need to work.

When I first went to "Hidden Likes" Youth House, I was told "Our first job here is to make you smile again, to see your smile every time here and everywhere else." And you know what? It really happened. The house, the group and the people there gave me back everything I had lost. And now I'm smiling, I'm enjoying life and I thank with all my heart to this house and all the professionals and people there.

That's what the SPOC and the Youth House gave me. It gave me the desire to live, study and work at the same time. I have been working for half a year and I have enrolled for further education - psychology.

Now I feel stronger than ever, with no fear of life.

Growing beyond myself and my fears is the biggest and sweetest victory that I would have never reached without the "Hidden Likes" Youth House. !29

Women4IT

Women4IT: Hear from our graduates, their stories, and experiences Women4IT supports young women from seven countries across Europe in encouraging and honing their digital skills and developing their employability competences. This year, Women4IT hosted a conference for trainees, employers, mentors, and other stakeholders, focusing on a showcase of graduate testimonials from their time in Women4IT training programmes. In the months since, more young women have completed their programmes and are now making their way in the digital world.

also, for the girls who are thinking of enrolling in these courses, just do it.”

Virginia, who comes from Spain, completed the Digital Media Specialist course.

“My background is in social and environmental enterprises, marketing, and communications. I wanted to delve deeper into these topics and through my involvement in different groups of social entrepreneurs, I found the Women4IT programme and applied. The course was fantastic, and I am really thankful for my teacher, she “encouraged us to believe in ourselves as women.” After finishing the course, it has been particularly challenging because I’m in the process of finding out who I am as a professional and also how I can fit into the job market. I have great opportunities; I work for small businesses who are making an impact and run by women, and I feel super honoured to help them to take their projects to the digital world. I am a copywriter, and a specialist in creating content as well for social media and companies. At the minute, I am working for a medium-size company, based here in Barcelona, and I have recently been promoted to manager of the blog and YouTube content creation department.

Women4IT has been great. They are a group of people who gave us a lot of opportunities for speaking with other women who are already working in the IT sector and have a clearer picture of how we can access it.

They also gave me a coach who I could speak to especially during tough times when I was finding a job, it was a very solitary path. For all the people supporting these kinds of projects, keep doing it because you are actually changing people’s lives and

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For all the people supporting these kinds of projects, keep doing it because you are actually changing people’s lives.

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Diana chose to study the Web Developer course in Romania and found her confidence to pursue her dream job.

“I studied International Relations and European Studies at university. I decided to enrol in the programme because at first, I started to study on my own and after a while, I felt that I was struggling, that I needed guidance, so I started to consider and look for courses, but at that time, I was unemployed, and I didn’t have the finances to do such a course. I was lucky to find that Women4IT were looking for people like me to do these courses. I chose the web developer profile because I consider myself to be a highly creative person and I see that in the front end when I’m working on my code.

Women4IT was an incredibly beautiful experience.

This programme was great to work with the other girls and I would repeat it at any time. I learned a lot and also it really gave me courage and confidence that I can pursue my dreams to become a web developer. I am now working as a junior web developer at Victory Square Partners, here in Romania.”

Letícia, a Digital Marketing Executive trainee, shared her story of finding the Women4IT course in Ireland.

“I have worked with digital marketing since I left university, for around six years. Starting the course back then, I had just recently moved to Ireland from Brazil, and it was a really tough time. I was unemployed, we had a really strict lockdown, so it felt good to be a part of a group. The Women4IT training helped me to understand more about the market here in Europe, all the technical terms that I now use in my field, upskill, and update my knowledge, it was a great network as well. I am still in touch with one of my friends from the course and also Lucia, my mentor, we are still in touch as well. Now I work for a non-profit organisation, SpunOut, in Ireland and I am really happy to be there.”

Tayara joined the Data Analyst course in Ireland and found a passion for data throughout the programme.

“I studied law in Brazil, and I worked as a lawyer.

When I moved to Dublin to learn English, I decided to change my career and I was studying a bit of IT on my own, then I came across the Women4IT project. I thought it would be the perfect kickstart for this career and it was! I chose the Data Analyst profile but, when I was studying with Women4IT, I was concerned about the security aspect of data.

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Then after finishing this project, I studied cybersecurity on my own. Currently, I am working with a cybersecurity company, specifically with network monitoring.”

allowed me to see things from a different point of view.

In the seminars, I gained more self-confidence, the ability to see my possibilities more clearly and set more realistic goals.

Less than a month has passed since finishing the course, in the meantime I have managed to send a couple of job applications, and, with immense pleasure, I can say that in a few days I will go to my first job interview in the new area of work. I am extremely happy that these courses allowed me to gain new knowledge, because digital marketing is necessary for the development of companies and maintaining communication, there are enough vacancies and there is a possibility that the work can be done both in person and remotely.”

Katrīna, has recently graduated from the Digital Media Specialist programme in Latvia.

“I graduated from a university where we were p ro mi s e d mo u nt a i ns o f g o l d , e x c e l l e nt j o b opportunities in the light industry sector, but the reality was different. Unable to find a job in the industry, I applied for unemployment status, but the consultants were also unable to find me a job. One day, an e-mail from the Employment Agency about WOMEN4IT courses arrived. I filled in the application, not thinking that I would be successful, but one day I received a notification that I was accepted onto the Digital Media Specialist course. I was scared at first, but after delving into the course description, I realised that I had been given a unique opportunity and that these courses are necessary, because in the future, I want to develop my newly created brand, as well as have obtained new skills for the job market.

The lessons went very smoothly, and the time passed without noticing. The lectures were led by Annija Graustiņa - an extremely knowledgeable professional, very friendly and accommodating. Alongside studies, empowerment seminars were held every week, which Special Issue: International Youth Day

All graduates who have participated in the trainings have said that they are very satisfied with their training and the impact that the trainings have had on their career development and their personal lives. The young women feel that they are more confident in setting goals and targets, in themselves and their own abilities and finally, more confident in the direction of their careers. Diana Mladin also shared her story with DIGITALEUROPE and BBC Storyworks, about how she has made great strides in her career since completing the Women4IT Web Developer programme. This ‘Women who tech’ episode is part of DIGITALEUROPE’s “Digitally Enlightened” campaign with BBC Storyworks, shedding light on extraordinary innovators who are driving Europe forward, through the power of digital, and helping to ensure that the future is sustainable and inclusive.

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EU-WATERRES

Liina story Why did you take part in our project?

