UNITY: Uniting youth power against intolerance

UNITY Uniting youth power against intolerance​ Project Name: UNITY: Uniting youth power against intolerance​Programme: Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)Priorities: Protecting EU values and rights by combating hate speech and hate crimeProject ID: CERV-2024-CHAR-LITI-SPEECH Website: Coming soon Social media: Coming soon Duration: 24 monthsTopics: Hate speech, hate crime, youth perpetrators, prevention of hate speech & hate crime, support for victims of hate speech & hate crime, policy development on hate speech & hate crime, awareness-raising Project Description This project tackles the rising challenge of hate speech and hate crime in six EU countries—Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Romania. Despite EU-level guidance, national responses remain limited, with gaps in legislation, victim support, education, and public awareness. The project takes a comprehensive approach, combining research, education, victim support, advocacy, and public campaigns. It aims to prevent hate among youth, support affected individuals and organisations, and promote stronger, more inclusive policies. Civil society plays a central role, both as a driver of change and as a group needing protection from hate-based threats. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Bucovina – Romania Partners BOLD – Bulgaria Connectus – Greece EDUGEP – Portugal LSS – Netherlands Mvidee – Netherlands Open Education Hub – Belgium Project Results WP1: Project Management WP2: Knowledge and Education WP3: Support and Empowerment of Victims WP4: Multi-stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy WP5: Communication and Dissemination Our role Connectus will lead the WP4 that contains two activities from the call, namely supporting the enforcement of existing legislation and creating/activating national coalitions and action plans through effective advocacy and working with public authorities. We will help organize and facilitate coalition meetings, contribute to the creation of joint policy recommendations, and assist in planning and promoting advocacy events. Additionally, Connectus will play a key role in enabling cross-country collaboration and the exchange of best practices among project partners.  Also,  Connectus will host the second project meeting in Greece, welcoming two representatives from each partner organisation. The meeting will focus on reviewing the completed country studies, planning the next phases of the project, and sharing good practices on victim support, training, advocacy, and coalition building. Impact The project will build knowledge and capacity among experts, educators, CSOs, and policymakers to better understand and address hate speech and hate crime, particularly among youth. In the short term, it will improve access to data, educational resources, victim support services, and policy insights across six EU countries. Medium-term impacts include the use of these tools in real-world settings, stronger national coalitions, more informed policy proposals, and improved support systems for victims. In the long term, the project aims to reduce the prevalence of hate speech and hate crime, enhance victim protection, and contribute to greater social inclusion, equality, and respect for fundamental rights.

ESG Essentials​: Environment Social and Governance Essentials​

ESG Essentials Environment Social and Governance Essentials Project Name: ESG Essentials: Environment Social and Governance EssentialsProgramme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Environment and fight against climate change. 2. Adapting vocational education and training to labour market needs. 3. Increasing attractiveness of VET.Project ID: 2024-1-MT01-KA220-VET-000249927Website: Coming soon Social media: Coming soon Duration: 24 monthsTopics: – Creating new, innovative or joint curricula or courses – Development of training courses– Environment and climate change Project Description This project promotes ESG adoption and sustainability across the EU, supporting the Net Zero transition. It aims to help SMEs integrate ESG principles, enhancing business sustainability, meeting market demands, attracting investment, and improving corporate reputation. By providing educational resources, implementation frameworks, and digital tools, the project ensures that SMEs can comply with regulations, strengthen their brand, and unlock growth opportunities. Ultimately, it contributes to a more sustainable and resilient European economy. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce – Malta Partners LT Synergy Ltd -Cyprus Connectus – Greece Consorzio Universitario di Economia Industriale e Manageriale – Italy Empresas con Valores – Spain Balkan Bridge EOOD – Bulgaria Project Results WP1 – Project ManagementWP2 – ESG Essentials Curriculum & TrainingWP3 – ESG Essentials Implementation FrameworkWP4 – ESG Essentials Learning PlatformWP5 – Dissemination & Exploitation Our role During WP2, we will be responsible for the development of the training material in collaboration with lead partner. Also, Connectus will be the Leader of Activity 5: External assessment. During WP3 P2, we will be responsible for ensuring the didactic part of the result. Also, Connectus will be the Leader of Activity 5: Internal Assessment. During WP4, we will provide input in terms of the transformation of the learning content. Also, Connectus will be the leader of Activity 4: Internal platform testing & refinement. During WP5, we will handle the development/ongoing update of the Dissemination and Exploitation Strategy. Impact The project will impact target groups by making the ESG Essentials curriculum available to VET trainers, providing SMEs with an implementation framework, and showcasing results through assessments. Consortium partners will gain ESG expertise, supporting SMEs and professionals while unlocking new business opportunities. Other stakeholders, including VET centers and business associations, will drive ESG adoption at national and EU levels. Sustainability will be ensured through stakeholder engagement, national meetings, publications, and dissemination events, ensuring ESG principles are widely promoted and applied.

