Description
The project aims to be an alternative and complementary solution to public policy regarding youth employability and entrepreneurship, thanks to its flexibility and focus on the specific needs of young people. It aims to develop social skills through youth participation in experimental activities that combine art, innovation and social entrepreneurship. The expected outcomes include the development of social skills through art workshops and training itineraries, the promotion of entrepreneurship, providing a platform for experimentation and guidance in support to business ideas; and through the creation of a manual on social entrepreneurship and good practices guide for youth employment.
Summary of project results
In the low density territories of the interior of Portugal, like Covilhã, a high youth unemployment rate is observed; young people from vulnerable socio-economic contexts are able to attain levels of basic, secondary and higher education but do not own social, personal and emotional skills enabling them to compete in the labor market; gaps in soft skills prevent them from benefiting from state initiatives to support employability and entrepreneurship; civic participation of NEET youth is residual leading them to enter a vicious circle of social exclusion; NEETs instead of being a potential represent a burden for the society and the economy. 124 young people were involved in various types of training on employability and entrepreneurship and are considered successfully trained as entrepreneurs. These include 36 participating in entrepreneur laboratories, 73 in creative laboratories and 15 in experimental laboratories, all part of a very practical and active methodology. In total 219 youngsters have participated in all activities implemented under the project. 32 participants have already found a job. 15 business ideas, 10 business plans and 15 product proposals were conceived during the project (20 youngsters had 450 hours of mentoring for that purpose). A Manual on Social Entrepreneurship was produced and published as well as a Guide on good practices to promote youth employment. A Territorial Network for Youth Employment was set up with 21 local partners (including public and private partners, a theatre group and the university) and 50 professionals (including mentors and volunteers) have been trained to work with young people. The promoter and its partners report gains of knowledge and skills on working with young people and on attracting them to participate in the design and implementation of tailored solutions according to their wishes and interests.
Summary of bilateral results