Erasmus+ KA2 Projects Archives

ON S.T.A.G.E. Erasmus+ Project | Final Meeting in Lisbon

Our team just came back from the final meeting in Lisbon of the project “Social Theatre for the Active Generation in the EU” (ON S.T.A.G.E), held on February 21st and 22nd. We met again with our partners from Germany Greece, and Portugal to reflect on the project’s journey, finalise its legacy, and bring this forward with a new proposal! The project ‘Social Theatre for the Active Generation in the EU’ (ON S.T.A.G.E) is a KA210 youth project designed to empower young people (aged 18-30) in Germany, Ireland, Greece and Portugal to engage with political issues through theatre. It aims to promote civic engagement among disadvantaged youth, especially for those from ethnic minority backgrounds. They will develop critical citizenship skills and be encouraged to advocate for change by voting in the European elections, increasing their social participation. The projects included local activities and 2 youth mobilities in Greece and Germany. Partners created useful resources, including a project website, a Guidebook on participation in the EU elections for youth and Youth worker Toolkit on youths’ socio-political inclusion. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all activities and links to resources. Day 1: Solidifying Impact & Evaluating the Project The first day of our final meeting in Lisbon centered on evaluating the project’s outcomes, particularly its success in empowering young people from ethnic minority backgrounds to engage with political issues through creative expression. Partners reviewed the completion of key resources, including the Youth Worker Toolkit for Socio-Political Inclusion and the Guidebook on Participation in EU Elections—practical free tools designed to equip youth with the skills to advocate for change and participate actively in democracy that can be found on the project website. We carried our a detailed assessment of the project’s local activities and two youth mobilities in Greece and Germany, where participants used theatre workshops to explore themes like voting rights, social justice, and EU citizenship, resulting in two performance videos. Partners analysed feedback from these mobilities, noting increased confidence among participants to voice their opinions and engage in civic processes. We also mapped out strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of resources, such as integrating the toolkit into our youth initiatives and promoting the guidebook ahead of local elections. The day concluded with collaborative preparations for the final report and fruitful discussion on the main features of a follow-up project. Day 2: Cultural Exploration On the second day, we got the chance to explore Lisbon together, consolidating even more our already strong connection that brought this project to life. Curtain Call? Not Quite! While this TPM marks the formal close of this Erasmus+ project, the spotlight remains on youth-driven impact. Partners will host final local activities this spring to ensure the tools reach even more young people. Discussions are already underway for future collaborations to expand the project’s reach, proving that the stage for social change is only growing bigger. Follow our Facebook and Instagram for updates on our upcoming initiatives for young people in Dublin and online!

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Erasmus+ Eco-Tourism Project | Final Partner Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal

HESL

The final meeting for the Eco-Tourism project took place in Lisbon on February 18th and 19th. We met our Estonian, Romanian and Portuguese partners to evaluate and assess our successful project in the beautiful capital of Portugal. The Project ‘Eco-Tourism for Social Entrepreneurship Health and Well-Being Among Youth‘ is a KA210 youth project that aims to empower young people in rural and urban communities to engage with their green areas and take innovative action towards fighting climate change through the promotion of ecotourism. The project involves young people and youth organisations from Estonia, Ireland, Portugal and Romania, which will be involved in local activities, webinars and 2 mobilties. During the project, a booklet, a website and an app will also be created. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. The Meeting Our final meeting in Lisbon started with an assessment of Phase 2 of the project and the evaluation of the results created. Together with our partners, we also brainstormed how we could further use the innovative tools designed to empower young people and communities in our own current and new local initiatives. We ended the meeting with the preparation for the final report, conducting a final evaluation of the overall project implementation and partner collaboration. What’s Next? The project came to an end, but our initiatives for local young people continue! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on upcoming events and activities for young people in Dublin and online!