YouthVoices: Empowering Political Engagement

YouthVoices Empowering Political Engagement Project Name: YouthVoices: Empowering Political Engagement Programme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Common values, civic engagement and participation.  2. Promoting active citizenship, young people’s sense of initiative and youth entrepreneurship including social entrepreneurship.Project ID: 2024-3-DK01-KA210-YOU-000287259Website: Coming soon Social media: Coming soon Duration: 24 monthsTopics: – European identity, citizenship and values – Youth policy development – Reaching the policy level/dialogue with decision makers Project Description The Youth Voices project aims to reduce political disaffection among young people by fostering active citizenship and civic engagement. To achieve this, it focuses on four key objectives: reducing youth political disengagement by encouraging participation in democratic life, enhancing civic education and political literacy, promoting active citizenship through community involvement, and increasing understanding of the European Union and its institutions. These efforts align with priorities on civic engagement, participation, and youth entrepreneurship. The project will produce key results, including insights on youth political perspectives, a learning program, an online hub, educational content, an ideathon report, and a Youth Voices event. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Deep Democracy Denmark – Denmark Partners HI EUROPEAN YOUTH, S.L. – Spain Connectus – Greece Project Results WP1 – Youth Perspectives Research: Understanding Political Engagement and EU AwarenessWP2 – YouthVoices Learning Program WP3 – YouthVoices IDEATHON  Our role CONNECTUS: Leader of the Quality Control Board Dissemination Leader Coordination of Activity 2 Collaborating on activities 1, 2, 3 and developing of the results Impact The main indicator for the success of YouthVoices will be its positive impact on the staff of the organisations and in all the TGs, and the increase of the implementation of good practices at the EU level: Short-Term Impacts: Increased Awareness and Understanding. Empowerment and Skill Development in young people. Networking and Collaboration. Long-Term Impacts: Sustainable Civic Engagement. Policy Influence and Advocacy. Youth Leadership and Innovation. Cultural and Social Impact.

