Fueling Futures

Inclusive Youth Information Award category

Organisation

Európa Ifjúsága Egyesület

Country

Hungary

WEBSITE

https://www.facebook.com/europaifjusaga

Project link

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBo9zGAOLPL/?img_index=1

General Overview

The “Fueling Futures” project, implemented by Eurodesk multipliers during the Time to Move month, aimed to empower high school students, particularly those with fewer opportunities, by providing information about European mobility and opportunity programmes in a fun, engaging, and non-formal way. Partnering with a local high school, Eurodesk multipliers led interactive sessions alongside international volunteers and young people who had already participated in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) projects.

Recognising that traditional presentations can be less effective for this target audience, the project prioritised peer-to-peer learning and experiential sharing. Eurodesk multipliers provided comprehensive information about the Eurodesk network itself, explaining its role as a single point of access to information and support for young people interested in European opportunities. To make learning interactive and engaging, Eurodesk multipliers utilised various methods, including small group discussions, puzzles, quizzes, online platforms, and Kahoot! games.

Volunteers and former participants shared their personal stories, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and transformative impact of participating in international projects. This approach created a relatable and inspiring atmosphere, encouraging students to consider these opportunities for their own personal and professional development.

The sessions covered a range of topics, including Erasmus+ youth exchanges, ESC volunteering opportunities, and other relevant initiatives. Information was presented through interactive games, group discussions, and Q&A sessions, ensuring active participation and knowledge retention. The project aimed to bridge the information gap for students who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities, fostering a sense of inclusion and encouraging them to explore their potential on a European scale. By combining the expertise of Eurodesk multipliers with the lived experiences of young people and utilising innovative, interactive methods, “Fueling Futures” successfully provided valuable information and inspiration to a group of students who stand to benefit significantly from these life-changing opportunities.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

This series of events targeted high school students from a school with a high proportion of students facing socioeconomic challenges, including belonging to national or ethnic minorities, experiencing low living standards or income, facing discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, beliefs, or sexual orientation, and/or living in remote or rural areas with limited access to public transport. A core principle of inclusive youth information is reaching underserved populations, and by bringing information about European opportunities directly to this school, the project removed geographical, social, and economic barriers. The project prioritised non-formal education techniques such as interactive games, group discussions, and peer-to-peer sharing to make the information accessible, engaging, and relevant, catering to different learning styles and promoting active participation. Crucially, the events featured personal stories from young people who had participated in Erasmus+ and ESC projects. This peer-to-peer approach fostered trust and inspiration, demonstrating that international opportunities are accessible to everyone regardless of background and aligning with the project’s inclusive approach by valuing diverse perspectives. By addressing a significant information gap, the project empowered these students to explore and make informed decisions about European opportunities like Erasmus+ and ESC, which they might not have otherwise considered.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

Many students, particularly those with fewer opportunities, may have limited knowledge about the range of opportunities available to them through programmes like Erasmus+ and ESC. The event directly addressed this by providing comprehensive information in an accessible and engaging setup. This newfound awareness opened their eyes to possibilities they may not have previously considered, broadening their horizons and expanding their future prospects.

By peer-to-peer learning and sharing personal experiences, the project created a relatable and inspiring atmosphere. Students were able to connect with the stories of young people who had already participated in international projects, seeing firsthand the positive impact these experiences had on their lives. While the primary focus was on spreading information, the project also contributed to the development of key skills and competencies relevant to personal and professional growth. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and Q&A sessions, students enhanced their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. They also gained a better understanding of intercultural awareness and active citizenship, which are valuable assets in today’s world.

By providing access to information and inspiration, the project empowered young people to take control of their future and explore their potential. The peer-to-peer approach fostered a sense of belonging and encouraged students to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals. This increased self-confidence can have a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives, enabling them to follow their dreams with greater belief.

By specifically targeting students with fewer opportunities, the event promoted inclusion and equal access to information and opportunities. It challenged the concept that international experiences are only for a select few, demonstrating that these opportunities are within reach for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. This fostered a sense of fairness and encouraged students to strive for their full potential.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

To minimise our environmental impact, we prioritised digital materials over paper, using recycled paper when necessary. We educated students about the importance of reducing paper consumption and plastic waste, encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and minimising single-use plastics. We utilised the school’s existing waste and recycling systems and promoted proper waste segregation. We also encouraged sustainable transportation like public transport or walking, explaining its importance in mitigating climate change. These simple yet mindful measures aimed to instil environmental responsibility in students while minimising the event’s footprint within our resources and context.