The “Non-formal Education for NEETs” project provided an important opportunity for 26 active youth workers, youth leaders, and peer educators from 10 youth organizations across North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Czech Republic, Spain, Estonia, and Turkey. The mobility activity took place in Thessaloniki (23/11 – 03/12/2018) and focused on exploring how non-formal education can empower young people who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs), enhancing their employability.
The project was designed based on a needs analysis of 160 young people who participated in a survey conducted by partner organizations in December 2017. The findings highlighted the need for the development of both personal and professional skills in order to better match labour market demands. The project responded to the growing challenges of youth unemployment in Europe, where millions of young people remain excluded from education and employment.
Through non-formal education activities, participants exchanged experiences, methodologies, and best practices, focusing on the development of tools to support the activation and inclusion of NEETs. The project contributed to strengthening the capacities of youth professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to design more effective and inclusive interventions. At the same time, it fostered cooperation among organizations and supported the development of innovative approaches to tackling youth unemployment.