I applied to a GIS position for the EU-WATERRES project because it seemed like an amazing opportunity to further develop my GIS skills while solving real problems and creating a foundation for better management and protection of groundwater resources in the Baltic states.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

I recently finished my Bachelor’s in Geography and plan to continue my studies in Geoinformatics, so I am not a NEET, per se. However, full time students and NEETs share many concerns, one of which is a need to realize one’s potential in practice, not just in theory. It can be hard for students to find professional positions that coincide with their studies and allow for flexible time management. Both students and NEETs are also majorly affected by huge increases in the cost of living (rent, groceries, huge utility bills), which is why working at least part time is necessary for most students without major financial support from family.

What did our project enable you to do?

The EU-WATERRES project enabled me to become more independent in GIS problem solving and created Special Issue: International Youth Day

an amazingly supportive environment for learning about different hydrogeological concepts. It offered me an opportunity to start working in an earth science related position even before finishing my Bachelor’s studies, and provided possibilities for diverse professional development.

What did learn while participating in our project?

While working on the EU-WATERRES project, I learned how international projects are structured and how these structures communicate and cooperate with each other. I gained additional skills in GIS and database management as well as other skills related to the nature of this project, such as effective communication and time management. Since my background is in geography not geology, I also gained a deeper understanding of various hydrogeological concepts and methods unique to hydrogeological cartography.

What are your plans for the future?

This September, I’ll start my Master’s studies in Geography, specifically Geoinformatics. I hope to concentrate on remote sensing methods, machine learning and programming – all extremely useful tools in earth sciences.

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How are young people living in Europe today?

Most young people I know attend university and work a part time job in order to afford to continue their studies. People fresh out of high school are increasingly more concerned about not being able to afford an apartment or the extremely high utility bills that go along with their living space, and that makes starting an independent life both scary and difficult.

More and more young people feel hopeless in face of growing unrest in the world but international experiences are still at the center of interest for many.

My generation has a more environmentally friendly, yet fast lifestyle, and changing jobs or countries in search of meaningful or beneficial international experiences is slowly becoming the norm.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

I am not a NEET, but a student, so I can only give advice from my point of view and experience. My advice is as follows – there are opportunities out there for everyone. If you get an opportunity to join an international project in your field of study, do it – you’ll gain new skills and meet new people from different backgrounds, which in turn help you shape your future.

Name: Liina Hints, Estonia

My advice is as follows – there are opportunities out there for everyone. If you get an opportunity to join an international project in your field of study, do it – you’ll gain new skills and meet new people from different backgrounds, which in turn help you shape your future.

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FOLM

FOLM is for people that want something more. It’s for that person that is lying in his bed, starting at the ceiling saying – “wow!

I wish I had this and that”.

FOLM Testimonials “This is my first time I ever did any of this, I was never camping. It was the first time in my entire life that I was with myself, and I was listening to myself. It’s being outside cooking, and you’re walking, you’re climbing mountains, you’re seeing the most amazing views, you’re seeing life. I found peace up there, the last night we stayed out on the mountain. We went up to a peak. We left our bags down at the camp, we just went up and I found peace up there, in my head and in my own life. It’s noticing the small things. It’s noticing your sister getting a new haircut, it’s noticing life. I was able to do that because I wasn’t like this on my phone, I wasn’t waiting for a text message. I was walking with the lands, I was doing the same journey with them, because I’m not special, none of us were special up the mountain. We were given an opportunity and we took it. That was it and now look at me. I was going to do a hike across Spain which got cancelled because of Covid-19. Going to college might be put off, the FOLM project and the meetings were cancelled. It’s like I built a house with bricks and all the bricks fell. The bricks are still there, I just need to put them back together again. Nothing’s over. The world is on hold. The whole world is suffering.

time last year I was bed bound and I was wishing for what I have. My family is proud of me now and that’s the most important. Now after the project I have my life”.

Daniel – Participant from Ireland in the FOLM project “My name is Mania and I just got back from the forest.

I will try to speak from my heart. I’d like to say that I feel like a Phoenix born of a FOLM fire. This is really amazing! It’s not like you can only get a job here. I literally found the will to live that I really missed. It’s impossible to describe it. There are so many great adventures, so much support, literally so much love, friendship that you have to experience it yourself and I really recommend it to everyone. Even if you are afraid of the forest and sleeping in bags or tents. Come and check it out!”

Mania – Participant from Poland in the FOLM project

FOLM is for people that want something more. It’s for that person that is lying in his bed, starting at the ceiling saying – “wow! I wish I had this and that”. This

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FOLM

Interview with a Polish participant Why did you participate in the FOLM project?

Honestly...I was persuaded by friends who heard from someone about this project. I went to the project website, I read and registered. I thought it was something for me.

What were your biggest concerns?

I was most afraid of getting bored. Seriously...I thought the things we were going to do would be so simple that I could do it without any problems.

What did you remember?

Most of all, I remembered the situation from the camp, where there was a fake accident, as it turned out later.

Everything looked so realistic, nobody thought it was a fake at first. It was a very tangible experience that showed the strengths and weaknesses of each person in a serious case. The fear in me was overcome, and I rushed to help with some of the others in the group. I have seen the role of a group leader telling people what to do. I thought things like that only happen in movies.

I’ve proven myself! I’m very proud of that.

course. Despite the adrenaline, I kept a cool head. I led the group in such a way that I could help that person.

What did you learn by participating in our project?

I didn’t learn, but the FOLM project showed me my strengths and weaknesses. The project has shown me which path to take. Especially by talking to the coaches I know what I have to do. He doesn’t feel lost. I’m following the path I set for myself. I’m no longer afraid of other people’s opinions, he is not afraid to step outside the door. I was a great leader.

What are your plans for the future?

I definitely have to finish school and I want to go to university. Now I know what I want!

Would you recommend our project to friends and/or colleagues?

Definitely yes! I’ve already persuaded some of them, but I didn’t have to, because they noticed a big change in my attitude. Thank you for everything!

What do you think? What was so special about this experience?

Eeee....that I found myself as a leader as a matter of Special Issue: International Youth Day

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Interview with a Spanish participant

FOLM

Why did you participate in the FOLM project?

My mother made me do it, I was very confused in everything. I was very unsure of what I was doing. My mother learned about the project from a friend who told her that during the participation of civilisation you can escape, calm down and take a deep breath. I said why not?

