Last month, the city of Larissa became a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit as we proudly hosted the International Training Course of EYES Erasmus+ project from 16-20 October 2023. This event was a cornerstone for educators, trainers, and youth workers from Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Spain, and Egypt, all united by a common goal: to empower the youth with the tools for social entrepreneurship.
What is EYES Project?
EYES is an Erasmus+ project with a duration of 2 years and the involvement of 6 partners from an equal number of European and Mediterranean countries.
The project’s inspiration was the societal challenges we faced during the pandemic, with a focus on youth. With all the changes in the last couple of years in all areas, there is an opportunity to start anew for economic reconstruction with the end of increasing youth employability.
EYES proposition is to use social entrepreneurship, including youth work, which is appealing to youth, to provide employability opportunities and answers to societal challenges.
The project wants to equip NGOs and youth workers with valuable tools that can help them promote and educate youth in social entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Building the Foundations of Change
The EYES project, designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills among Europe’s youth, brought together a wide range of participants for an immersive five-day journey. The course focused on four key areas:
- Self-awareness and Motivation: Understanding one’s strengths and motivations is crucial for any social entrepreneur. The workshops helped participants explore these personal dimensions.
- Creative Ideas Development: Innovation is at the heart of entrepreneurship. Participants learned how to cultivate and nurture creative ideas into viable projects.
- Social Entrepreneurial Models: The training provided insights into various social entrepreneurship models, offering a roadmap from concept to execution.
- Scaling Up and Growth: Practical strategies for training and expanding social enterprises were shared, preparing participants to start and grow their initiatives.
Practical Learning through Collaboration
A highlight of the course was the ‘workshop laboratory,’ where attendees designed and executed their workshops, simulating real-world applications of their learning. This hands-on approach ensured that knowledge transcended the classroom, equipping participants with the confidence to implement similar workshops in their home countries.
Cultural Integration and Networking
The agenda also included a cultural visit to Meteora, fostering intercultural dialogue and strengthening participant bonds. Networking was essential to the experience, with planned dinners and team-building activities encouraging collaboration and exchanging ideas.
The Path Forward
EYES project provides more than just a training course; it’s a growing resource for social entrepreneurs. The forthcoming Training Tools handbook, available in six languages, aims to be an essential guide for anyone looking to make a social impact through entrepreneurship.
When it is available, you can find it together with all training material produced by EYES partners here.
Conclusion
The EYES International Training Course in Larissa has set the stage for future social entrepreneurs. Participants left with knowledge and the motivation and tools to create change in their communities. As these leaders return to their communities, they carry the spark of innovation that will ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in young people across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Are you inspired to make a difference in your community, or know someone who is? Stay connected with us for updates on the EYES project and access to our comprehensive resources. Let’s build a socially conscious future together.