Hike Wise

Hike Wise BEYOND HIKING – “Hiking for a Greener Future: Training Educators for Environmental Awareness and Active Lifestyles” Project Name: BEYOND HIKING – “Hiking for a Greener Future: Training Educators for Environmental Awareness and Active Lifestyles” Programme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Supporting teachers, school leaders and other teaching professions. 2. Environment and fight against climate change. 3. Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport.Project ID: 2024-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-000246218Website: Coming soon Social media: Coming soon Duration: 30 monthsTopics: – New learning and teaching methods and approaches – Environment and climate change – Development of training courses Project Description HIKEWISE aims to equip current and future PE teachers with the skills to integrate outdoor activities like hiking into secondary education. This initiative addresses gaps in teacher training and the growing disconnection between students and nature. Hiking promotes physical health, environmental appreciation, and socialisation, aligning with EU priorities like the Green Deal and biodiversity strategies. Partner institutions are motivated to enhance curricula, train educators, and promote sustainable, active lifestyles. Funding this project supports EU goals of fostering environmental awareness, healthier lifestyles, and improved education. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Fundacion universidad francisco de vitoria – Spain Partners Asociatia grupul de actiune localanapoca porolissum- Romania Connectus – Greece Mugla il milli egitim mudurlugu- Türkiye Rhizo1- Belgium Project Results WP1 – Project ManagementWP2 – Manual productionWP3 – Creation of didactic units and educators trainingWP4 – Pilot projectsWP5 – Communication, dissemination and events Our role CONNECTUS, as the digital lead for WP5 (and the whole project), will manage the project’s online presence, including creating the website and uploading the materials and the blog posts, designing and publishing the materials (manual, infographics, didactic unit, …), editing the videos, and using and publishing in Erasmus+ platforms. Its extensive experience in digital communication will ensure effective dissemination and visibility of HIKEWISE’s outputs. Impact The overall objective of HIKEWISE is to to improve the skills of current and future secondary PE teachers in the planning and delivery of outdoor sporting activities such as hiking. The aim is to promote greater awareness of both environmental issues and an active and healthy lifestyle among secondary school students. The manner in which the accomplishment of the individual objectives will determine the overall objective’s scope is explained in detail following. Please refer to the quantitative and qualitative indicators listed in each work package description for further information. These indicators will be the primary tools used to determine whether the project’s objectives have been met.

#GREEN_SKILLS

#GREEN_SKILLS Professions for sustainability and ecological transition Project Name: #GREEN_SKILLS – Professions for sustainability and ecological transitionProgramme: Erasmus+Priorities: Educate students about the goals of the 2030 Agenda, Support the importance of “green” training for the world of work, Foster awareness, critical thinking and commitment of young generations to sustainability, Support the inclusion of target groups in disadvantaged/fragile situations, through training in ecological transition professions, Train skills for sustainability and ecological transition professions.                                                Project ID: 2023-2-IT02-KA210-SCH-000175456 Website: Coming soonSocial media: Coming soonDuration: 24 monthsTopics: – Entrepreneurial learning – entrepreneurship education based on green skills knowledge.– Foster awareness, critical thinking and commitment of young generations to sustainability.– Support the inclusion of target groups in disadvantaged/fragile situations, through training in ecological transition professions. Project Description #GREEN_SKILLS aims to achieve several overarching goals. Firstly, it seeks to educate students about the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda, emphasizing the importance of global sustainability. Additionally, it aims to advocate for the integration of ‘green’ education into vocational training, preparing students for environmentally conscious careers. Moreover, the project strives to cultivate a sense of awareness, critical thinking, and dedication to sustainability among younger generations. It particularly focuses on reaching out to disadvantaged or vulnerable groups, providing them with training opportunities in fields related to ecological transition. Furthermore, #GREEN_SKILLS has specific objectives tailored to enhancing professional training in the ‘green’ sector. This involves implementing structured courses such as sustainability and circular economy analysis, as well as environmental management. By doing so, it aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in sustainability-focused professions. Another key aspect of our project is ambition to share and replicate successful outcomes on a broader scale, particularly at the European level. It also endeavors to introduce students to emerging concepts like the circular economy and bioeconomy, broadening their understanding of potential career paths in these areas. Ultimately, #GREEN_SKILLS aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the evolving needs of the workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the professions of the future. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Liceo “G. Bianchi Dotula” – Italy Partners INNETICA – Spain Connectus – Greece E-Expert GmbH – Austria Agrupamento de Escolas Póvoa de Santa Iria – Portugal Ekonomska sola Novo mesto – Slovenia Vetrunge” gymnasium Klaipeda – Lithuania Project Results WP1 – European networking synergies and monitoring of the project phase WP2 – Research for change: comparison between different European realities on green skills between school and the world of work. WP3 – Innovative green skills training processes: circular economy and sustainability analyst. WP4 – Changing your lifestyle: being an environmental manager. WP5 – Enhance and make training experiences transferable: involve communities. Our role CONNECTUS will be the leader of WP4 and collaborate with the rest of the work packages. Impact The #GREEN_SKILLS project has the potential to foster a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future by empowering young people, building a skilled workforce, promoting social inclusion, and inspiring collective action on a global scale.

