Study Visit - Inclusion of NEET youngsters - Portugal Experience

The principles of equality and inclusivity are part of the EU's core values. Over several years of program implementation for the youth sector, these two pillars have always been present, and different strategies have been developed by the programs in order to create opportunities, include everyone, and make the youth programs accessible to all young people.

The new generation of programs, 2021-2027, maintains this focus but intends to go further, having, as a general objective, the one expressed in the guidance document for the implementation of the Strategy for the Inclusion of Diversity of the Erasmus+ Program and the European Solidarity Corps: “leaving no  one behind and leading to more inclusive, fairer, greener and more digitally adapted societies."

The Study Visit arises in the context of the Portuguese National Agency's participation in the Strategic Partnership for Inclusion (SPI) - Strand NEET and aims to reinforce the general principles and objectives described above, making known and exploring the work developed by Portuguese organisations, in the framework of the programs Erasmus +, European Solidarity Corps and national programs aimed at supporting and integrating young people in a NEET situation.

Overall, this visit intends to provide an opportunity to share knowledge and experience among participants in relation to the projects developed, to learn about the results achieved and to strengthen/create partnerships with a view towards increasing the quality of work of the Youth Workers  directly involved with young people in NEET situations and create opportunities for young people who find themselves in this context.

The Study Visit Objectives are:

• to share experiences and knowledge among participants within the context of working with young people in NEET situations;
• to learn the prevention and support strategies planned for young people in NEET situations;
• to reflect together about the difficulties faced in reaching/involving this target group in the activities;
• to explore new approaches, methods and work tools in this context with the participants, with a view towards improving the integration of young people in a NEET situation;
• to improve the quality of projects that involve this target group;
• to learn about the potential and opportunities existing in the Erasmus + and CES programs that allow the integration of this target audience, as well as the sharing of projects developed in this context;
• to create/strengthen partnerships with a view towards developing future Erasmus + and CES projects.

Target groups:

• Youth workers, Trainers, Youth leaders, Youth Policy Makers, project managers
• Youth workers from Municipalities and/or local organisations  working within the field of youth, Group Leaders and Project Managers with some or little experience in implementing projects with youngsters in the context of NEET;
• Youth workers from Municipalities belonging to the EuropeGoesLocal networks; Democracy Reloading or other active networks that intend to develop projects in this context.