The Youth Engaged in European Soft Power (YouthSOFTPOWER) project is an Erasmus+ initiative aimed at empowering young people by teaching them about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Official Development Assistance (ODA). ODA—the financial aid provided to developing nations—is a critical tool for promoting global stability, reducing inequality, and achieving sustainable growth, yet awareness of its importance remains low among youth.
The core motivation is to bridge this knowledge gap, transforming young people from observers into key drivers of change. By equipping them with knowledge and digital advocacy skills, the project empowers them to critically analyze international development efforts, engage in civic initiatives, and hold policymakers accountable. A specific focus is placed on ensuring inclusion and diversity by creating accessible activities tailored for marginalized groups, including refugees, migrants, and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth.
Key Objectives (GOs):
- Promote active citizenship and European values (democracy, equality, and justice).
- Develop critical soft skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
- Educate young people on the significance of the SDGs and ODA.
- Foster cross-cultural understanding through collaborative international discussions.
Approach and Results: The project integrates complex ODA and SDG concepts into engaging, practical, and actionable formats. This is achieved through workshops, interactive training sessions, digital campaigns, and gamified learning.
The main concrete results include:
- A comprehensive educational website offering resources on European values, soft skills, ODA, and the SDGs.
- A Youth Advocacy Guide and templates for ODA-SDG advocacy campaigns.
- Youth-led podcasts and vlogs that amplify young voices on global development issues.
- Webinars and workshops focused on building soft skills and advocacy expertise.
By combining technology with activism, the project fully aligns with the European Youth Strategy and the Digital Education Action Plan, investing in a generation that will actively shape future policies and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Budget: €250.000