Mothers looking ahead!

Mothers looking ahead! Project Name: Mothers looking ahead!Programme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Creating upskilling pathways, improving accessibility and increasing take-up of adult education. 2. Improving the competences of educators and other adult education staff. 3. Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport.Project ID: 2022-2-SK01-KA220-ADU-000100115Website: https://motherslookingahead.comSocial media: LinkedIn – FacebookDuration: 01/02/2023-01/02/2025Topics: Creating upskilling pathways, improving accessibility and increasing take-up of adult education, Improving the competences of educators and other adult education staff , Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport. Project Description The problem of mothers dropping out of education and facing difficulties in going back to education or training or entering the labour market with low qualifications is still a larger scale problem in Europe. The evidence suggests that being a mother usually means less education and lower future family income. International Labour Organisation statistics show a trend that basic and intermediate levels of education for women are associated with lower and declining employment over time. The high rates of unemployed mothers in Europe as well as the drops outs from education inspired us to create the Mothers Looking Ahead project which aims to create support measures for mothers who are not in education or training (also mothers who come from marginalised communities whether they be ethnic minorities, migrant communities or in many instances the general wider community) for them to get back to education and training and improve their chances in (re)entering the labour market and education in the new norma that Covid-19 has created with the distance learning and working. Mothers Looking Ahead will support educational and professional inclusion of mothers, by pursuing (raising their motivation) to rethink to re-entrer education or training in the new era of trainings provided in Europe by providing them support services (including career orientation, empowerment, motivation, soft skills, basic digital skills, job preparation training) to continue and finish the education or training and find a job. Project Consortium Project Coordinator:Newport Group, a.s- Slovakia Partners The Square Dot team – Belgium Connectus – Greece Spectrum Research Centre CLG- Ireland Rightchallenge Associação – Portugal Project Results WP1 – Project Management WP2 – Development of a framework for the establisment of the motivational programme for supporting the educational and professional inclusion of mothers WP3 – Development of training curriculum for the design and delivery of the Mothers looking ahead motivational programme WP4 – Delivery of a series of transnational mentoring forum in project countries WP5 – Dissemination and Exploitation Activities Our role — Impact The Mothers looking ahead project will benefit all partners active in educational programms of reskilling/upskilling of their trainers/staff/educators are going to participate both during the identification and the design of the training materials and its testing application combined with the implementation of the transnational mentoring forum enabling to broaden into the developed materials and transfer them to their trainings in their daily work through training their own staff and to investigate potential areas of establishing it. Other groups or organisations that will benefit; Mothers (either mothers who wishing to pursue a career in self-employment/entrepreneurs or find a job or looking into further professional development – with a special focus on mothers with fewer opportunities, living in rural and remote areas, facing socio-economic difficulties or any other potential source of discrimination and those with a migrant background) -Adult trainers/tutors/career coaches Secondary target groups: -Stakeholders and policy makers in the field of women integration into EU education and labor market -Training organisations and trainers in professional development and entrepreneurship (incl.VET, formal and non-formal training providers) -Organisations promoting women employability and entrepreneurship/self-employment (public, private,third sector of economy, including local and regional authorities at governmental level

