Project Information:
Project Reference: 2023-3-LT02-KA153-YOU-000173079
Status: Completed
Duration: March 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
EU Grant: 49,765 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for Youth
Countries Involved: Lithuania, Romania, Spain, Poland, Türkiye
Background
The Artificial Intelligence Qualifications’ Improvement and Utilization (AIqiu) project responded to the growing need for digital transformation in youth work. Many youth workers across Europe felt unprepared to use modern digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and gamification. As young people increasingly rely on technology in their daily lives, youth workers must be able to apply digital methods to support learning, inclusion, and engagement. AIqiu was created to empower youth workers with the necessary skills to meet these new expectations and to ensure that digital innovation reaches young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Objectives
The project aimed to strengthen youth workers’ digital competences and help them integrate advanced technologies into youth work. Its goals included improving practical skills in AI, VR, and gamification, promoting inclusion through digital tools, and increasing youth workers’ confidence in using technology with young people. Another key objective was the development of a digital toolkit containing teaching videos and best practices, which would support long-term use of these methods. Finally, the project aimed to create a network of digitally skilled youth workers capable of driving innovation within the European youth work sector.
Implementation
The project began with an Advanced Planning Visit in Lithuania, where partner organizations coordinated responsibilities and designed the training structure. AIqiu then implemented two main international training courses. The first focused on Virtual Reality and gamification strategies, offering youth workers practical experience with immersive and interactive tools. The second course explored Artificial Intelligence applications in youth work, teaching participants how AI can support personalized learning and youth engagement. Across both courses, the project ensured the participation of youth workers with fewer opportunities to create an inclusive learning environment.
Key Activities
AIqiu brought together 25 youth workers from Lithuania, Romania, Spain, Poland, and Türkiye. The activities included hands-on training in VR tools, designing gamified learning experiences, and practicing AI-based methods for youth support. Participants explored how digital tools can help create more engaging and accessible educational opportunities for young people. The project also developed a digital toolkit to support youth workers after the trainings. Participants were encouraged to share the knowledge gained with their organizations, helping the project reach wider youth communities across Europe.
Results
The project significantly improved participants’ digital skills, enabling them to use AI, VR, and gamification in their youth work practice. It also strengthened their ability to support young people, especially those facing social or educational challenges. The digital toolkit produced during the project now serves as a practical resource for applying new methods in real youth work settings. Youth workers felt more confident in creating innovative learning experiences and more capable of addressing the diverse needs of young people through technology.
Impact
AIqiu has contributed to a more innovative and inclusive youth work sector. Through the project, youth workers became digital multipliers who now share and apply their knowledge in their communities and organizations. The project also expanded cooperation among partner countries and created new possibilities for future initiatives. Thanks to the training and dissemination activities, the project’s impact continues to reach youth organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers across Europe. The strengthened network and improved digital competences will support long-lasting positive change in how youth work is delivered in the digital era.