Tell me how you survived 7 days without a phone, was it hard?

On the first day of the expedition yes, there was a big problem, but later on I even forgot it over time. Now I know it’s possible, and sometimes the phone, even the Internet, blinds us. I realized this is all costing precious minutes of our lives.

Yes, it’s true, the FOLM project allows you to get away from all the race, the work and the thoughts for a while. Is it the change that moved you the most? How did your mother convince you to join us?

In the beginning it was not easy to decide on this trip.

At first I thought, but how can it be without a phone?

For seven days? I can’t do it! That was my main concern. But then I thought it might be a test for me how far away it is from civilization without a phone, and that convinced me.

What do you think has affected your personal development?

After my return from the expedition I had a lot of energy. I felt more like doing something different and new. During the expedition, we wrote down our goals.

I think the tranquility in the forest has brought a lot, because this isolation from the different charms was very valuable. I didn’t expect it to be so much fun and the project to have such a positive impact on me.

What did you remember?

The one-on-one conversations with our Trainer are what I remember most. Back then, each of us opened up the most. It was not necessary to get too much from me, the conversation went so naturally I said what I was thinking at the moment – that helped me the most. I finally got to say what’s inside of me. I could have let any emotion out of me. Great experience!

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What are your plans for the future?

Now I know where I am. Above all, I changed my attitude to life. Until the project, I experienced everything very emotionally, and now I know how to handle it. I signed up for college! I finally did it and I’m very proud of myself. I see my mother’s smile, who sees a big change in my transformation. I’m sure I know one thing. I’d like to go on this trip a second, third and tenth time. Thank you for what you’re doing.

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Yenesis

The experience of NEETs participating at the Yenesis project My name is Rauno and I am from the biggest Estonian island called Saaremaa. In 2019 after graduating from high school, I decided to take a year off to decide what I would like to do in life. I joined Yenesis project because it is one way to explore the world of different opportunities. I participated in one-week-long training back in January 2020, where I learnt about various topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable tourism, business innovation and sustainable transport. I was triggered by the linkages that can be made between business innovation and green jobs and I further applied and participated at the business mentorship meeting under the Yenesis project.

As one of the obligations under the Yenesis project is to complete a local placement, I decided to invest my time further developing the street food booth called WIO Burger that me and my friends a few years ago

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founded. Yenesis project pushed me and my team to focus even more on using local ingredients and products from local businesses and to make sure that we use compostable food packaging to reduce the negative environmental impacts. As a co-owner, it is important for me to maintain the cash flow circulation on the local island by at the same time contributing to the islands sustainable tourism by providing a greener and local food place for the visitors to stop by. From all of this experience so far participating at the Yenesis project, I have learnt the importance of green jobs, clear communication and the effectiveness of time.

WIO Burger has gained a lot of positive attention throughout this summer and we will definitely continue to grow. Our homepage can also be found from Facebook.

Rauno, Estonia

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Yenesis

The YENESIS project gave me the opportunity to travel and work outside my country. In midSeptember 2020 I joined the local team of architects and urban designers of the municipality of Saaremaa, Estonia. Even though the working period was short, I was still able to learn and understand the process of developing a project with local architects. I was involved in a couple of projects that helped me understand the landscape and the diverse way of designing in that particular geography, the island of Saaremaa. Mark, my supervisor, involved me in his projects, guided me in the process, and showed me the Estonian culture, way of living and beauty of the island. I was amazed by the endless forests, all the different types of mushrooms or apples you could find,

the richness in biodiversity. Even though Kuressaare is a very small city, it is a model city in many ways and has taught me a lot. The different types of public spaces for all types of people, the free public transport, the ability to bike around the city without fearing of having an accident, and of course nature all around (more than 50% of Estonia is nature and people of Estonia love and take care of their nature). Finally, I’m extremely thankful for the hospitality of my host and glad to have participated in this project.

Sara from Cyprus

From all of this experience so far participating at the Yenesis project, I have learnt the importance of green jobs, clear communication and the effectiveness of time.

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Social Innovators

Report of Polina Dyankova - "Most successful practitioner” and winner of the job challenge (1 year employment) in Social Innovators Program Bulgaria In recent months, I was an intern at the Foundation Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law (BCNL).

During this time I gained many valuable skills that will allow me to upgrade my analytical capabilities and overall will empower me to be a better version of myself.

I was included in the organization of the Vivacom Regional Grant 2022. I had to prepare and format many projects that represented the organization's vision for a "better tomorrow". Along with the organization of the Grant, I had to prepare a presentation, write emails to various institutions and organizations and generally assist the organization of the Grant. All these tasks helped me develop skills related to communication with different persons and digital skills which generally help to improve a professional.

At the same time, together with my colleagues from the BCNL Foundation team, we responded to various legal inquiries and held online consultations to assist the civil environment in Bulgaria. This activity helped me develop writing skills of different texts, which should be in logical dependence and be useful to the

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questioner, to give him the correct answer and to provide him with the necessary information.

Moreover, BCNL set me tasks related to the analysis of various problems affecting civil organizations around the world and in our country. Matters related to the right to peace protests, fighting, gatherings. Overall, I was analyzing a number of rights that many legislative acts regulate and need protection.

I also worked on tasks related to the Social Innovators program, which before time gave me a chance to be part of the BCNL team. Furthermore, I was assigned tasks related to the civil art competition "Civil Alarm Clock". I also prepared translations of various legal and non-legal texts.

In conclusion, I should share that the time spent at BCNL as part of the Social Innovators Program was an unforgettable adventure. It gave me a lot of knowledge that I will apply in my professional path and showed me the specifics of the non-governmental sector.

BCNL is an organization with meaning and it was an honor to be a part of it, but also a great responsibility.

With gratitude and respect, Polina Dyankova !40

Social Innovators

Q&A with Alexandra Draginova (Social Innovators apprenticeship programme in Bulgaria) Why did you take part in the apprenticeship programme?

Greetings from me, Alex - a student studying for a master's degree in child and adolescent psychology at Burgas Free University in Bulgaria. I took part in the apprenticeship programme when I was doing my bachelor's degree in Plovdiv. As a young, developing person I wanted to use my free time and take part in something useful not only for my development, but also for the society and in something that I personally have an interest in and can be useful for. That’s how I found Association “Community Causes and Undertakings“ and their project “Character.BG”.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

I am used to always being engaged in something that is meaningful to me. Perhaps my worry was that with Special Issue: International Youth Day

more free time there would be nothing to do. I think that a young person who wants to develop will study, work, educate and develop, and in the best case one will do all these at once.