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Up-Root Eco Democracy | Erasmus+ Transnational Project Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal

HESL

Our team just got back from our second Transnational Project Meeting in Lisbon! We had the chance to meet our partners from Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, and Denmark once again to evaluate and assess our successful Up-Root project. The project Up-Root Eco-Democracy aims to increase youth’s confidence in the EU’s ability to tackle climate change and increase youth voter turnout in the 2024 EU elections and beyond. Together, project partners will promote sustainable city development and green practices on a local to global scale, while simultaneously increasing youth’s capacity to research and advocate for environmental issues, promoting young voices in global debate. Day 1: Project Evaluation The focus of the first meeting day was the assessment of the second phase of the project. We also carried out a final evaluation and discussed the project’s long-term sustainability. Partners also reviewed the final versions of the outputs and materials created. We ended the meeting with the preparation for the final report. Day 2: Cultural Tour On the second day, partners took their time to explore Portugal’s capital and trying its local food. This has been a very solid partnership that allowed us to create great resources, opportunities and results for young people. We are happy to have met our partners again at our final project meeting in Lisbon. We will implement the last set of local activities in the upcoming months and put forward some other collaboration ideas for future projects. If you would like to join us, make sure to check our Facebook and Instagram pages for future updates.

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Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship | YEA-EU Erasmus+ Youth Mobility in Portugal

HESL

From the 26th to the 30th November, young people from France, Ireland, Denmark, Italy, Romania, and Portugal came together in Lisbon for an inspiring event focused on youth entrepreneurship and the setting up of youth NGOs. Hosted by For Citizens Institute, the mobility aimed to empower youth participants to explore entrepreneurship, build impactful NGOs, and foster cross-cultural collaboration. The Project ‘Youth Eco-Activism in the EU‘ is a KA220 youth project designed to raise awareness of the climate crisis among young people and equip them with the tools to take initiative and address these issues. Specifically, the project’s goal is to guide youth in creating their own social enterprises focused on mitigating climate change and to encourage more young people to engage in climate action through youth-led activism and participation in the EU elections in June 2024. The project involves young people and youth workers from France, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Denmark. It includes local activities and 2 youth mobilities in 2024. Partners will also create two practical guidebooks on online activism and EU elections, and a platform with information to set-up youth-NGOs. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. Day 1: Introductions and Teambuilding The first day began with participants meeting each other and learning about the host organization and partners. The morning sessions also included team building activities to set a good collaborative environment for the week. In the afternoon, participants engaged in roundtable discussions about the role of NGOs in society and the significance of youth-led initiatives. The day concluded with a Portuguese and Italian cultural night, where participants showcased their countries’ traditions. Day 2: Understanding and Exploring NGO Landscapes Day two expanded participants’ understanding of NGOs. Young people researched and presented policies and steps to set up an NGO in the partner countries. The sessions carried on in the afternoon with a practical workshop on project management and leadership skills. Participants were given a real-life business scenario to roleplay and present. Day 3: Building the Blueprint Day three focused on planning and fundraising. In the morning, participants received a useful insight into the Erasmus+ programme and the European funding available for youth NGOs. In the afternoon, they delved into the drafting of their NGO business plan to bring their ideas into reality. We finished off the day with an amazing cultural night, tasting Romanian and Irish food. Day 4: Sharpening the Skills Day four was all about testing their communication skills, persuasion and leadership by participating in an engaging role-play panel workshop. Young people pitched their enterprise ideas and convinced the judges to fund their youth entrepreneurship. Day 5: Reflecting and Celebrating The final day started with a visit to one of the local NGOs. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about social enterprise first-hand, asking insightful questions about their connection with the municipality and impact on the community. We finished off the day with a final reflection and a certificate ceremony. What’s next? The next phase of the project includes online and in-person events in all partner countries to present the project resources. They will also be available for free to use and download. More information coming soon on our social media! Check our Facebook and Instagram to find more information on these and other events in the upcoming months and how you can take part!

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ONSTAGE mobility in Germany on minorities discrimination

Youth Mobility On Theatre and Minorities Discrimination in Germany | Erasmus+ ON S.T.A.G.E. Project

