DIY FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRENEURSHIP (2021)
The project brought together young people from Cyprus, Estonia, Turkey, Malta, Spain, and Georgia to address the growing global waste problem, which negatively affected public health, the environment, and the economy. It aimed to fill the gap in modern education by providing participants with knowledge about waste management, ecological footprints, and sustainability. Through this Youth Exchange, participants increased their awareness of environmental issues and developed practical skills to help them live more sustainably in the future.
YOUTH WORK AND SOCIAL ENTERPRENEURSHIP (2022)
The project aimed to educate youth workers in the field of social entrepreneurship. As a result, they were better equipped to help young people develop entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills, enabling them to run their own businesses or manage their NGOs more effectively. The participants were youth workers or leaders who worked with young people and were eager to learn more about entrepreneurship.
FAKE - FINDING ALTERNATIVE KOMMUNICATION ETTIQUETTES (2023)
The project focused on educating participants about the positive and negative sides of social media and digital gadget usage. It helped them improve their skills and knowledge in international communication and develop critical thinking and awareness regarding fake news and false realities presented online. Participants also became more aware of cyber-safety and learned to adopt healthier habits in relation to digital media use.
During the project, discussions were held on how to identify reliable information sources, detect fake news, and recognize signs of untrustworthy or misleading content. The project addressed the issue of information overload and the unrealistic portrayals on social media that often create false expectations and illusions. As a result, participants gained deeper insight into the problematic aspects of media in their daily lives and transitioned from being average social media consumers to more mindful and informed ones, capable of making conscious and critical choices in the digital environment.
YOUTH IN POWER OF MONEY (2024)
The project “Youth in Power of Money” aimed to address the widespread lack of financial literacy among young people. It was based on research by the OECD and Eurostat, which showed that at least half of the EU’s adult population lacked a solid understanding of basic financial concepts. Many young people had expressed a desire to become financially independent but did not know how to achieve it.
Through local research, it was found that schools rarely provided education on financial literacy or budgeting, leaving youth unprepared for real-life financial responsibilities. Many relied on money given by their parents, often without understanding its value or how to manage it responsibly. Some came from economically struggling families, while others from wealthier backgrounds lacked awareness of mindful spending, creating unhealthy relationships with money. Additionally, the culture of instant gratification and reliance on credit led many young people into debt cycles.
The main goal of the project was to train youth workers in financial literacy so they could, in turn, educate and support young people in developing responsible financial habits and a deeper understanding of money management.
CONNECTED & DISCONNECTED (2024)
The project aimed to explore how the online world affects young people’s daily lives and behaviors. It recognized that spending large amounts of time online had become essential for communication, study, work, and entertainment. Many young people no longer distinguished between their online and offline worlds, viewing them as continuous and interconnected.
Despite being born into the digital age, many participants admitted they lacked knowledge about safe internet use, self-presentation online, and the subconscious effects of the internet on their lives. Local research also revealed that many young people wanted to reconnect with offline experiences and enjoy outdoor activities similar to those of previous generations.
Through this youth exchange, participants learned more about the influence of the online world, reflected on their digital habits, and explored ways to create a healthier balance between online and offline life.
A WALK TO REMEMBER - CAMINO DE SANTIAGO (2024)
The project offered young people an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and embark on a journey of reflection, personal discovery, and adventure through the Camino experience. It encouraged participants to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and immerse themselves in a different culture while connecting with others.
The main aims of the project were to help participants learn new skills during the preparation phase, prepare physically and psychologically for the journey, interact with a Spanish group, and achieve self-development and personal growth. Participants also received a YouthPass Certificate to recognize their learning outcomes.
Before the actual Camino, several preparation activities were organized, including an introductory meeting explaining the Camino, practical sessions on what to bring and pack, and group walks and trekking exercises to build physical readiness. The project combined both an outer journey, the physical challenge and an inner journey personal growth and reflection.
YOUTH WORK 101 (2024)
The project aimed to strengthen the role and understanding of youth work as a growing profession in today’s world, where young people face increasing social and personal pressures. It addressed the lack of formal educational opportunities for becoming youth workers in many countries.
Through this training course, participants gained a clearer understanding of what youth work involves and learned how to engage effectively with young people from diverse backgrounds and realities. They explored different styles of youth work, including youth center-based, street-based, school-based, and one-to-one approaches.
Additionally, participants learned how to design and implement inclusive tools and workshops to better support young people’s development and inclusion.
KONTAKT
Rahvusvaheliste projektide koordinaator
Margit Vellend
margit@vabaajakeskus.ee
+372 5660 5982