What did the project enable you to do?

The biggest benefit the project enabled me to do was related to the people involved in it. I met young people with whom we have common views and interests. I also had access to a motivated and helpful mentor, who taught me valuable pieces of knowledge and practical skills. I feel these people very closed to me because even thought the apprenticeship is over, we can always call or see one another to exchange ideas and advice on everyday challenges we face.

What did you learn while participating in the project?

While participating in the project, I learned how to !41

write project proposals, I learned about the different types of characters, and I had the opportunity to participate in planning, organizing and conducting a character development activity for primary school children. This was very helpful for me.

What are your plans for the future?

I have always wanted to work with children. Now I work in a day facility center for people with disabilities as a social worker in my native town Asenovgrad. My future plans are to create some kind of an online product that would be useful to people, to continue helping children with various problems and difficulties, to keep developing and participating in various volunteer activities and initiatives.

How are young people living in Europe today?

I think that young people have plenty of options to create, to volunteer, to develop differently. As a young person, I can say that there are so many programmes, which give one the opportunity to expand one’s

horizons and views of the world as long as one is willing to search. For example, personally, I had this huge opportunity to participate in the "Social Innovators" project, prior to that to be a mentor to young people during the initiative "Plovdiv 2019: European Capital of Culture" as well as to go to Germany on a youth exchange within the European Voluntary Service programme. I am grateful for all of these opportunities I have had as a young person living in Europe today.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

I can say to young people: “Participate in different projects, take part in volunteering. Take the opportunity to develop, to create and to be part of something more important and huge than yourselves.” I was happy while participating in the programme, but I am happier now, because I have different points of view, different perspectives and that is the greatest feeling!

Participate in different projects, take part in volunteering. Take the opportunity to develop, to create and to be part of something more important and huge than yourselves.

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YES!

Interview for the YEM: Andrea Anello Young aspirant entrepreneur from the province of Modena (Italy)

Why did you take part in our project?

It all started by chance, when I enrolled in a training course for aspirant entrepreneurs under 30: from there on, I started following the path I am still following today.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

My main concern at the beginning of the journey was fear of missing other opportunities, but I must say that to this day I do not regret it at all!

What did our project enable you to do and what did learn while participating in our project?

The project gave me greater awareness of my skills and abilities, and also helped me to improve in terms of my social relationship and approaches during job interviews.

How are young people living in Europe today?

I can relate my life but not that of other young people in Italy, even less in Europe, but, what you can percieve is that it is not a positive situation, young people do not have a good feeling for the future: there are many uncertaintes, and doubts. There is a lot of fear of the future!

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

What I would like to suggest is to seek one's own path through our passions, and to try to gain a lot of experience (from the social and professional point of view) also by comparing oneself with older and more experienced people who have already gone through the same situation.

It's not easy, it's true, but they will certainly bring to a step ahead!

What are your plans for the future?

Being able to find satisfaction in the path I am following, even if I'll not start my own business, at least I would like to find a rewarding job in terms of activities and collaborations within a team.

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YES!

Interview for the YEM: Francesco Gigante Junior Analyst from Taranto (Italy)

Why did you take part in our project?

I took part in the project because I was a recent graduate, just back from Erasmus and looking for a job. As soon as I heard about the YES! project promoted by Microfinanza, I immediately seized the opportunity and decided to enrol in the Digital Marketing course.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

The main concern was certainly my belief that I would not be considered "up to the mark" by those who would have assess me, due to a lack of practical skills and job experience. I was also concerned about the distance learning mode 'imposed' by the pandemic emergency and the "practical approach" of the course.

What did our project enable you to do and what did learn while participating in our project?

The project gave me a lot of knowledge about the world of Digital Marketing and Social Media. This course allowed me to "exploit" this knowledge in job interviews and put it into practice during some projects.

coach, with whom I am still in contact today, even after more than 2 years.

What are your plans for the future?

I currently work in an IT, Martech and Digital Solutions agency and the plan is to continue working in this area in the future. I would like to keep training in Marketing, Business Communication and Digital Innovation and, perhaps, launch my own start-up.

How are young people living in Europe today?

Life of a young person in Italy is not full of hope: young people are now used to believe that even after training and study, finding a job is never certain, and when you find it it is generally not a stable and permanent employment. In the rest of Europe, I believe young people have more hope and greater certainty.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

The message I want to share with young people is to continue studying and training, considering an experience abroad (even a small one) and try to build a better and a 'younger' Italy.

In addition, during the post-training services, I had the chance to come in touch and be supported by my Special Issue: International Youth Day

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YES!

Interview for the YEM: Beatrice Scambi Holistic practices professional from Vicenza (Italy)

Why did you take part in our project? What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

I was prompt by the desire to learn, travel and sign up in a challenging environment in line with my interest and ambitions, expanding my knowledge in the the entrepreneurial field, business modeling and planning, applied to my project idea, yoga and holistic practices.

I didn't actually have many concerns. I was just very curious and open to what would come, to this new and great opportunity.

What did our project enable you to do and what did learn while participating in our project?

The project was a life-changing experience which started allowing me to learn from the inside while then putting into practice my skills and knowledge. Apart from this, through encounters and special moments, it also changed my person.

Through the training course and the post training services, of the YES! I had the chance to learn many practical things related to my area of interest and I also grew up as a person.

able to apply to my business. I am currently working at a Spanish language school, managing bookings and activities and giving yoga classes from time to time.

How are young people living in Europe today?

Young people are more and more conscious and willing to travel, discover and learn. That's why they would be very much interested in learning and training opportunities, and in European projects.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

I would tell them to stay informed, search and apply to this kind of project with no hesitation, as I would do it again a thousand times! I would encourage them to get out of their comfort zone and discover what the future has in store for them, with a bit of curiosity and courage!

What are your plans for the future?

Every day I am planting seeds which will get me closer to my business project. With patience and consistency I'm getting the resources and knowledge that I will be Special Issue: International Youth Day

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YES!

Interview with Xavier Edwards (Autoocupació) What did our project enable you to do?

It enabled me to start working on our business idea with a sense of direction, learning the basics for it to actually be a possibility, and it lead us to being one of the 12 chosen projects for a start-up incubation program in which we are participating at the moment.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

How to validate your ideas and always focus on the customer to achieve the best product possible were the best lessons. But most importantly, that it is okay to ask for help, and to always surround yourself with people and experiences that will make you grow and have a positive impact in your life.

