A Dynamic Start to the ‘YOUth Lead the Future!’ Project in Thessaloniki
From April 29 to 30, 2024, Thessaloniki, Greece, was the vibrant host of the kickoff meeting for the Erasmus+ project “YOUth Lead the Future!” This critical gathering marked the start of a unique journey aimed at empowering young people to actively participate in civic life across Europe. The meeting brought together youth workers and representatives from four committed partner organizations—ENO Greece, FreeMinds in Action from Italy, Association de Cooperación al Desarollo Abarka from Spain, and Asociatia Agoje from Romania.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork The meeting kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome by ENO Greece, followed by insightful presentations from each partner organization. Participants outlined their roles, expectations, and the collective vision of the project, which seeks to boost civic engagement and a sense of European identity among young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
The agenda for the first day featured a detailed introduction to the Erasmus+ KA2 program, discussions on the project’s objectives, and a review of the timeline and milestones. The afternoon was dedicated to team-building activities, essential for fostering effective communication and collaboration across the partner organizations. This ensured that all teams were aligned and prepared to navigate the project together.
Strategic Decision-Making for the Learning Guide One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a unanimous decision regarding the development of the project’s core deliverable, the learning guide for youth workers. Rather than creating entirely new resources, the partners agreed to capitalize on the wealth of existing materials and experiences already at their disposal, a result of their years of work in the youth sector. This decision reflects the strength of the partnership and the collaborative approach underpinning the project. The modules planned for the learning guide will include a wide range of topics, from “Understanding Active Citizenship” to “Digital Advocacy and Social Media Engagement” and “Civic Education Through Art” .
Day 2: Shaping the Future The second day of the meeting focused on long-term strategic planning. Sessions included a detailed review of the project budget, clarification of roles and responsibilities, and a brainstorming session on how to best promote the project’s outcomes. In particular, the partners discussed and finalized the visual identity of the project, agreeing on key elements like logos, color schemes, and branding to ensure cohesive communication throughout its lifecycle. This visual identity will be instrumental in maintaining consistent visibility across various platforms.
Moreover, the partners collaborated on drafting a communication strategy, which will include regular updates via social media, newsletters, and local engagement events. This strategy will ensure that the project’s progress is shared widely, reaching stakeholders, youth groups, and the broader community.
Risk Management and Mitigation A comprehensive risk management plan was also established during the meeting, ensuring that potential challenges—such as delays, miscommunication, or unforeseen external factors—can be addressed effectively. This strategic approach will safeguard the project’s progress, ensuring that it stays on track and achieves its ambitious goals.
Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation By the end of the two-day meeting, the foundation for the “YOUth Lead the Future!” project was firmly in place. Partners left Thessaloniki energized and united, with a clear roadmap, a shared visual identity, and a strategy for disseminating the project’s results. The collaborative decision to build on existing resources for the learning guide speaks to the strength and expertise of this transnational partnership.
The next steps will see the continued development of the learning guide, followed by training sessions and experiential events that will empower youth workers and young people alike. Thessaloniki has set the stage for a successful project, ensuring that youth across Europe will be better equipped to lead their futures and engage in democratic life.
Stay tuned for more updates as the “YOUth Lead the Future!” project continues its mission to foster a new generation of active and empowered European citizens.