“Transnational Youth Initiatives” of the Erasmus+ program... for the development of the entrepreneurial attitude of young people, based on the example of the “Open Minds Studio” project
“Transnational Youth Initiatives” of the Erasmus+ program... for the development of the entrepreneurial attitude of young people, based on the example of the “Open Minds Studio” project

Summary/Abstract: The conducted research and direct experience of the ProHarmonia EducationalCenter show that Transnational Youth Initiatives in the Erasmus+ program are aneffective route leading to the development of participants, but at the same time verydemanding, both for young people and for the organizations involved. They aresuitable for young people who already have experience in working for the benefitof the local community, e.g. the work in non-profit governmental organizations,undertake cooperation with non-profit institutions in the form of volunteering orvoluntarily engage in school initiatives for its environment. If it did not undertakesuch activities in the past, it shows a very open attitude towards new experiences andhas strong relationships with someone who already works and joins the project. Thestrong interpersonal relationships that give the effect of inclusions into action arethe easiest to gain in peer environment, but the inclusion can also take place throughthe direct contact of an experienced employee of the institution (without age limits)with the youth. In this case, the position of this person in the youth environment isimportant. It is crucial that it is a person perceived by young people as open to themand their needs, charismatic and acting with passion.Because the project is created on the basis of common interests of theparticipants, so young people who want to create an initiative, already have theirown hobby, want to develop it and share it with others. Therefore, it is necessary tocreate conditions for children and young people to discover talents, search for anddevelop interests, and this should be a task not only of the family home, but also ofthe school and its surroundings.Young people get involved in the activities of the organization, which theyknow from previous cooperation or which is recognizable and well perceived in theyouth environment and offers young people institutional and personnel supportat a high level. Such an organization has a network of contacts with environmentalinstitutions, thanks to which young people receive additional support during theimplementation of tasks, e.g. substantive help in conducting classes, promotion ofactivities, access to infrastructure. It conducts activities in a cross-sector partnershipand uses the experiences of other entities. It maintains contacts with organizationsabroad and helps to choose a trusted partner suitable for a given group of youngpeople. The organization involves a person whose task is to support young peoplein the implementation of their project. This person assumes responsibility forproviding help from the moment the idea for the initiative is created, through lookingfor a partner, preparation of the application, implementation of activities, to thereport and the final evaluation of the activities. Such a person is characterized by highpersonal and social competences and constantly strives to acquire knowledge andself-development. He has extensive experience in working with non-formal educationmethods and is able to apply them in the implementation of various topics. This skillcan be gained, e.g. by carrying out local activities and shorter international projects,such as youth exchanges, which gather a few partners and give the opportunity tosee them in action and learn from them. He can also benefit from the support offeredby the Erasmus+ program, i.e. take part in thematic webinars, foreign trainings, andstudy visits dedicated to youth workers. A person supporting young people can findthe necessary information in the “Erasmus+ Program Guide” and knows the formalrequirements and procedures related to Action 2 of the Strategic Partnership. Hehas experience in project management, including the international project, even asa partner. International experience can also be gained by implementing less complexundertakings, e.g. trainings, study visits or the already mentioned internationalexchanges of young people. Of course, there is no need for one person to have all thisknowledge and all the above-mentioned skills. The organization can build a team inwhich people complement each other with the desired knowledge and skills and passthem on to young people.Transnational Youth Initiatives Action should be available for as many youngpeople as possible, especially for those with lower competences, at risk of socialmarginalization. Their participation will be possible if they advance the need for selfdevelopmentearlier. They can be supported by the school which is a basic educationalenvironment as well as specialized non-governmental organizations.

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