What are your plans for the future?

Right now we are participating in a sportstech incubation program, and we hope that it will lead us to creating the company and launching our service by the end of 2022. Myself, I hope to continue progressing in life by learning everything I can from the experience, and continuing to be 100% committed.

How are young people living in Europe today?

It has been a scary few years of little to no social interactions and 0 future prospects. Some are in dear need of help with their mental health, while others are becoming stronger. We also have been ideologically divided by Covid and political polarization.

Why did you take part in our project?

A friend came to me with a project idea that inspired me to start entrepreneuring, and when I learnt about your project, I knew that I could benefit a lot from it towards helping my project.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

At the time it was mostly not being able to move freely because of Covid restrictions, they prevented me from progressing in my studies and professional career, and actually affected my mental health badly.

Entrepreneuring while learning at the same time were a great escape for me.

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What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

Don’t think about the money that jobs, relationships or formal education will give you, think about the intangible value they will provide. Share your knowledge and experience, build relationships that are based on helping each other, and learn from all of them. This way of living is what made me fall in love with entrepreneuring, and I hope it makes you too.

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YES!

Interview with Hara Arkoumani Hello my name is Hara Arkoumani Why did you take part in ANKA's educational program?

I participate in ANKA’s educational program because I want to learn a new subject, such as javascript programming, as I believe that is going to help me in the future What did this program enable you to do?

With the knowledge I gain from the educational program I was able to make my own website and now I can showcase my products to my target buyers.

Moreover, the program gave us the opportunity to take part in mentoring sessions and there I have the luck to meet my mentor, a skillful woman, who help me to set and create solid foundations in my entrepreneur and business plans.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans for the future is to grow my own business.

Opportunities are all around us.

The most important is to have our eyes and ears open in order to find all this opportunities and definitely it is essential to meet people who have the knowledge and the experience to guide us like mentors in order to make our dreams come true.

Never lose the opportunity to take part in educational programs like this one from ANKA.

How are young people live in Europe today?

In our country there's uncertainty about professional rehabilitation and also about the career opportunities there will be available for young people.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

The message that I have for young people is to chase their dreams and never lose hope for their implementation.

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YES! The Development Agency of Karditsa, AN.KA. S.A., is one of YES! Program Implementing Partners. For the last almost 3 years, it has been delivering training courses, employment/business coaching and mentoring sessions to young persons aged 18-29 y.o. who happen to be out of employment, education and training (NEETs). Celebrating 2022 as the European Year of Youth and the 761 young NEETs who have benefited from our services, we could not but share some of the most prominent quotes Greek NEETs have voiced, expressing, thus, the footprint YES! has left upon them, the added value it carried with it and the difference it made in their lives. Enjoy the reading and get inspired!

YES! Python courses and coaching sessions helped me move from Biotechnology to Bioinformatics, the field I have always wanted to work in.

They helped me choose the subject of my postgraduate studies, go through the admission interview with confidence and meet the requirements of the bachelor’ s program. I got to know myself better and further develop my skills, both technical-programming and communication skills. YES! program proved to be a milestone on my professional path after college. Many thanks to all contributors!

R.K., 25 y.o./Karditsa

I signed up for ANKA's "Building Websites with WordPress" program to learn how to launch websites. During the program I came in contact with professionals in the field and built my first website for a small company which they eventually used as their official website. With the knowledge I was able to gain through this program, both on a theoretical and practical level, I found a job in a private sector company as a Marketing Assistant. Bingo!

A.E., 28 y.o./Athens

During YES! program, I was able to connect with experienced people in the field of expertise I was interested in and I also found the strength and tools to enter the labour market. I am grateful for all the great things that the program has brought into my life.

E.K., 28 y.o./Karditsa.

After the completion of the training courses, I was hired by a software company specializing in e-commerce platforms as a Junior PHP Developer.

My participation in the program and the instructor helped me to the maximum to fulfill my initial ambition and I am grateful to them.

T.F.27 y.o./Athens

Your help has been valuable for my development even though I chose to attend a training topic that was not relevant to my main field of expertise so as to swift my career to a different path.

M.T., 26 y.o./Thessaloniki

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YOUTHShare Testimonials What is the best way to determine or realise the success of a programme?

To ask the people who were involved with it and saw how everything works from the inside. So we did. The testimonials we’ve received acknowledge not only the success of YOUTHShare, but shed light to different perspectives of the project, as well.

YOUTHShare

Language. As for the current situation of young people living in Europe, she comments “in Spain, in particular, the future is perceived with a lot of uncertainty. I think that in most European countries, young people have more hope and good expectations than here” and concludes with a message towards people who are unemployed and out of training, showing them the road to the project: “Through the courses YOUTHShare offers, you can learn a lot about concepts that are currently interesting and being used”.

The second testimonial comes from Spain again. Ms María Isabel Márquez Argente del Castillo has just received her training certificate from a YOUTHShare training cycle: “It was a good opportunity for young people to gain experience. […] Throughout my life, I started to acquire a special interest in the area of cooperation and development. In my city, Murcia, young people have very few job opportunities. […]

Education is a very powerful tool and the cornerstone of this project, which has made me realise that it should be given greater importance in addressing global development”.

María Moya García (left) and the Key Account Manager Mari Galiana Badenes

Ms María Moya García gives us a unique point of view of her experience of YOUTHShare’s Spanish branch, as a person with challenged hearing. As Ms García says, “I am currently a trainee in the framework of the YOUTHShare Project and I am deaf. Thanks to the YOUTHShare internship in my country, which is an internship aimed at NEETs, I was given the opportunity to do an internship with a company. […]

I have attended a YOUTHShare training which helped me a lot to guide future clients. My career is mainly focused on the educational field, but here I can explore other options. […] I have been able to learn more about entrepreneurship and interesting concepts through the courses, for example: innovation, web-based economy, mobile photography, etc”. Regarding her future plans, Ms García wants to become an educational counsellor combining Spanish oral language and Spanish Sign Special Issue: International Youth Day

Ms María Isabel Márquez Argente del Castillo

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What Ms Castillo has learned from the project is “about different European projects and mobility opportunities that are offered to young Europeans” and regarding her future, “In the short term, my future lies in studying in order to achieve greater specialisation in the field of development cooperation and find a stable job”. Concerning young people living in Europe nowadays, “[…] could have more opportunities than in other parts of the world, but external factors such as the economic situation, COVID, the war in Ukraine, etc., have made it difficult for them to find work”, and she concludes with the message to people looking for a job: “It is important to actively seek out the possibilities that Europe offers young people to enter the labour market.”