HESL

We spent a great creative week in Berlin for our Erasmus+ ON STAGE Project last October! We were hosted by our German coordinator Alrahallah Theater Berlin from the 13th to the 17st October to shoot the second theatre performance of the project. Combining social theatre and discussions about inclusion and minorities discrimination in our societies, we came up with an original play to talk about the importance of showing empathy and kindness in our everyday life to change biases and make life better for everyone in our community. The project ‘Social Theatre for the Active Generation in the EU’ (ON S.T.A.G.E) is a KA210 youth project designed to empower young people (aged 18-30) in Germany, Ireland, Greece and Portugal to engage with political issues through theatre. It aims to promote civic engagement among disadvantaged youth, especially for those from ethnic minority backgrounds. They will develop critical citizenship skills and be encouraged to advocate for change by voting in the European elections, increasing their social participation. The projects included local activities and 2 youth mobilities in Greece and Germany. Partners created useful resources, including a project website, a Guidebook on participation in the EU elections for youth and Youth worker Toolkit on youths’ socio-political inclusion. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all activities and links to resources. DAY 1 – 13th October On the first day, we got to know each other through theatre-based team building activities. We then focussed on theatre techniques, especially body language, to set the scene for the rest of the week. DAY 2 – 14th October On the second day, participants worked on the theme of the mobility and the play, which was introduced during the pre-departure online workshops. They shared experiences and view points on nowadays society’s oppressors and oppressed. They also discussed today’s social problems across Europe, including minorities discrimination. From this, they drew the theme of the stage performance. DAY 3 – 15th October On the third day, participants worked on the story and got an introduction to social theatre. They decided their roles and worked on building the initial connection to their characters. DAY 4 – 16th October On the fourth day, the group rehearsed the main performance. They also got the chance to explore Berlin, passing by the main landmarks of the city. DAY 5 – 17th October On the fifth and last day, teh group shot the video of the final performance! You can find it on Youtube (link here). We finished off the day with a collective reflection on the experience, where participants shared their feedback and emotions felt throughout the week. What’s next? The next phase of the project includes online and in-person events in all partner countries to present the project resources. They will also be available for free to use and download. For more information on these and other opportunities for young people coming soon, check our Facebook and Instagram pages!

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Youth Eco-Tourism For Community Development | Erasmus+ Youth Mobility in Romania

HESL

From October 8th to 11th, youth from Ireland, Estonia, Romania, and Portugal gathered to explore the connection between youth NGOs and eco-tourism as a tool for community development. The youth mobility was part of our Eco-Tourism Erasmus+ project. The project ‘Eco-Tourism for Social Entrepreneurship Health and Well-Being Among Youth‘ is a KA210 youth project that aims to empower young people in rural and urban communities to engage with their green areas and take innovative action towards fighting climate change through the promotion of ecotourism. The project involves young people and youth organisations from Estonia, Ireland, Portugal and Romania. They will be involved in local activities, webinars and 2 mobilties. During the project, a booklet, a website and an app will also be created. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. Day 1: Introduction and Discussions The opening day was all about introductions. After some teambuilding activities, participants engaged in partner presentations to share insights into their organisations and local contexts. In the afternoon, they joined an roundtable discussion on the role that young people can play in community growth. Day 2: Discovering Local Innovations The second day delved deeper into local initiatives. Participants took part in a workshop led by the NGO Mare Nostrum on micro plastic. They also received a visit from local organisations, gaining valuable insights into the NGO creation and work for young people in Constanța. The day concluded with young people revising the outputs created for the project and sharing valuable feedback for improvement and dissemination. In the evening, we had a lively cultural night offering participants the chance to celebrate Irish and Portuguese cultures through food and traditional music. Day 3: Hands-On Learning and Exploration Day three was dedicated to practical learning, as each country piloted a workshop plan included in the Eco-Tourism Toolkit. Participants got hands-on experience in brainstorming their NGO ideas, networking and creating a social media plan for their NGO. In the afternoon, young people took part in a fun activity around the city to build resilience and communication skills. The day ended with an outdoor activity that took the group into Constanța’s cultural sites, testing the eco-tourism routes designed to guide visitors while highlighting sustainability. In the evening, we had a lovely time eating together at a Romanian restaurant, where we had our Romanian and Estonian cultural night. Day 4: Wrapping Up and Looking Forward On the final day, participants reflected on the mobility, sharing ideas on how to implement eco-tourism projects in their communities. To share these moments, we shot video interviews to capture their feedback on the experience. What’s next? The next phase of the project includes online and in-person events in all partner countries to present the project resources. They will also be available for free to use and download. More information coming soon on our social media! Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to find other opportunities!

