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Description
In response to the high levels of youth unemployment, the “Electric Circus” project contributes to the empowerment of 40 young NEETs residing in the Municipality of Porto, using circus arts as a tool to promote personal and social development, develop their soft skills, which will facilitate the social and labour inclusion of these young people. This training will encompass circus arts workshops, personal and social skills workshops and employability support workshops. Throughout the project, these young people will have an individualised psychosocial support office at their disposal, in order to promote their self-esteem, responsibility and initiative.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the significant issue of youth unemployment in Gondomar and Porto. As of September 2021, there were 7124 people registered at the Professional Training and Employment Institute (IEFP) in Gondomar, with 697 seeking their first job, 862 under 25 years old, and 1360 aged between 25 and 34. In Porto, 11995 people were registered, with 1047 seeking their first job, 873 under 25, and 2524 aged between 25 and 34. The project also targeted the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) population, estimated at 28850 in the northern region. The pandemic exacerbated the vulnerability of young people, with 73% interrupting their education and 13% losing access to it. One in six young people became unemployed, worsening the youth unemployment rate. The project aimed to address the complex problem of youth NEET, which includes low education, disabilities, immigration background, and vulnerable social and family contexts. The project sought to develop technical and personal skills, self-confidence, self-esteem, and motivation among young people to improve their employability and social inclusion.
The project ran from May 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, conducting regular activities in two groups and territories: the Centro Social de Soutelo (CSS) in Gondomar municipality and the Salesianos Foundation (Solsal) in Porto. The project aimed to empower and train vulnerable youth, including unemployed and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth with and without disabilities or mental illness. It involved 41 young people up to 30 years old, 8 adults over 30, and 1 under 18 as indirect participants. The project conducted 114 circus arts workshops focusing on artistic enjoyment, future motivation, creativity, imagination, and soft skills development, complemented by 114 personal development workshops.
Additionally, 164 psychosocial support sessions were provided to youth, adults, and families. Five family sessions were held with 9 family members participating to support autonomy and life project planning.
The project engaged 21 companies and institutions for professional experiences, training, and job integration, including an "Open Day" event with 10 representatives. Three main showcases were held ( in November at CSS, in April and July at the Clube Contemporâneo de Circo). Additionally, three performances were held: one at the "Art&Inclusion" Multiplier Event in March, one at the "Open Day," and one during the reception of the Active Citizens program team, totaling seven presentations. These showcases were significant for the youth, enhancing their skills and self-worth. The final showcase, "La Plage," metaphorically represented the project''s journey and transformations.
In terms of Capacity Building the first objective was to refresh the diagnosis with a focus on communication, conducted by Noma Junior Consulting through Benchmarking Analysis. Based on this analysis, and recognizing the importance of marketing and communication for future sustainability, several development strategies were established. A Communication Plan was created, and 35 professionals from various areas of the organization were trained in social media, templates, and branding versus marketing. The Communication Plan was implemented with internal and external communication training, focusing on the institution''s image. A fundraising plan was also developed to improve the institution''s future and project development, continuing the training for 35 professionals. Additionally, a communication platform/application was created for CSS users and staff. The results were visible through updated and attractive external communication on social media and the institution''s website, reflecting a more competitive and aligned approach with the services provided.
In terms of results the project achieved significant changes in participants'' skill profiles, enhancing their integration into training and employment. Of the 41 direct participants, 31 undertook vocational experiences. Among indirect participants, 6 also engaged in vocational experiences. Additionally, 20 direct participants and 3 indirect participants were placed in internships, 4 direct and 2 indirect participants in training, and 3 in higher education. As a result, 17 direct participants and 1 indirect participant are now employed, demonstrating a high level of effectiveness in meeting the project''s goals. The integration of NEET youth with disabilities or mental illness alongside those without diagnoses was a distinguishing factor, highlighting the project''s inclusive methodology and its alignment with community needs. These outcomes were supported by the involvement of participants'' families in 5 sessions and psychosocial support, as well as the engagement of 21 companies and institutions.