“Luckily, I was even chosen to go on with the internship scheme as well, at a time when I really needed a way out. When Ι signed my internship contract, I couldn’t imagine that I was going to work for them in the future. Two years later, I am working full time, living alone, working remotely from my hometown some days and some days I travel and work in Athens! I could never imagine how an application to a seminar could change my life!”

Ms Eleni Tsaggouri from Greece graduated from the Department of History and Archaeology from the University of Athens and was unemployed when she heard about the YOUTHShare training programme, the Greek branch, through friends. She decided to give it a try, and this is how it went: “ […] the fact that I participated in this particular programme played a catalytic role in broadening my professional horizon!

I think they guided me to think differently, to draw new employment pathways, to enrich my knowledge about myself and society.

Ms Valeria Lavano

Ms Eleni Tsaggouri

Having completed the seminar, led me to not only know more about tourism and the social and solidarity economy, but myself as well.”

But her experience with YOUTHShare didn’t stop there for Ms Tsaggouri. Not only did she get an internship within the project, but she got a full time job not long after.

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Ms Valeria Lavano, from YOUTHShare’s Italian branch, first learned about the project through the Regional Agency for Employment and Training (ARLAB), a beneficiary partner of the project: “At that time, I was quite projected on my working future and I wanted to invest my time in the training in order to do the placement abroad as I had the desire to have this experience” -so, she took part in the training programme, with the possibility of an internship after completing it. Ms Lavano continues: “Thanks to the YOUTHShare project, I was able to do an internship in Spain, even though remotely, with the company Tribeka in Malaga, which deals with European planning. This experience not only gave me a general grounding in Europlanning, but also allowed me to get hands-on experience of Erasmus+ project activities. […] Thanks to the project, I increased my digital skills related to the sharing economy, gained knowledge about resilient sectors and the social economy through numerous practical activities in the field..”

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And where did this experience lead her to? “[…] I am now Project Manager for the company EXEO LAB in Potenza, Italy. […] The future has many surprises in store, but to date I am satisfied with the career path I have embarked on, which is continuing to be pure training as well as work”.

Ms Lavano concludes her testimonial with her thoughts about the current situation in Europe and gives her advice to the young people who are looking for job and training opportunities: “As an Italian as well as a European citizen, I cannot deny a certain attitude of fear among young people. […] Lack of opportunities, unemployment, and poverty are real problems that affect the whole of Europe, especially the Mediterranean areas. […] My advice is to invest in yourself, it is crucial! […] in life it is important to take advantage of any opportunity that knocks on your door, even if it is something that seems far away from you, because at the end of the day you never know where it might take you. Good luck to all!”

the people that were in her situation before she joined the project: “In the future, I want to create my own NGO. [...] My advice to you is to try anything that interests you. It doesn't matter if it takes longer to respond. That's the way it is. Have the courage to apply to anything that catches your interest”.

Ms Niki Koutsoftides

Ms Niki Koutsoftides, a beneficiary of the YOUTHShare training programme from the Cypriot branch of the Transnational Employment Centre, shares with us why she decided to take part, what she was looking for when joining YOUTHShare and how she benefited: “I joined this project because I wanted to gain experience working alongside a well-known NGO (note: CARDET – a YOUTHShare beneficiary partner). My biggest concern is how to present myself and stand out from others. This project gave me the opportunity to get familiar with different levels of digital communication workflow. I learned how to create content plans, communicate within a large organisation, and understand the workflow as a communication and marketing intern”.

Ms Koutsoftides concludes her testimonial by sharing with us her ambitions for the future and a piece of advice to

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Interview with Μaría Moya García Why did you participate in our project?

It fits my background, I was offered the opportunity and found it interesting. I have a lot of difficulties finding a job because I am deaf.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to be an educational counselor in a bilingual institute combining Spanish oral language and Spanish Sign Language.

What were your main concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

Reaching an advanced age and still being dependent on my parents. Never being able to be independent or make my life the way I want it.

How do young people live in Europe today?

In Spain, in particular, the future is perceived with a lot of uncertainty. I think that in most European countries, young people have more hope and good expectations than here.

What has our project enabled you to do?

I have been able to learn more about entrepreneurship and interesting concepts through the courses, for example: innovation, web-based economy, mobile photography, etc.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before participating in the project?

Through the courses YOUTHShare offers, you can learn a lot about concepts that are currently interesting and being used.

What have you learned during your participation in the project?

Above all I have learned a lot from the courses, and also how to filter company data for the subjects we’re interested in.

Interview with María Isabel Márquez Argente del Castillo Why did you take part in our project?

It was a good opportunity for young people to gain experience.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

Not being able to adapt to the job as I have never performed a similar task before.

What did our project enable you to do?

To be able to develop hard and soft skills while learning in a professional environment.

development cooperation and to find a permanent job.

How are young people living in Europe today?

Young people in Europe could have more opportunities than in other parts of the world, but external factors such as the economic situation, COVID, the war in Ukraine, etc., have made it difficult for them to find work.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

It is important to actively seek out the possibilities that Europe offers young people to enter the labour market.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

I have had the opportunity to learn about different European projects and mobility opportunities that are offered to young Europeans.

What are your plans for the future?

In the short term, my future lies in studying in order to achieve greater specialisation in the field of

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Valeria Lavano social economy and resilient sectors. Thanks to the YOUTHShare project, I was able to do remotely an internship in Spain with a company called Tribeka in Malaga, which deals with European planning. This experience not only gave me a general grounding in Europlanning, but also allowed me to get hands-on experience of Erasmus+ project activities. Thanks to this internship experience, I am now Project Manager for the company EXEO LAB in Potenza (Italy).

Why did you take part in our project?

In September 2020, I received an email from ARLAB promoting the YOUTHShare project through a first training cycle of 120 hours, lasting about three months. At the end of this training cycle, it would be possible to do a work experience placement abroad or in Italy for 21 days. At that time, I was quite concerned about my working future and I wanted to invest my time in the training in order to do the placement abroad, as I had the desire to do this experience in a different country.

What were your biggest concerns as a young person not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET)?