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Sustainable Development Turkey LTTA 2 in September 2024

Youth Mobility on Sustainable Development | Up-Root LTTA 2 in Turkey

HESL

We just spent an amazing week in Cappadocia for our second Youth mobility on sustainable development! As part of our Erasmus+ Up root project, young people from Ireland, Sweden, Danemark, Portugal and Turkey had the opportunity to travel to the marvelous Cappadocia region to discuss sustainable cities, learn more about the EU-Turkey relationship and explore the ancient sites. The Project Up-Root Eco-Democracy is a KA120 youth project aiming to empower youth by increasing awareness about the EU, democratic processes, and climate change. With the upcoming European Parliament elections in mind, the project aims to enhance youth participation in democracy. The project hopes to instil a sense of responsibility and activism among the youth, equipping them with the tools to shape the future and address the pressing issue of climate change. Up-Root has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. Young people will be engaged in local activities, online webinars and one more upcoming mobility in Turkey. Day 1 We kicked off the mobility on the 3rd September with a lot of icebreakers and team building games that helped getting to know each other more before starting the activities. We then took part in an interactive seminars where we learned about and discussed the historical and political relations between Turkey & the EU that led to new opportunities such as this Erasmus+ project. After lunch, we were introduced to the main topic of the mobility, sustainable city development, starting by discussing the Issues brought by the 2023 devastating earthquake in the South-East of Turkey. The activities ended with a fun creative workshop! Young people came up with brand new solutions for sustainable city development, using recycled materials to build their prototypes. Group 1 developed an innovative eye catching creation for waste collection. Group 2 designed a boat combining water, wind and solar energy. Group 3 created a house system that used wind and solar energy, as well as a system to reuse rain in the household. As the 1st day came to a close, we had fun on the Swedish and Danish cultural night. Day 2 On the 2nd day, the activities were focused on the two main project topics: democracy and sustainability. In the morning, we had a practical workshop. Participants created social media content to promote eco-friendly behavious, the project and the international day of the democracy. We also took part in a mock election workshop. The two elected youth president and vice president lead the afternoon sessions, which included insightful roundtable discussion on the role of the EU in combating climate change. Young people expressed interesting and valid ideas on how institutions should move forward in their sustainable development plans. Day 3 The 3rd day was excursion day! We had a great time learning more about Turkish history, trying local food and exploring Göreme stunning sites. In the afternoon, our Turkish host organised a visit to the Nevsehir municipality. Young people had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of the city and learn more about his political background, as well as his views for sustainable city development and tourism. The day finished off with a bang! We listened to Turkish singers, tried the Irish dance and tasted some food from Portugal. Day 4 On the last day, we wrapped up the mobility with a session to share our feedback and a certificate ceremony! What’s next? This was the last mobility planned for the Up-Root project, which is ending in February 2025. However, we have other opportunities for young people to take part in similar life-changing opportunities! Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on upcoming Erasmus+ youth opportunities.

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Your Vote, Your Future – Make It Count in the EU Elections 2024!

HESL

The EU Elections 2024 are just around the corner, taking place from the 6th – 9th June 2024. As young people, your voice matters more than ever. The decisions made in these elections will shape the future of Europe, impacting everything from climate policies to education programmes, and beyond. Here at HESL, we understand the value of youth participation and want to empower you to make a difference. Here’s why your vote is crucial and how you can make sure it counts. Why You Should Vote? Voting in the European elections is not just a right; it’s a responsibility and an opportunity. By casting your vote, you are directly influencing the direction of the European Union. Your vote helps to: How to Vote: Step-by-Step Guide The EU Commission has made it easy for you to find out how to vote. Simply visit their dedicated website (https://elections.europa.eu/en/), select your country, language and click OK. Additionally, on this page, you can find other useful information about why you should vote in the next European elections, how the elections work, and what is being done to ensure they remain free and fair. Additionally, you can follow the 2024 election results as they come in, review past election outcomes, and access easy-to-read explanations about the elections. To help spread the word, explore our collection of free-to-download campaign materials designed to amplify your message. Once you have selected your country and language, you will be taken to a page that shows voting information for your chosen country. Here, you will find a list of options, including: Make Your Voice Heard! Your vote is your voice, and it has the power to shape the future of the European Union. By participating in the upcoming EU elections 2024, you are taking an active role in the democratic process and helping to create a Europe that reflects your values and aspirations. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference. Remember, the elections are only six days away. Make sure you’re registered, informed, and ready to cast your vote. Encourage your friends and family to do the same—every vote counts. Let’s come together to ensure a brighter future for Europe. Your vote matters. Make it count. For more information and to begin your voting journey, visit the European elections page today. What To Take Part in Our Erasmus+ Projects? We are currently implementing a range of Erasmus+ projects centred around the EU Elections 2024, political engagement and the environment. If you are aged 18 – 30, you can take part in some of our local and international activities coming up over the next few months. Up-Root Eco-Democracy The ‘Up-Root Eco-Democracy’ project aims to increase youth’s confidence in the EU’s ability to tackle climate change and increase youth voter turnout in the 2024 EU elections and beyond. Together, project partners will promote sustainable city development and green practices on a local to global scale, while simultaneously increasing youth’s capacity to research and advocate for environmental issues, promoting young voices in global debate (learn more). YEA EU – Youth Eco-Activism in the EU ‘Youth Eco-Activism in the EU’ aims to raise awareness of the climate crisis among young people and provide them with the tools to take initiative and be actively involved in addressing these issues at local, national, and European levels. The project’s goal is to guide young people in creating their own social enterprises focused on mitigating climate change and to encourage more young people to engage in climate action through youth-led activism (learn more). ON S.T.A.G.E ‘Social Theatre for the Active Generation in the EU’ (ON S.T.A.G.E) is a project designed to empower young people to engage with political issues through theatre. It aims to promote civic engagement among disadvantaged youth from ethnic minority backgrounds and those facing economic, geographical and cultural obstacles. They will develop critical citizenship skills and be encouraged to advocate for change by voting in the European elections, increasing their social participation (learn more).