Youngpreneures

Youngpreneures Project Name: YoungpreneuresProgramme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Inclusion and diversity in all fields of education, training, youth and sport. 2. Promoting active citizenship, young people’s sense of initiative and youth entrepreneurship including social entrepreneurship. 3. Strengthening the employability of young people.Project ID: 2023-3-SE02-KA210-YOU-000184296Website: www.youngpreneurs.euSocial media: LinkedInDuration: 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2025 Topics: Soft skills, Employability, Entrepreneurial learning-entrepreneurship education. — Inclusion of marginalised young people Project Description The Youngpreneures project aims to empower young women by enhancing their entrepreneurial skills and integrating them into the labor market. It focuses on personal branding, digital marketing, intercultural management, and leadership. By addressing gender inequities and providing support, the project aims to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape for young women to thrive. Project Consortium Project CoordinatorImpact Hub Stockholm – Sweden Partners Exeo Lab Srl – Italy Future In Perspective Limited – Ireland Connectus M.IKE – Greece Project Results WP1 Project Management WP2 Development of a framework for the delivery of the training curriculum WP3 Development of training curriculum for the design and delivery of the comprehensive training package with personal brand and digital marketing, intercultural management, and leadership skills WP4 Delivery of a series of transnational mentoring forum in project countries WP5 Dissemination and Exploitation Activities Our role Connectus will be responsible for the core implementation which will be the upskilling of young women (WP3) based on the needs, as these will be identified by WP2 following their experience using the most innovative techniques for curricula development. Connectus will share responsibility for the IT sections of the project, due to their previous experience in developing O.E.R.s, platforms and e-portfolios. Impact The Youngpreneures project aims to empower young women in the labor market by promoting gender equality and providing learning opportunities in personal branding, digital marketing, intercultural management, and leadership skills. The project aligns with the European Commission’s objectives and intends to achieve concrete results such as conducting a comprehensive review, developing a training curriculum, delivering mentoring forums, and implementing dissemination strategies. The impact will benefit young people, companies/organizations, education providers, authorities, career consultants, and policymakers at various levels by creating inclusive models, supporting professional development, and promoting diversity and social inclusion.

Lingua Trek

LINGUA TREK Project Name: Lingua TrekProgramme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Promoting a comprehensive approach to language teaching and learning. 2. Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity. 3. Improving the competences of educators and other adult education staff.Project ID: 2023-1-ES01-KA220-SCH-0000161886Website: https://linguatrek.erasmus.site/Social media: Coming soon Duration: 01/10/2023 to 30/06/2026 Topics: Multilingualism, Cultural diversity, and Digital Transformation, Initial and continuous training for teachers Project Description Lingua Trek aims to improve the quality of English language education in Europe by promoting the use of English language in authentic contexts. The hybrid teacher professional development training will equip language teachers with an innovative method of teaching using digital games, while the implementation of the digital game will provide opportunities for students to actively use the language in real-life situations, while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Project Consortium Project CoordinatorColegio Virgen de la Rosa – SpainPartners Danmar Computers SP ZOO – Poland Innomate Ldt. – Turkey Connectus M.IKE – Greece Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University – Turkey Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam – NetherlandsAngulos e Argumentos LDA – Portugal 4th Primary School of Nafplio – Greece Project Results WP1 Project Management WP2 Development of the Game Scenario and Learning Materials WP3 Development of the Mobile Game WP4 Hybrid Teacher Professional Development Course WP5 Meetings and events  Our role Connectus will be responsible for the need analysis under WP3 and for conducting pilot testing will be evaluate the game’s effectiveness under the same WP. Additionally Connectus will lead the evaluation of the platform under WP4, will draft survey and interview questions for all phases of evaluation. Impact Lingua Trek will develop 3 project results: A detailed game scenario document and accompanying learning materials outlining the game objectives that align with the principles of digital game-based language learning. A fully functional mobile game that has been tested and refined through formative evaluations. A hybrid teacher professional development training aiming to help teachers gain the necessary skills about how to effectively integrate Lingua Trek into their teaching practices. Groups and organizations at local, regional, national, and European levels will benefit from the project. These include language teachers and students in primary and secondary schools across Europe who will have access to a new and innovative language learning tool, which will enhance their language learning experience. The project will also benefit other language learning and teaching institutions, educational authorities, policy-makers, and nongovernmental organizations who will be able to use the project outcomes and best practices in their work.

