The European CARE4YOUTH project, co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Youth programme, successfully concluded its final conference on 19 June at the Espacio Joven Creativo La Grada in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The participatory event focused on the well-being and inclusion of European youth, bringing together young people, representatives of social organisations, and institutional leaders to share insights and plan future steps following the project’s culmination.
CARE4YOUTH supports young people aged 16 to 25 who have experienced institutional care, helping them transition towards independent adult life. Through an innovative blend of non-formal education and outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and volleyball, the project aims to foster their personal and professional development. Employing a participatory methodology and pilot programmes, CARE4YOUTH has forged tangible solutions, providing training spaces tailored to their needs and co-created with both professionals and young participants.
A Day of Reflection, Connection, and Future Planning
The morning commenced with an opening address from the President of the Canary Islands Youth Council, Eliana Parrilla. She emphasised the vital importance of offering “safe and genuine spaces for youth participation,” particularly for those facing significant obstacles due to their life circumstances. “I deeply empathise with projects like CARE4YOUTH, given my background as a social worker; I strongly support all initiatives that extend a hand to young people and provide them with tools to develop on equal terms,” Parrilla stated.
Subsequently, Espacio Joven Creativo La Grada, the host venue, shared details of its daily work with young people, focusing on creativity, artistic expression, and inclusion. They underscored that providing such spaces is crucial for young people to feel heard and to build their own paths with freedom and support.
A comprehensive overview of the CARE4YOUTH project and its partners in Spain (Escafandra Diving Club and Consulta Europa), Italy (Prism), and Serbia (Jump) then followed. The team presented the methodology used and key findings from national reports, which identified the main emotional, social, and educational challenges faced by young people leaving care systems. This segment also featured national activities and testimonials, showcasing best practices from partner organisations. These accounts brought a human element to the achievements. “The young participants learned new skills and developed a greater appreciation for the marine environment. But most importantly, they gained confidence, because the water activities organized by our club represent a significant challenge for some of them—one they successfully overcame with the support of their peers. That sense of achievement not only boosts their confidence and self-esteem, but also makes them feel more connected to the group ” explained Aranzazu Trujillo, from Club de Buceo Escafandra, the project’s coordinating organisation.
The latter part of the day was dedicated to the collaborative workshop, “What Now? The Future of CARE4YOUTH.” Attendees explored ideas to ensure the project’s legacy. Notable proposals, shared in a plenary session by facilitators and participants, included forming new partnerships, integrating project methodologies into local programmes, and the ongoing need to listen to care-experienced young people as the protagonists of their own journeys.
Julio Triana, President of the Escafandra Diving Club and project coordinator, delivered the closing remarks. He highlighted CARE4YOUTH’s significance as a transformative initiative for vulnerable young people. “Projects like CARE4YOUTH are an opportunity not only for young people to acquire skills that help them move forward but also a path of self-discovery, self-esteem building, and reconnection with their own potential,” Triana concluded.
The event wrapped up with a collective commitment to continue working towards a more supported, resilient youth, empowered to lead their own lives. For many involved, this final conference marked not an end, but the beginning of new collaborations and shared paths.