Empowering Youth Through Participatory Innovation

💡 What does it take to empower youth as changemakers in their communities?
Learn how the IN.PACT project is equipping young people with participatory skills to drive social inclusion and resilience across Europe.

In November, Gaia Education and its partners officially launched the IN.PACT project—a two-year Erasmus+ initiative aimed at equipping young people and youth workers with participatory skills to foster inclusion and resilience. The kickoff meeting brought together four organizations from Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium, setting the stage for a transformative collaboration.

IN.PACT addresses pressing issues faced by young Europeans, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and young migrants. By providing tools, training, and spaces for meaningful engagement, IN.PACT empowers these individuals to become changemakers in their communities.

The project focuses on three key objectives:

1. Creating a Collaborative Network: An interactive online platform will connect youth organizations across Europe, facilitating the exchange of best practices and participatory methodologies. This network will foster a community of practice that supports mutual learning and amplifies impact.
2. Enhancing Skills and Capacities: Through a hybrid training program, youth workers and facilitators will gain practical skills in leadership, facilitation, and community engagement. These modules, validated by a Community of Practices (CoP), ensure the training meets the diverse needs of participants.
3. Reducing Marginalization: By engaging directly with marginalized groups, IN.PACT promotes inclusion and empowers youth to lead local initiatives, contributing to a greater sense of belonging and active citizenship.

We are particularly excited about the innovative "Smart Labs," which will serve as participatory spaces for hands-on learning. These labs will act as incubators for social innovation, where young people can experiment with new ideas, develop leadership skills, and drive community projects.

As a collective, the IN.PACT partners are committed to co-creating a roadmap for sustainable impact. The project outcomes will include a training manual, an interactive map of participatory practices, and replicable guidelines for Smart Labs—ensuring that the work continues beyond the project's lifecycle.

Together, we are cultivating the next generation of leaders who will champion inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. IN.PACT is more than a project; it is a call to action for youth empowerment and participatory change across Europe.

Funded by the European Union, IN.PACT is a testament to the power of collective action to shape a brighter, more inclusive future.