EKO is happy to announce that one more amazing training course has been completed successfully. The project “Empower for the promotion of social and civic participation of young people through activism and volunteering” united 15 participants from Greece, Croatia, Spain, Portugal and Romania. It was organised by the Portuguese organisation Associação Sementes de Esperança and took place in Alqueva, Portel, Portugal, from 11 to 18 June 2025.
Aims & Objectives of the project
This Erasmus+ training course was designed to empower youth workers to address the ongoing issue of low social and civic participation among young people. In a time where democratic engagement and community sustainability depend on active youth involvement, the project focused on equipping youth workers with innovative, non-formal tools to inspire civic commitment and agency.
The core aim was to strengthen the professional capacity of youth workers to foster active, conscious participation among young people through volunteering, activism, and alternative forms of civic engagement.
More specifically, the project aimed to:
– Reinvent Civic Participation: Break away from traditional models of youth engagement by introducing creative, non-formal approaches to social and civic participation, including digital activism and local volunteering.
– Empower Young People: Equip youth workers with tools to enhance the civic and social competencies of young people, helping them take ownership of their voices, futures, and communities.
– Promote Professional Growth: Provide opportunities for youth workers to gain international experience, share practices, and specialize in civic empowerment through the exchange of transnational knowledge and methodologies.
Workshops & Activities of the project
The training course featured dynamic workshops that explored non-formal and alternative practices for youth civic participation. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and peer exchanges, participants developed practical strategies to inspire community involvement and social responsibility among youth.
Participants engaged in collaborative learning spaces to design inclusive civic initiatives, share successful methodologies, and reflect on their roles as enablers of democratic engagement. Special attention was given to practices that are youth-led, creative, and locally rooted.
By the end of the course, youth workers returned home equipped with fresh tools, renewed motivation, and an international support network to strengthen civic participation in their communities and contribute to a more engaged and sustainable society.
It is an amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team.
Antonia, Panagiota and Thodoris were the amazing Greek team members whom we want to thank for all their contributions and collaboration throughout the project!
As EKO, we are very grateful for that amazing opportunity given to the Greek team. We thank our Portuguese partner, Associação Sementes de Esperança , and the members of the hosting organisation for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε -Obrigado!
