From the 15th to the 24th of September, the European Centre of Studies in Arcuș will host the Skills4Future programme, organised by StartUp HUB within the Erasmus+ initiative, which brings together young people from nine countries. Participants come from Romania, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria.
The programme focuses on promoting social inclusion and identifying opportunities for rural youth. Through international cooperation, the participants aim to break down prejudices against young people from rural areas and to motivate them to take advantage of the educational and professional opportunities that are available to them. The project is also in line with the long-term objectives of the StartUp HUB, in particular the support of young entrepreneurs in rural areas.
Grüman Éva, coordinator of the programme, underlined: “The programme is based on non-formal education tools that allow young people to develop their skills and increase their knowledge through interactive and practical methods”. The activities will focus on the challenges faced by young people living in rural areas, such as the limited access to education and employment opportunities. The programme also aims to build self-confidence and overcome social isolation.
The international dimension was especially important for the participants. Kinga Melicher, a participant from Slovakia, said: “Discovering the reality in Romania and seeing that young people from rural areas here have many opportunities for development was a great experience. It was also valuable to get a European perspective on youth situation through participants from different countries”.
During the ten days of the training, the participants took part in a variety of activities. They learned about the YouthPass and Erasmus+ programmes, explored the challenges of rural life, participated in workshops and community activities. At the end, they made a short film against stereotypes. All participants receive a YouthPass certificate confirming the skills and knowledge acquired during the programme at the end.
The theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during the programme can be put into practice by the participants upon their return to their communities, thus contributing to the development and social integration of young people in rural areas. Supported by the European Commission, the programme is part of the Erasmus+ initiative.
