Erasmus Days 2024: why Youth Workers should get involved

From October 14 to 19, across Europe and partner countries, the Erasmus Days 2024 will take place—an international event celebrating the Erasmus+ programme. These days offer a unique platform to highlight the opportunities for mobility, inclusion, and learning that Erasmus+ provides to young people, schools, and organizations.

For youth workers, Erasmus Days present a valuable opportunity to:

• Promote social inclusion projects aimed at young people with fewer opportunities.
• Develop international networks and collaborations.
• Showcase the impact of international mobility on youth and communities.

What are Erasmus Days?

Erasmus Days is an annual celebration centered around the Erasmus+ programme, during which schools, youth organizations, and educational institutions host events to promote international mobility and intercultural learning. These events include workshops, seminars, conferences, and hands-on activities that demonstrate how Erasmus+ has enhanced the skills of both young people and educators across Europe.

Why are Erasmus Days important for Youth Workers?

Erasmus Days aren’t just about celebrating past successes; they’re also a chance for youth workers to raise awareness about new educational opportunities and potential collaborations. Here’s why it’s crucial to participate:

1. Promoting Inclusion: this year, a core theme is social inclusion. Erasmus+ is committed to ensuring that all young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, have access to learning and mobility experiences. Youth workers can use Erasmus Days to highlight projects dedicated to supporting these young people, helping to improve their social participation and integration.
2. Expanding Networks: attending Erasmus Days events allows you to connect with other organizations, schools, and institutions engaged in Erasmus+. It’s a great opportunity to exchange best practices, create new partnerships, and strengthen international collaborations that benefit both youth workers and young people.
3. Showcasing Project Impact: Erasmus Days also provide a stage to showcase the achievements of Erasmus+ projects, emphasizing the role youth workers play in the personal and professional growth of young people. You can organize events to share the journeys of your projects and inspire other organizations to follow your lead.

Erasmus Days 2024 Themes

This year’s Erasmus Days focus on key themes that align with the European Union’s priorities and the Erasmus+ programme’s goals. These themes include:

• Social inclusion: Ensuring equal access to mobility opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
• Green and digital transition: Supporting young people in addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability and digitalization.
• Democratic participation: Strengthening active citizenship and the democratic engagement of young people.

How Can Youth Workers Get Involved?

It’s easy to participate in Erasmus Days. You can find local or international events via the official platform and register. If you’re an organization actively involved in Erasmus+, you can also host your own event, giving visibility to your projects and expanding your network.