ESF-SI-2023-SKILLS-01-0034

EmpowerEmerge project endeavors to enhance the employability of vulnerable youth by implementing a personalized job guidance program grounded in the proven efficacy of outdoor learning methodologies. Participants are expected to develop and improve their interpersonal skills and competencies, thereby increasing their employability in the local labour market. The innovative social model also seeks to boost participants’ self-esteem, sense of community, and commitment to employment, thereby creating a more dynamic and engaging educational environment conducive to active participation and skill development among youth. 

Project activities will be carried out in Lithuania and Poland. 

The project is based on 3 main activities: 

• Training of mentors/trainers and development of a programme for the implementation of outdoor learning methods. 
• Engage and connect at-risk young people in adventure therapy programmes in the outdoor environment. 
• Creation of an experience-based program with expedition in nature together with dogs, job orientation learnings, and stylist’s help in preparing a young person for the labour market. Also, the skills gained or improved will be validated.

Integrating outdoor learning techniques with individualized job guidance initiatives will enhance the appeal of job services for NEETs disheartened by the system. Additionally, it will amplify the programs’ effectiveness in fostering participants’ personal development, thereby increasing success rates and mitigating dropout rates. 

Expected results:

• Developed innovative outdoor program to gain young people new self-development skills; 
• Established training methodology for trainers; 
• 45 NEETs who participated in OUTDOOR and INDOOR training programme to develop essential skills to enhance their employability and socio-economic prospects; 
• 70% NEETs increase in employment/education outcomes. 

Funding: 514,066.00 Eur

Social innovation scale-up 

The Venture Out Wilderness Project represents a scaled social innovation focused on leveraging outdoor learning to support the social integration and enhance the well-being and employability of NEETs. The core elements of innovative outdoor learning, non-formal education programs, and the supportive staff-participant relationship are being scaled up to their full potential to create more accessible and inclusive outdoor activities and pathways to employment for marginalized youth.