Entrepreneurial learning in the "Youth in Action" programme

A sense of initiative and entrepreneurship is one of the eight key competences for lifelong learning, helping young people in their daily lives, in the work place, and serving as a basis for establishing a social or a commercial activity.

The ‘Youth in Action’ European programme features a range of measures, in particular “Youth initiatives”, which stimulate young people’s spirit of initiative, creativity and entrepreneurship.  ‘Youth in Action’ activities prepare young people to be active, responsible, enterprising individuals by immersing them in real learning experiences, where they can plan and manage projects, adapt to changes, deal with risk, and acquire problem-solving skills. They also offer an excellent opportunity for promoting social entrepreneurship.

Awareness should be raised about the entrepreneurial potential of “Youth in Action “projects and about the gained sense of initiative and entrepreneurship that help to increase young people’s chances in the increasingly competitive labour market.  It is important to underline that entrepreneurial skills also help young people adapt to other non-entrepreneurial careers.

SALTO Participation, together with the Polish "Youth in Action" National Agency and SALTO Inclusion, have already taken steps to create space for sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences and good practices in the field of entrepreneurial learning by organising the “Get Inspired” seminar (19-24 April 2012, Konstancin - Jeziorna Poland). Its main aim was to commence, strengthen and stimulate international and cross-sectorial cooperation in the field of entrepreneurial learning for young people. It was also an opportunity to reflect on and explore the contribution of Youth in Action activities towards developing the entrepreneurial competences of young people and exchanging methodological approaches towards entrepreneurial education. For more information, please consult the report of the seminar.

 

The next step that SALTO Participation will take is to produce a publication on the contribution of youth work (non-formal learning) to fostering youth entrepreneurial learning to be available in September 2013.

The publication will be a compilation of different points of view (contributions from different experts and practitioners) in order to give a clear overview of the subject. It is also meant to be a practical guide with best practices, advice and educational methods to be used by youth workers.

Call for Chapter Contributors to a SALTO Participation publication on the role of youth work (non-formal learning) in fostering entrepreneurial learning among young people

 

Furthermore, SALTO Participation is also planning to set up a seminar in 2013  “Get ready 4 youth entrepreneurship”, addressed to youth workers that can play a role in raising awareness among young people regarding the entrepreneurial potential of their “Youth in Action” projects. 

Youth workers participating in the seminar will explore and learn ways of helping young people to follow-up their “Youth in Action” projects, in particular youth initiatives, and set up their own business (e.g. social enterprise, NGO).

The seminar will take place in Italy from 21 to 26 October 2013. To know when to apply, keep an eye on our 2013 Activities page.