INFORMED

INFORMED Project Name: INFORMEDProgramme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Addressing digital transformation through development of digital readiness, resilience and capacity. 2. Improving the availability of high quality learning opportunities for adults. 3. Creating and promoting learning opportunities among all citizens and generations.Project ID: 2022-2-DE02-KA210-ADU-000101471 Website: Coming soonSocial media: Facebook page l LinkedIn pageDuration: 01/02/2023 to 01/02/2025 Topics: Soft skills, Creating new, innovative or joint curricula and courses, Initial and continuous training for teachers, trainers and other education staff. Project Description The INFORMED project is aiming to increase both soft and digital competences of adult students, so they can be digitally competent on how the digital media and algorithms work today, to be sceptical of what they read and watch and strengthen cooperation between key stakeholders to proactively address disinformation. Project Consortium Project Coordinatoriserundschmidt GmbH – Germany Partners Connectus M.IKE – Greece Future in perspective limited – Ireland Project Results Activity 1 Project Management and Coordination Activity 2 Workshop Preparation Activity 3 Workshop Implementation, Evaluation and Outputs Activity 4 Community Building Our role CONNECTUS will be responsible for the training implementation and evaluation and will be the one to coordinate the creation of the project outputs. As an experienced training institute for live and online-live trainings Connectus will be the one to implement the workshops and to allocate minor tasks to the partner organizations. Impact The INFORMED project will create material with a universal character, addressing needs of staff in adult education regardless of the specific focus points. The main goal, is to create multiplicators in the participating or non-participating organizations that will transfer their knowledge, share the booklets and guides with colleagues and will be open for discussion and mutual growth. The organizations aim to equip their staff with skills adequate for the digital age and to upskill staff that seem to face difficulty integrating into the digital, new work conditions.

EMBRACE

EMBRACE Project Name: EMBRACE Programme: Erasmus+Priorities: 1. Increasing quality, innovation and recognition of youth work. 2. Environment and fight against climate change.Project ID: 2022-3-LT02-KA210-YOU-000094023Website: https://www.embrace-climate.eu/Social media: Facebook page l LinkedIn pageDuration: 01/02/2023 – 01/06/2024 Topics: Green skills, New learning and teaching methods and approaches, Physical and mental health, Well-being. Project Description The EMBRACE project aims to better understand the feelings, thoughts, and impacts associated with climate change among young people (aged 16-29) in Lithuania, Italy, and Greece and to equip youth workers (educators, social workers, teachers, and others) with the necessary knowledge, skills, tools, and competencies to properly educate and prepare young people to tackle climate anxiety. Project Consortium Project CoordinatorART+INN – Lithuania Partners Connectus M.IKE – Greece CULTUM – Italy Project Results Activity 1 Project management and coordination Activity 2 ‘EMBRACE’ analysis of youth’s emotions in relation to climate change Activity 3 ‘EMBRACE’ digital map of EU and local climate action measures and best practices Activity 4 ‘EMBRACE’ microteaching modules for youth workers Our role CONNECTUS, will merge all the information into one final international state-of-art report, which will be translated into all partner languages under activity 1. Connectus will also contribute to develop a centralised digital map of EU and national climate action tools and best practices in Lithuania, Italy and Greece as well as to the development of the 45 microteaching modules based on joint analysis, implementation of training activities for youth workers and the final conference. Impact 300 young people (aged from 16 to 29) will be surveyed in partner countries to develop state-of-the-art report, ‘EMBRACE’ digital map will be created, consisting of at least 45 strategies, initiatives, and best practices from EU and partners countries, 45 microteaching modules for youth workers will be developed, 30 youth workers from partner countries will take part in national training events, 45 youth workers outside the partnership, will take part in the final online conference.