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World Environment Day Webinar & Workshop

HESL

We are combining World Environment Day celebrations with the upcoming European election in our free online webinar of the 5th of June! The event is open to all (aged 18+) but is specifically targeted to young people (aged 18-30). Through a mix of presentations, roundtable discussions and workshops with people all over Europe, you will gain invaluable and thought-provoking insight on topics including: Sign up now via Eventbrite During the webinar, you will also have the chance to voice your opinions and discuss some real-life examples of sustainable practices, as well as take part in a range of activities that increase your ability to affect positive change in the EU. The event is part of the Erasmus+ youth projects “Up-Root Eco-Democracy” and “Eco-Tourism For Social Entrepreneurship Health & Well-Being”. Let’s unite our voices and actions for a greener, more sustainable world. Together, we can make a difference! Sign up now via Eventbrite

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Eco-friendly routes & sustainable tourism | Erasmus + youth mobility in Estonia

HESL

We flew to Estonia in April for our 1st youth mobility as part of the Erasmus+ “Eco-tourism for Social Entrepreneurship, Health, and Well-being” project! Our Estonian partner hosted young people from Ireland, Portugal and Romania to work on eco-friendly routes and tips for sustainable tourism! The project ‘Eco-Tourism for Social Entrepreneurship Health and Well-Being Among Youth‘ is a KA210 youth project that aims to empower young people in rural and urban communities to engage with their green areas and take innovative action towards fighting climate change through the promotion of ecotourism. The project involves young people and youth organisations from Estonia, Ireland, Portugal and Romania, which will be involved in local activities, webinars and 2 mobilties. During the project, a booklet, a website and an app will also be created. The project has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all ongoing and scheduled activities. Day 1 – Embracing sustainability The first day began with an introduction session with ice-breaker activities to get to know each other. We visited the youth centre and got the chance to learn more about Estonian youth work. In the afternoon, we started working on the project’s booklet. Each group presented the eco-friendly routes they had created during the local activities. We received useful feedback and we shared our ideas regarding the eco-friendly measure our country should adopt to enable eco-tourism. We finished off the day with a brainstorming session on the project’s app layout, which will be available soon! Day 2 – Exploring Paldiski On the second day, the group took part in an exciting excursion to Paldiski, a former Soviet Navy closed town. They had the chance to explore the surroundings and discuss nuclear waste disposal while reflecting on the importance of preserving the natural environment and our health. Day 3 – Advocating sustainable tourism Continuing the theme of sustainability, day three focused on finalising the eco-friendly routes and tips. We also discussed and compared tips for sustainable tourism, which provided valuable insights into responsible travel practices in our countries. In the afternoon, young people visited Rummu and learned about the requalification of an abandoned prison and flooded quarry, a local project for environmental conservation and heritage preservation. Day 4 – Reflection and Tallinn visit As the mobility drew to a close, young people were given space to reflect on their experience, provide feedback and learn about the Youthpass certificate. To end the activity with a bang, we all took a day trip to Tallinn! We explored the city together and put into practice the eco-friendly routes and tips discussed! What’s next? The second and final mobility for this project is going to take place in Romania from the 8th to the 11th of October! We’re looking for 6 young people to take on this Erasmus+ funded mobility, so sign up here and get in touch to learn more! Our Facebook and Instagram pages are the best places to stay updated about all upcoming opportunities! We have a few coming up for young people all over Europe!

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