The “Film Your Impact” project has successfully concluded, delivering remarkable results in the field of audiovisual production and socio-educational work. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme with a grant of €28,034, this initiative gathered 24 participants from six different countries—France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Serbia—under the common goal of promoting socio-ecological transition and active citizenship through audiovisual tools.
Objectives of the Training
In today’s media-saturated world, understanding and effectively using audiovisual communication is essential, especially for youth workers who engage with younger generations. The main objective of this training was to equip socio-educational facilitators with the skills and knowledge needed to create meaningful audiovisual content. This not only fosters critical thinking in media literacy but also enables facilitators to use audiovisual tools as a means of addressing socio-ecological and citizenship topics with young people.
By improving participants’ media literacy and production skills, the training aimed to:
- Enhance employment opportunities in the media sector,
- Foster a critical approach to digital communication,
- Promote European values and active citizenship,
- Expand the use of non-formal education methodologies,
- Encourage the creation of impactful audiovisual content for local communities.
Structure and Activities
Over the course of several months, participants, all experienced in communication or non-formal education, worked together in both in-person and virtual settings. The project culminated in a mobility programme hosted in Pau, France, where participants were actively involved in video production, media literacy workshops, and group collaboration.
The activities included:
- Intensive training in audiovisual production, such as video recording and editing,
- Teamwork with local associations in Pau, where participants created videos that highlight social issues or community initiatives,
- Practical sessions focused on intercultural learning and project management, ensuring participants developed both technical and soft skills, such as time management and collaboration with diverse groups.
Each participant contributed to the creation of videos aimed at supporting local causes, and once back in their home countries, they continued this work, producing videos for local associations and NGOs. This hands-on approach ensured the knowledge gained was immediately applicable in real-world contexts.
Key Results and Impact
The “Film Your Impact” project led to the creation of several tangible outcomes:
- Audiovisual Productions: Participants produced videos for local associations in Pau and for other organizations in their respective countries. These videos serve as powerful tools for community engagement, raising awareness on important social issues.
- Toolkit for Non-Formal Education: A comprehensive toolkit was developed, detailing how to use audiovisual content creation as a methodology for non-formal education. This toolkit is freely available on the SALTO platform, enabling other organizations across Europe to adopt and implement these innovative practices.
- Increased Media Literacy: Participants gained a deeper understanding of media and digital literacy, equipping them to engage critically with audiovisual content and pass this knowledge on to the youth they work with.
- Stronger European Identity: Through collaboration and cultural exchange, participants fostered a greater sense of European solidarity and shared values.
Moreover, the project had a lasting social impact. It not only increased the visibility of local initiatives through high-quality media content but also strengthened the relationship between socio-educational workers and young people. By using a tool—video creation—that is familiar and appealing to youth, facilitators were able to address complex topics like environmental sustainability, social justice, and mental health in a way that resonates with their audience.
Final Thoughts
The “Film Your Impact” project stands as a successful example of how audiovisual tools can bridge the gap between socio-educational work and youth engagement. The project didn’t just teach technical skills; it empowered participants to use these skills for a greater purpose, fostering social change and promoting active citizenship across Europe.
By leveraging the power of audiovisual content creation, the project showed that youth workers can tap into a medium young people are already familiar with, making difficult conversations easier and more effective. As the participants continue their work back in their home countries, the ripple effect of this project is set to grow, further enhancing the visibility of social initiatives and promoting a stronger European identity rooted in solidarity and social justice.
For more information about the project and to access the toolkit, visit Rakonto’s project page.