Specifically, I was quite concerned about my career options for the future. I had started to believe that due to my academic background in international relations, I would have to move to another region, if not another country, as I could not find a job that matched my aspirations and where I would simultaneously be adequately recognised. Of course, the pandemic situation seemed to have put a stop to any kind of interaction or job opportunities.

What did our project enable you to do?

Thanks to the training I did, I had the opportunity to get to know a sector that I wasn’t quite familiar with: Special Issue: International Youth Day

What did you learn while participating in our project?

Thanks to the project, I enhanced my digital skills related to the sharing economy and gained knowledge about resilient sectors and social economy through plenty of practical activities in the field. Thanks to trainer Davide, we acquired specific digital knowledge that is still useful to me today. Thanks to trainer Maria Pina, I got closer to the world of social economy and resilient sectors, which I knew very little about before the training. Moreover, I don't deny that being part of YOUTHShare gave me the opportunity to become part of a small community of people with whom I shared challenges and difficulties. This has kept alive some relationships that over time have become true friendships.

What are your plans for the future?

As for my future, I foresee continuing to work at EXEO LAB as Project Manager on further projects and opening myself up to more relevant ones. The future has many surprises in store, but to date I am satisfied with the career path I have embarked on, which continues to be pure training, as well as work.

How are young people living in Europe today?

In my opinion, young Europeans are very worried about their future because of the geopolitical challenges affecting European areas. A major problem is the lack of confidence in the system and in work in the traditional sense of the term. Lack of opportunities, unemployment, poverty are real problems that affect the whole of Europe, especially the Mediterranean areas. As an Italian as well as a European citizen, I cannot deny a certain sense of fear among young people. This historic moment on the other hand represents a time of great rebirth that sees Europe opening up to great prospects. Let's just wait and see what developments await us!

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What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

My advice is to invest in yourself, it is crucial!

Furthermore, it is important to have confidence in one's abilities and to constantly increase them in order to be as attractive as possible to the labour market. In conclusion, given my experience, I think I can say that in life it is important to take advantage of any opportunity that knocks on your door, even if it is something that seems far away from you, because at the end of the day you never know where it might take you. Good luck to all!

Invest in yourself, it is crucial!

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Circular-based waste management

Interview to Markus Udam from Paide, Estonia Why did you take part in our project?

I saw the advert on social media and thought that it would be interesting to share my experience with others. Also, after a little bit of thinking, I found out that composting can be nicely and simply represented with a short video.

What did our project enable you to do?

The project enabled me to visit a foreign country with my friends to see and experience their ways of tackling environmental issues.

What did learn while participating in our project?

I learned a lot more information about our environmental problems and the ways we can try to solve them.

How are young people living in Europe today?

I think there is still much more waste and overconsumption than necessary and with cheap fast fashion and products, it is very easy to make those mistakes.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

Try to learn about the problems on the internet and also look up the solutions and try to implement these in your everyday life.

What are your plans for the future?

I will try to implement more and more techniques in my everyday life to reduce my footprint on the world around us.

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LEAD

“You can do it, too!”

Interview with Andreea Oprea, 25 years old, commercial worker at Decathlon (Constanta, Romania) Why did you take part in the LEAD project?

I took part in the LEAD project because I really wanted to get a job in order to become independent. I did not like to ask my parents for money for clothes, going out, transport and so on. I met Olivia (Olivia Grigore, our colleague from HAO) in 2019, when I was still taking cosmetics classes at the School Center for Inclusive Education “Albatros”. Olivia told me that she could help me get hired and invited me to come to the Services Center for Supported Employment, in order to enroll in LEAD project.

What were your biggest concerns as an unemployed, young person?

I am born with left spastic hemiparesis. Because of this condition, I do not have the intellectual capacity to pass the baccalaureate exam. As you know, this exam is a condition for employment almost everywhere. So, I was very worried that I would not be able to get a job and to integrate into society.

What did our project enable you to do?

It enabled me to do exactly what I wanted the most: to get a job which I enjoy and which I would not give up for anything in the world. I work in the self-checkout sector, I offer scanning and paying support to people who need it. Sometimes, when clients ask me, I direct them to particular departments. I feel like I've finally found my place, I feel like I can be myself. I have been marginalized by children, then I have been marginalized by adults, and I have not been urged to evolve. Now, finally, things have changed.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

I learnt to have more confidence in my strength. At the Center, I met young adults like me, who managed to Special Issue: International Youth Day

get hired, with the support of the HAO team. Now, I have more experience and, step by step, I managed to have a good life. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to build a successful career with Decathlon. I still live with my parents, but one day, I would like to have my own house, where I am going to live with my fiancé.

How are young people living in Romania today?

It is not an easy life. The educational system does not prepare young people for life. They are forced to learn many things that do not help them integrate into society when they leave school. It is difficult for a young adult to start an independent life in Romania, so many young people go abroad to build their own a life there. Young people do not feel the support of the state.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

I advise them to fight every day in order to fulfill their dreams, and to never give up. I urge them to ask for support everywhere, from: state, NGOs, companies. I came to HAO and I am happy that I received support in order to get a good job, and to become part of a team where I feel appreciated. I am happy and fulfilled. You can do it, too!

Cristina Serbanescu cristinaserbanescu@hao.org.ro

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LEAD

“Don't give up!

There is always a solution " Interview with Dragoş Constantin, 29 years old, packer at Altbox SRL (Constanta, Romania) around people. I worked for 8 months sorting for a recycling company, but Alina thought I deserved more and she looked for a better job for me. Now I'm a packer at a printing house, and I’m happy because the salary is higher, the work is easier, and the working conditions are better.

Why did you take part in the LEAD project?

I enrolled in the LEAD project because I really wanted a job. I met Alina (Alina Sachelaru, Supported Employment Specialist with HAO) last year, after reading an announcement on the internet about a Foundation which offers support for people with disabilities who want to get hired. I went to the Services Center for Supported Employment, I took all the necessary documents and I registered as a beneficiary of the LEAD project. After that, I talked to Alina about what I was able to do and then, after a while, with her support, I got hired.

What were your biggest concerns as an unemployed, young person?

I suffer from epilepsy, triggered by a few dogs’ attack.

It was quite difficult for me to find a job because of the diagnosis. At that time, I had money problems, I didn't have friends, actually I didn't even really leave the house. I felt very alone.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

I learnt to have more courage and more confidence in myself. I received support and counseling in order to find a job, to have my money, to work with colleagues.

