Using Social Entrepreneurship as a Leverage for Unemployed Youth in the Post-Covid 19 Era

<< Background >>The Covid 19 pandemic directly influenced the increase of unemployment rates for young adults not in employment, education or training (NEET), with women and other vulnerable groups being the most affected. This is particularly true for countries such as: Hungary, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Croatia where prior to the pandemics, 1 in 4 young individuals aged 15-29 belonged to the NEET category. To combat these rates, the European Council emphasized the urgent need for education and training along with awareness raising in a period of digital and green transition. In response, the partners in the project used their expertise in education, entrepreneurship and mental health to launch blended educational programs for NEETs (20-30), with priority given to women and other vulnerable groups.The beneficiaries of the program had an opportunity to develop social and practical competences as well as proactive mindset. Moreover, they got access to international networks and resources through platform. The new program intended to make them ready to found/join social businesses and become proactive change-makers who will inspire and mobilize their peers.<< Objectives >>The main purpose of this project was to stimulate engagement and entrepreneurship, increase employability of NEETs (20- 30) and provide equal access to education to all. The individuals enrolled in the new educational program developed social and practical skills and competences as well as a proactive mindset, while simultaneously getting access to international networks and resources. The new program intended to them ready to found/join social businesses and become proactive change-makers who will inspire and mobilise their peers. As program alumni, they will further contribute in combating unemployment and embracing sustainability, leading to faster accomplishment of SDGs 8, 3 and 4.<< Implementation >>The project activities were aimed to creating the major output of the project, a customised blended educational program that tackled the skill and competence gaps on a per country basis. The program involved 57 participants, both in the pilot and the official launch of the program, directly increasing participation in education and training. 39 out of registered participants completed the educational programme. Along with the blended educational program, a transnational online learning and networking platform was be established to connect participants with peers and key stakeholders on an international basis, encouraging exchange of experiences and best practices.The project also had four transnational meetings as well as three multiplier events.<< Results >>The end result is a newly created program through which the knowledge and practices of the SIA and YHO are shared on transnational basis, changing the lives of 57 individuals located in the partner countries. In addition, an international online learning and networking platform was established to connect the beneficiaries with their peers as well as with key stakeholders on an international basis, encouraging exchange of experiences and best practices. The program and the cooperation between the partners will continue beyond the duration of the projects on this and other projects. Beneficiary partners will tray run the program on country specific basis with continuous advice from the lead partner in the upcoming years.