EKO is happy to announce that one more amazing youth exchange has been completed successfully. The project “SMALL COMMUNITIES, GREAT INNOVATORS” united 44 participants from Czechia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Greece and Romania. It was organized by the Romanian organization Asociata Oden and took place in BUZAU, ROMANIA, from 14 to 24 February 2025.
Aims & Objectives of the project
This project aims to increase the entrepreneurial potential of unemployed young people and NEETs by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to initiate and develop social businesses. While many young people face challenges in accessing employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship can provide sustainable solutions for economic independence. Through this youth exchange, we want to empower participants to take initiative, develop innovative business ideas, and contribute to social change by creating enterprises that address community needs.
More specifically the objectives were:
- Strengthening the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the unemployed and NEET for starting social businesses
- Developing for unemployed young people and NEETs new personal, civic, digital and entrepreneurial skills
- Increasing the capacity of youngsters to capitalize on innovative entrepreneurial ideas by building and being prepared for implementing “social entrepreneurship business plans”
Workshops & Activities of the project
Through this project, participants engaged in a dynamic learning process employing non-formal education methods such as presentations, theatre, round table discussions, entrepreneurship education, debates, video creation, and role plays. The project activities included preparation, introductions, getting to know each other, workshops in plenary and teams, outdoor activities, intercultural evenings, visits, reflection, and evaluation according to the agenda.
Throughout the experience, participants explored real-life challenges and developed essential skills through interactive methods. Engaging in debates and creative workshops enhanced their critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. The diverse activities encouraged open dialogue and mutual learning, allowing participants to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Facilitators created a safe and inclusive space where participants could actively contribute, share their experiences, and reflect on their personal growth. By the end of the project, all team members had gained valuable competencies, strengthened their entrepreneurial mindset, and contributed to fostering an environment of active participation and social change.
It is an amazing opportunity and a great experience for EKO’s team
Xara,Nasia,Konstantinos,Thanasis and Kostas 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 Romanian partner asociatia oden and the members of the hosting organization for all their hard work and for creating such an impactful project!
Thank you – Ευχαριστούμε – suntem multumiti!