Moreover, I made friends. Now I have someone to socialize with, which is very important to me.

What are your plans for the future?

Before anything else, I want to renovate my room.

How are young people living in Romania today?

It's hard to start alone in life. I think young adults need support to get hired. Any help is welcomed: from the state, from NGOs, from anywhere. If they have a job, they can save money in advance for a house or other important things.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

Don't give up! There is always a solution!

Cristina Serbanescu cristinaserbanescu@hao.org.ro

What did our project enable you to do?

It offered me the opportunity to work and to be Special Issue: International Youth Day

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LEAD

"When you think you can't do it; you can do a little more!"

Interview with Lucian Loghin, 30 years old, commercial worker at Hervis Sport and Fashion (Constanta, Romania) Why did you take part in the LEAD project?

I moved from Deva to Constanţa in order to live with my fiancée and I was looking for a part-time job. I read a recruitment announcement on an online platform, and I called the Foundation to find out more details. I met Olivia, and I came to the Center, in order to enroll in the LEAD project. After that, I talked with Olivia about what I would like and what I could do.

What were your biggest concerns as an unemployed, young person?

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In August of last year, my medical problems worsened and I was afraid that I would not be able to get a job. It was not a financial problem because I am retired due to illness, I have a place to stay and I am lucky to be surrounded by people who love me; I just really desired to get a job! Despite my severe

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diagnosis, I really wanted to do something useful, to feel useful, to be among people.

What did our project enable you to do?

Enrolling in the LEAD project offered me a good job. I am a commercial worker at Hervis Sport and Fashion in Vivo Mall, and I like working with clients. The management and my colleagues do not put pressure and do not make differences. The Hervis management understood my medical situation, and when my tasks were assigned, they took into account what I can actually do, in order not to aggravate my medical situation, because I cannot work in the cold, current, stress and I cannot make sustained physical effort.

What did you learn while participating in our project?

I learnt to trust my strength again and to feel useful. At the Center I received support and counseling for a !58

wide range of problems: how to get a job, how to make a financial plan, how to integrate into the team, how to continue my life, despite my medical problem.

What are your plans for the future?

I have two goals: to have a good job and to maintain my current state of health for as long as possible.

How are young people living in Romania today?

It is a pretty hard life, especially if you're facing medical issues, like in my case. The medical system is underfunded and dysfunctional. Young people need all possible support. For example, more and more young people should have access to services similar to the ones I received at HAO. I think that these initiatives should be supported and promoted by the state.

What message do you have for people who are in the situation you were in before joining the project?

"When you think you can't do it; you can do a little more!"

When you think you can't do it; you can do a little more!

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Dorijan story This story represents one of the success results of the IPS4NEETS project (Individual Placement and Support for NEETs through Education Youth Technology Platform (EYTP) which we have successfully implemented in Slovenia, Romania, and Hungary over the past four years. As a part of the project, we developed a web application that serves the IPS counsellors with keeping digital records of the client's diary.

This contains everything, from basic data to the most private information, that enables the counsellor to treat the client holistically and guide him. By registering the client in the application, the counsellor starts keeping a record of the meetings and tries to find such solutions for the consultant that would lead him to employment as quickly as possible.

IPS4NEETS

It is a pretty hard life, especially if you're facing medical issues, like in my case. The medical system is underfunded and dysfunctional. Young people need all possible support. For example, more and more young people should have access to services similar to the ones I received at HAO. I think that these initiatives should be supported and promoted by the state.

Meet Dorijan Dorijan, as many other participants visited Ljudska univerza Ptuj for professional career guidance, where he met our IPS (Individual Placement and Support) counsellor. Before joining the counselling sessions, he was indecisive about his career path. It has been two years since he dropped out of college at Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and hasn’t been employed. After the first visit of the counsellor, a draft of his career plan and action plan were created and he immediately started working towards his financial and social independence. His action plan contained a detailed plan that was based on his preferences and wishes.

After less than 3 months, Dorijan decided to finish missing university exams to obtain a degree in Computer Science and Information Technologies at the University of Maribor. While studying Dorijan applied for a temporary job and he got it! There he, among other administrative work, offers help to seniors with information technology devices.

Congratulations Dorijan!

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The Protagonists Barna Lukács, Dániel Dobondi, Noémi Tófalvi, Csilla Virág, Blanka Barabás, György Szilvasi, Ivan Borisov, Damien Donovan, Marta Silva, Dimitris Manoukas, Cristina Voinea, Irini Stogianof, Carlos Quirós, Gabrielius Stulgis, Tony, Simona, Virginia Arroyo Armenteros, Diana Mladin, Leticia Martins, Tayara Rebouҫas Marques Barreto, Katrīna Bērziņa, Liina Hints, Daniel, Mania, Rauno Rauniste, Sara Boraei, Polina Dyankova, Alexandra Draginova, Andrea Anello, Francesco Gigante, Beatrice Scambi, Xavier Edwards, Hara Arkoumani, R.K., A.E., E.K., T.F., M.T., María Moya García, María Isabel Márquez Argente del Castillo, Eleni Tsaggouri, Valeria Lavano, Niki Koutsoftides, Dorijan, Markus Udam, Andreea Oprea, Dragoş Constantin, Lucian Loghin

And their interviewers Júlia Orbán, Andrea Árkosi, Márton Illés, Jennifer Smith, Raquel Andrade, Savvas Alexandros Pavlidis, Sengkergki Dimitra, Albena Drobachka, Inga Retike, Aylin Yumerova, Dimitar Tatarski, Yonko Bushnyashki, Nektaria Marava, Foteini Sokratous, Claudia Caggiano, Mari Galiana Badenes, Zoe Touvra, Karola Jaanof, Cristina Serbanescu, Nastja Glušič, David Rihtarič, Stefan Jahnke

A special thanks to the external contributors and to the Fund Operator Team: Malgorzata Nowak, Mateusz Wisniewski, Sara Barbi, Francesca Bombarda

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Cover image: European Year of Youth

The contents of the Magazines are the sole responsibility of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Donors.

The Youth Employment Magazine and The Regional Cooperation Magazine are born with the intention of sharing the results and updates of the projects participating to the Funds to showcase the main achievements of implemented activities.

Follow us: www.youthemploymentmag.net www.regionalcoopmag.net

Don’t miss the Youth Employment Forum!

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Contact us: themag@youthemploymentmag.net themag@regionalcoopmag.net

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